Optogenetics: controlling the brain with light

< 1 minute readIt’s a mad scientists’ dream come true! Researchers in the field of Optogenetics have discovered how to control brain cells using light. They take the light-sensitive genes from certain bacteria, using genetic-engineering techniques, and insert those genes into brain cells. These cells will then fire anytime light is shone on them. But how do scientists […]

Why Youngsters Make Computer Viruses

2 minute readWhy do young people make computer viruses? Because you treat them badly! Imagine this: you’re a nerd, everyone makes fun of you, you’re not good looking, witty, or athletic, and you want to get even. How would you do it? No matter how much you take it out on village folk with your “Sword of […]

Outsourcing the Church

< 1 minute readIn my home city of Victoria, there was a government-owned, poorly managed ferry service which was recently made public. It was sold to some company which made major overhauls, not all of which were welcome, but which caused it to be managed far more efficiently. As a result, it is no longer a public liability […]