Infinite variety

When I started working in middle school science, I realized my knowledge of physical science was, shall we say, a little oxidized (rusty). So I embarked upon a self education process that opened up a wonderful world, a world that makes use and even sense of chemistry. If, I wondered, there are only, say, thirty or forty elements that are involved in the formation of minerals, why are there thousands of these, if not millions? The answer is that the structure of elements, with their hyperactive electrons and their nuclear thirst for same, provides for an almost infinite number of combinations that are not only a function of these elements and their chemical properties but the circumstances under which the minerals (compounds, molecules) are formed (temperature, pressure, associated elements, time, etc.) It's like biological systems, which can form many thousands of proteins, each with a different function, out of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. Amazing but consistent with what nature does and is.

The miracle of meiosis

A-->B: 46 x 2 = 92
B-->C: 92/2 = 46
C--D: 46/2 =23

Isn't that easy?

Look to the electrons!

Chemistry = the result of the movement of electrons
See how easy that is?

Super cell

Cardiac muscle cells exhibit basic cellular structure with particular emphasis on the production of ENERGY. Many mitochondria, a unique mechanism for converting chemical to kinetic energy, fantastically efficient organization--it's all there in spades. Be thankful for your cardiac muscle today and treat it right...lay off the toxins!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder....

I have started a new book that I already see as a great one!
THE DISAPPEARING SPOON, and Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements,
by Sam Kean.
Science really is fun!

I mean it!!

Knowledge is power....

Nowhere is that more true than in science, specifically as it relates to the biology of our own bodies. Without understanding how our body is structured (ANATOMY) and how it functions (PHYSIOLOGY) we are at constant risk of being led astray by PSEUDOSCIENCE.

The BODY WORLDS exhibits are great ways to increase that knowledge. Chicago is currently has two current venues, each having a different emphasis: The Museum of Science and Industry and the International Museum of Surgical Science. I urge you to attend and take all your friends, family members, and acquaintances with you!

Keeping up with scientific priorities!

Welcome to a new semester of scientific discovery!

Back to school!

Central Park in summer

I am looking forward to the new semester!
And it seems to be (more or less) summer at last!

We love the Midwest....