I lovelovelovelovelove this Grist series on the nuances, contradictions, and confusions surrounding the public debate over genetically modified foods. Nathaniel Johnson has done some really fantastic reporting, challenging distortions from both sides and getting you (the person might actually be buying and eating this stuff) closer to the truth than just about any other journalist I've seen. Two parts of the series you absolutely must read: A complex look at whether or not there are safety regulations for GMO foods, and an exploration of plant breeding and the differences between "natural" genetic modification and the kind that happens in a laboratory.
Stuff you absolutely need to know about the GMO debate
Bombardier Beetles escape death by farting their way to safety
When a bombardier beetle is swallowed by a frog, it will excrete boiling chemicals from its anus to make the frog throw it up. Basically, these beetles know how to fart their way out of death. If you have a desire to watch this disgusting yet fascinating phenomenon, here's a video of it from National… READ THE REST
The lioconcha heiroglyphica is a species of clam that looks like it's covered in symbols
The lioconcha heiroglyphica is a species of saltwater clam that looks like it's covered in symbols. Check out an image of this fascinating sea creature here. It's amazing that the intrictuate, symbol-like pattern on its shell appears naturally. I like to imagine that these clams can all read each other's shells, and the symbols are… READ THE REST
Christianity continues decline in America
Within a few decades less than half of Americans may be Christian, reports Pew Research. Many scenarios are explored in the research, but even the most "unrealistically" slow disaffiliating projections only move the date to 2070. By contrast, the scenario of rising disaffiliation without limits (No. 3) assumes there is a kind of ever-increasing momentum… READ THE REST
Refurbished savings: Get a near-mint Surface 3 tablet at a budget-friendly price tag
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. You can wait until that new tablet you've been eyeing goes on sale, but if you need something quick for work, school, or your favorite hobby, why wait? You can still get… READ THE REST
Save 74% off an expertly refurbished Apple MacBook Air this month
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. From watches to earbuds to computers, Apple products are some of the most dependable on the market, especially for working professionals. But with that reliability comes pretty gnarly price tags. And while… READ THE REST
Put computing power in your palm with 60% off this iPad mini 4
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. When purchasing tech, it's important to consider all of your options. While brand new models are shiny and novel, they can also be buggy while carrying astronomical price tags. Although older tech is… READ THE REST
