Monthly Archives: March 2011

Computational Fairy Tales

Posted on 31 March 2011 by

A recent addition to the blogosphere is Computational Fairy Tales. This charming new blog by Jeremy Kubica explains basic concepts in computer programming and computer science. Each posts consists of a short, concise definition of the concept to be discussed, followed by a “fairy tale” that further explains that idea. Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Science | Leave a comment

First Images from Mercury

Posted on 29 March 2011 by

The Messenger probe is sending images after achieving orbit around Mercury after becoming the first spacecraft to do so on 17 March. More from NASA: Continue reading →

Posted in Astronomy, Breaking News, Photography | 1 Comment

Book Announcement: Quantum Computing: A Gentle Introduction

Posted on 25 March 2011 by

The MIT Press is pleased to announce the publication of Quantum Computing: A Gentle Introduction, by Eleanor Rieffel and Wolfgang Polak.

This comprehensive introduction to the field offers a thorough exposition of quantum computing and the underlying concepts of quantum physics, explaining all the relevant mathematics and offering numerous examples. Continue reading →

Posted in Physics, Reviews | 1 Comment

A DIY Scanning Electron Microscope

Posted on 24 March 2011 by

For fun and profit, I have built many different kinds of electronic and electromechanical device over the years in my shop. Throughout all of this time, I have always wanted to build a device that makes direct use of particle physics, and very recently completed this goal. I built a primitive scanning electron microscope (SEM)by combining power supplies that I purchased on eBay and machining parts from materials bought from McMaster-Carr and the local hardware store. Continue reading →

Posted in General Interest, Microscopy, Physics | 3 Comments

Paper, Pencil, Pen, Brush: The Lost Art of Field Sketching

Posted on 22 March 2011 by

For my part, since I did not have a camera, I used a sketch pad occasionally supplemented with clumsily-applied watercolor. A regular film camera was available, but I didn’t want to incur the expenses of developing the film. Besides, I further rationalized my use of analog media by reasoning that using a digital camera was pandering to my weaker instincts. But there are other reasons why I used paper Continue reading →

Posted in Best Practices | 1 Comment

Making Sense of Radiation Doses

Posted on 20 March 2011 by

For those who are trying to find a way to grasp or explain radiation doses to friends and family in a way that makes sense, it’s hard to beat this excellent chart created by the webcomic XKCD: Continue reading →

Posted in CSL News, Physics | 2 Comments

Spiders Without Webs

Posted on 17 March 2011 by

Wolf spiders are stout and hairy, have relatively thick legs, and are usually colored in tones of gray and/or brown. This body of this specimen (i.e., not including legs) was a bit under an inch long. Continue reading →

Posted in Entomology, Photography | 1 Comment

Rapid Reaction Report (RRR) Protocol: Monitoring Radioactivity in Air

Posted on 17 March 2011 by

Some of the radioactive emissions from the Japanese power stations damaged by the recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami will cross the Pacific and reach North America. While the concentrations will likely be very low, it may be possible to detect the presence of radioactive isotopes from the power stations using a standard Geiger counter. Continue reading →

Posted in General Interest, Rapid Reaction Reports | 1 Comment

Risks to Public Health at Airport Security Checkpoints

Posted on 17 March 2011 by

TSA security checkpoints at more than 450 US airports constitute a vast network of public health nuisances, for each checkpoint poses a significant risk for the transmission of communicable diseases between travelers and between travelers and screeners. The TSA has ignored many public requests to employ standard hygienic practices, including the use of fresh, clean gloves when conducting searches of travelers and their possession and providing disposable footwear. Instead, the TSA has warned travelers they will be detained and subjected to fines of up to $11,000 if they disrupt the security procedures. Continue reading →

Posted in General Interest | 1 Comment

Get a Room!

Posted on 16 March 2011 by

The sight of American coots courting is rather endearing. They put their heads together as they dip their beaks lightly in the water–kind of reminds me of a pair of human lovebirds at a soda fountain with one drink and two straws. Continue reading →

Posted in Ornithology, Photography | Leave a comment