Science

I've been a fan of Darwin's ever since I read On the Origin of Species when I was a kid. I've even read parts of Steven J Gould's The Structure of Evolutionary Theory. I think there aren't really a whole lot more interesting scientific theories around (well, OK, I've become a recent fan of non-locality.) A while back, a couple of articles piqued my interest.

If you've read this blog for any length of time, you probably have picked up that the classic Christian theological concept of the trinity: Father, Son (who was an embodiment of the Father, and died, and was resurrected, etc.) and Holy Spirit is a construct of God that I find hard to embrace. In some ways, I still am pretty much a Unitarian Christian, even though I now attend a church that is part of a trinitarian denomination (UCC). And because of that, the Trinity is in my consciousness quite often.

• Antioxidant supplements may not be all that good for you. Hmmm, might be time to trim the doses of Vitamin A.
• Most Americans want universal health care.

People say they “know the truth” about Jesus and the press hypes it. Christians get up in arms because this “truth” goes against their belief. Actual real authorities in the field suggest that this “truth” isn't supported by any real evidence.

You know about Tamiflu, right? Tamiflu is the anti-viral drug that many people are stocking up on, in case of a flu pandemic. Never mind that it's not at all clear that it will work.

• There's a new, very heavy, kid on the block. Element #118 was created by a team from Russia and California.
• Bring in the clones. Er, in your refridgerator, that is.

One of the things that I have always wondered about is what the effect of television would be on developing brains. I kinda thought that the rapid increase in the diagnosis of things like ADHD, for instance, might be related in some way. One of the hallmarks of TV is that no visual cut lasts for more than 30 seconds or so, which would seem, to me, to have a  potential effect on the developing brain.

• If you are a woman, you might want to put that coke down!
• Yes, indeed, there seem to be lots of planets in the galaxy.
• Are elephants suffering from PTSD?

Here are today's links for ya:

Here's a bunch of things I came across that I think are useful, with a bit of commentary.