Weird science!

[bruorton]

I haven't posted any weird science lately, but I did just find several things worth noting:

The best news I have, probably, is that flavonoids (a key component of cocoa) significantly reduce high blood pressure and bad cholesterol -- and generally improves "cardiovascular outcome," I guess by dilating and relaxing your arteries.  The bad news is, these components are what make chocolate bitter, so milk chocolate is low in them.  So obviously, we should all be eating more dark chocolate. =)

Also very curious: natural selection was never anticipated to work this fast, especially in a species that virtually symbolizes slow population growth and change -- elephants.  But a Beijing university study reports that 5-10% of China's Asian elephant population now possess a gene that prevents tusk formation, the rise from previously measured 2-5% assumed to be due to poaching preference for elephants with large tusks.

In a different field, concerns have been raised over an anti-riot "non-lethal" microwave ray gun that is slated for deployment to Iraq in 2006.  Concern centers on instructions to test subjects to remove all metal objects (glasses, coins, etc.) to prevent "local hot spots" from forming.  Sounds like they might have a point.

And finally, incredibly, the first steps towards 'lurkey' are being taken.  While NASA has previously succeeded in growing fish tissue in a lab, new research published in the journal Tissue Engineering (is anyone else weirded out that such a journal exists?) suggests that it may be possible to grow edible meat in commercial quantities.  The scientists tout the elimination of agricultural pollution, all the drugs pumped into the meat we eat now, and the possibility of controlling the nutrient content and eliminating the unhealthiest aspects of meat.

Your reaction?

Comments

ewwwww!

[kaph.livejournal.com]

Lurkey? Lurkey?! Those may be the benefits they're touting, but I'd hate to see what the nastier side-effects mught be. I guess we'll find out in time (like with GM foods). Thank God I'm an organic vegetarian . . .

That elephant thing is fascinating, though! :)