The Science of Aging

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The Demon Core

During experiments with a sphere of plutonium nicknamed the “demon core” at Los Alamos laboratory, scientist Louis Slotin died when a screwdriver slipped and the sphere went supercritical. After the room grew hot and was suffused in a ‘blue glow,’ he saved the lives of seven other people, but died from severe radiation exposure.

Sources: Trinity Atomic Website and Wikipedia & i09

The larger of Mars’ two moons, Phobos, orbiting in front of Mars.

Image via Mars Express / ESA / DLR / FU Berlin (G. Neukum).                    

The Mars Express orbiter captured this stunning view of the north polar
region of Mars in January, 2012. Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin (G. Neukum)

High-Res

Flash of Light

A sweet red pepper is shot against a sunflower to colourful and dramatic effect.

Photograph by Alan Saller (Source)

Optogenetics

A biotech system that allows scientists to turn neurons in your brain on and off using different colors of light. The technique, which requires brain implants, already works in rodents, who can be compelled to turn in a specific direction. Imagine what would happen if optogenetics were used to regulate human behavior.

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Frozen in Time

This strawberry was dipped in liquid nitrogen before it was shot

Source: Allan Saller

Say Cheese! 

Photograph by Alan Sailer

Stanford Prisoner Experiment

Philip Zimbardo’s Stanford prisoner experiment took place in the 1970s. The psychiatrist took 24 undergraduates and assigned them roles as either prisoners or guards, in a mock prison on campus. After just a few days, 1/3 of the guards exhibited sadistic tendencies, two prisoners had to be removed early due to emotional trauma, and the whole experiment only lasted six of the planned 14 days. It showed just how easily normal individuals can become abusive, in situations where it is encouraged.

Source: Stanford University & i09

Pit of Despair

Psychologist Harry Harlow induced clinical depression in monkeys by taking young macaques that had bonded with their mother, and placing them in complete isolation, in a darkened cage, for up to ten weeks. Within a few days they became psychotic, and most could not be treated.
Source: American Journal of Psychiatry & i09