Science


Swiss Government Demands Respect for Plant Dignity

The Wall Street Journal reported in October that an ethics committee in Switzerland has interpreted that country's constitution to require respect for the dignity of plant as well as animal life. Among the committee's conclusions: it is "morally impermissible" to…


Snack Analysis Leads to Thief

It seems fairly common for burglars to treat themselves to a snack while they are burgling — occasionally one will even stop to make himself an omelette or something like that — but it may become less so if this…



Nice One, Einstein

The latest article of Newsweek has an interesting review of a new bio of Albert Einstein, who besides inventing special and general relativity, providing proof of the existence of atoms, providing the foundation for quantum mechanics, and thinking up that…


New LAPD Flashlights Feared Less Effective in Beatings

On Friday, LAPD Chief William Bratton unveiled new police flashlights powered by LEDs rather than standard bulbs.  The new flashlights are brighter, use less power, need fewer batteries, and so can be made smaller than the two-pound, two-foot model that…


Tut Murder Cover-Up Continues

An Egyptian investigative team this week said it had found no evidence to support theories that the Pharaoh Tutankhamun was murdered. Egyptian authorities said they would now release Tut's wife and prime minister, who have been held as "material witnesses"…