For centuries humans have been obsessed with speed. We are constantly pushing the limits for how fast we can make things travel. Currently in modern physics, light is regarded as the fastest thing in the universe and is the basis for Albert Einstein’s theory of special relativity. But what if the light you saw could …
The Mysterious Inspiration of Future Scientists
Anyone who has watched CSI, Bones, or Breaking Bad on television has had the opportunity to see how chemistry can be important in solving (or committing) a crime. The popularity of forensics drama inspired scientists within our Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology to develop a set of outreach activities where middle school students can use chemistry …
Continue reading "The Mysterious Inspiration of Future Scientists"
The Canary in the Coal Mine and a Whole Lot More: The Reproductive Habits and Scientific Utility of the Water Flea
Asexual and sexual reproduction are two ways that plants and animals can reproduce, and there are advantages and disadvantages to each of these methods of reproduction. Scientists have harnessed the asexual reproduction habits of a tiny freshwater crustacean in order to better understand the biological effects of environmental pollutants. Before we get to that, let’s …