Hey, Biology Nerd! I’ve heard that a lot of medicines that doctors give people are actually poisons. Why is my doctor trying to kill me? –Sybil C. *** I wouldn’t go so far as to say that doctors are “trying” to kill you, Sybil. Killing off clients wouldn’t be very beneficial to our business model, […]
Dear Biology Nerd, THIS VIDEO WHAT WHAAAAAAAAT -Amelia P. *** Dear Amelia, For those who can’t (or just didn’t) see the video, it’s somebody sprinkling salt on some frog legs, which jump around and enjoy a dance despite having no body to go with. I have a pretty simple biological theory on why this happens. […]
Continuing our series on the cutest invertebrates you didn’t know existed. Dear Biology Nerd, I heard something about a “water bear” and I want to see them, but I think they’re microscopic. What are they and are they as cuddly as they sound? -Katie Mascia *** Dear Katie, “Water bears” are easily some of the […]
Dear Biology Nerd, I keep hearing about community MRSA – what is it, and should I be worried? Yours, Ezra Lionels *** Dear Ezra, Don’t worry, it’s really not that exciting. One in three people has staph on their skin — it’s a bacteria that’s everywhere. Usually, the only time people get sick from it […]
Dear Biology Nerd, I loved learning about stomatopods – can I get some more mysterious creatures, please? Maybe less freaky-looking? -Anna S. *** Dear Anna, Since my discussion of stomatopods seems to have touched off a surprising boost in their popularity across the internet (including a piece by my beloved Oatmeal… coincidence? Probably), I’m going […]
Oh Nerdiest of Nerds! I’ve read a lot of interesting language articles, but is there only one nerd over there? I need some variety in my life! Your organization’s super-hero-esque name has reminded me of a question, and I hope there’s a science nerd available to answer it: are there any animals with super hero […]