Science Updates
Large Hadron Collider: Scientists at the world’s biggest atom smasher have recreated Big Bang conditions by switching the particles they use for collisions from protons to much heavier lead ions – leading to what one scientist called a “a very, very, very small bang”, and obviously we are still here.
Beginning of the end? Scientists have begun genetically modifying insects! The cause is worthy (ridding the world of dengue fever), but mosquitoes are evil enough without having a Frankenstein variety on the loose…
Modern humans and Neanderthals interbred, and remained distinctly different, for a very long time, in both Asia and Europe. And, “It argues for very little adaptive advantage on the part of these modern humans.” This is getting so confusing that a total rethink may be required. Perhaps the interbreeding and separation was by design, not by nature? (I’m thinking some kind of Planet of the Apes scenario…) Perhaps the Neanderthals did not become extinct, but just evolved a little? When someone cracks this, potentially we will have a new take on what race means, or even accept that our lineage is chaotic rather than linear…
