- Controversy has reignited over the Nebra disc, a metal disc thought to be 3600 years old by some, and thought to be a fake by others. The disc displays sun, stars and moon, somewhat resembling a winking smiley face. A new theory questions whether the disc was used as an astronomical instrument, and instead suggests it may have been used for magical, shamanic rituals. Assuming it's not a fraud, of course.
- China, and not the U.S. is now the world's leader in CO2 emissions.
- Crevo at CBRN has posted a list of over 100 living fossils--that is, life forms found in the "ancient" fossil record which are still living in the same form today.
- Salvador Cordova at the Young Cosmos is talking about criticism of the Big Bang, and the problem of young galaxies.
- Do you take Echinacea supplements? The plant, it turns out, is good for preventing colds.
- The European Space Agency is seeking six volunteers to live for 17 months in an isolated prototype spacecraft in order to test the human dynamics of a manned flight to Mars. According to BBC News, volunteer crew members will experience "cramped conditions, a high workload, lack of privacy, and limited supplies." Apparently males still jump at such opportunities: Out of 150 applications so far, less than 20 have been from women.
- A University of Nottingham conference on "'Health and the Healthy Body' in early medieval times" will bring together historians to discuss such mid-AD topics as miraculous healing, magic, and demonic possession. I'm not sure what to think of this. Maybe someone will liveblog it.
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Daniel James Devine
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