Sizing Up the Science Desk

Face/Off -Steeling Your Neighbor's Looks?

Jan 23rd, 2012Posted by Sarah Pauer

John Travolta and Nicolas Cage get themselves into serious trouble by undergoing a new version of face lift. Futuristic medical equipment allows the main character to take impersonation to a whole new level by switching faces with the bad guy. But how realistic is this really from a 21st century plastic surgery point of view?

Synthetic Life - What it Means to You

Jan 16th, 2012Posted by Robert Haskell

Recent breakthroughs in science have opened the door to a whole new realm of possibilities. From cloning and stem cell research to decoding the human genome, the potential for regrowing limbs, curing diseases and restoring sight are just some of the implications. Although skeptics may be quick to criticize, the potential for helping mankind far outweighs the risk.

Can a Solar Flare Cause Economic Collapse?

Jan 14th, 2012Posted by Larry Isaacson

In September of 1859, Richard Carrington, England's premier solar astronomer at the time, was drawing on some paper the sun spots he was observing projected on a screen by his telescope. Suddenly, what later came to be known as a white light solar flare blossomed forth over the sunspots and rapidly intensified.