Scutoid - A New Shape

Scientists and mathemeticians have discovered a new shape that surprisingly appears more often in the natural world than realized.  In fact, it shows up quite often in living things, including humans.  This shape found in the formation of cells, streamlines and more efficiently uses energy when replicating.  It's another example of how God never wastes anything but instead does things efficiently and wisely.  Check out the whole in-depth article as found in the New Yorker. 

Toxic, Dangerous, Acidic - Cashew Nut Shells

Have you ever seen a cashew nut shell?  Probably not. Why? Because of their caustic nature and dangerous acids.  They first go through a process wherein the oils are destroyed and the shells discarded.  But lo, these oils may be medicinal and could help control or stop anti-resistant pathogens.  Read the in-depth article here. 

A Grain of Rice is Monstrous

The University of Michigan has created a computer which is a tenth the size of IBM's smallest computer.  Sitting next to a grain of rice, the rice looks like a blimp!  This tiny computer could be used for multiple health applications and other projects which require a "tiny" computer.  Check out the article from Flipboard. 

Tick-Tock, Tock-Tick, Ding-Dong or Dong-Ding - Which Sounds Correct?

English grammar rules are so weird.  It's a language that has so many little nuances and rules that it's no wonder people trying to learn English have such a difficult time.  Check out this snippet from a Twitter tweet from Writer's Digest.  You'll see what I mean.

Rossby Waves Half a Million Miles Wide Detected on the Sun

According to LiveScience, the sun is roiling with waves almost half a million miles wide.  These Rossby waves, or planetary waves, exist in all rotating fluids and have now been detected in the sun.  Interestingly, they move in opposite direction to the rotation of the sun.

Trained Jumping Spiders

Typically, spiders that jump get squished.  However, scientists, in an endeavor to understand the biomechanics needed to make jumping micro-robots, have trained a regal jumping spider to jump on command. How they performed this feat is highlighted in this fascinating article in National Geographic. 

Superionic Ice That's Nearly As Hot As the Sun

Scientists have theorized that the interiors of Neptune and Uranus contain ice that is both solid and liquid at the same time.  By using lasers and high pressure under controlled conditions, they were able to create this unusual ice here on earth.  The details of the experiment and findings is fascinating. (Read on) 

Autothysis

Anyone who's watched Star Trek knows who the Borg are.  A group of aliens who are individuals but are also part of a collective.  What one does or thinks, all do or think.  

Interestingly, in the insect world, many of these tiny creatures do the same.  They work as a collective from the stand point of all working toward the same goal and being willing to die for it.  

Scientists have discovered a new species of ant which, when confronted by intruders, will explode, essentially killing themselves and the intruder due to the toxins released during the event. This new ant has been added to the other 15 species of ants who do the same thing. This suicidal behavior is known as autothysis.  What else can you learn about them?  (Read on)

Tarantula Burgers - Order Up!

The Bull City Burger and Brewery  in Durham, North Carolina, has been serving burgers with exotic meats lately.  The newest delicacy are burgers topped with a roasted tarantula.  Hungry?  (Read on) 

"Carolina Reaper" to "Dragon's Breath" - Hospital Inducing Peppers

2.2 million on the Scoville scale. That's the heat index of the Carolina Reaper.  And how hot is it?  Hot enough to send one man to the ER and to give him excruciating headaches for the next five weeks.  Yet, the Dragon's Breath pepper reaches 2.48 million on the Scoville scale.  Want a bite?  That would be stupid!  (Read on)