Teaching Rats To Drive A Car

Sunday in the Washington Post was an article written by Professor Kelly Lambert, a neuroscientist at the University of Richmond, explaining how she and her team created tiny cars and taught rats to drive them. After each drive, they reward the rats with a Fruit Loop.

If I were to interview Professor Lambert, this is how I imagine the interview:

DK: Who thought it was a good idea to build tiny cars and teach rats to drive them?

PL: Things had been very slow in the neuroscience department. And then one Saturday night at a keg party, after a few rounds of beers, we got this great idea.

Flirting With Hand Fans

In the Victorian era, hand fans were a fun way for people to gently flirt and amuse each other. They were the Tinder of their time.

As a man who offers love to all, I always look for ways of expressing that love. But yesterday something odd happened.

First Time Electric Tooth Brush User

Day 1

Throughout my life, I have held a pasted tooth brush and brushed my teeth. Very simple.

But now, I am told, it is time for me to use a modern electric tooth brush. So I bought the one recommended by my dental hygienist and began to read the instructions.

Immediately, I noticed they were in English, Spanish and French, and were so complex, I couldn't tell the languages apart. 

But after finally deciphering those instructions, I learned I can sync my new tooth brush to my cell phone, although I don't know why I would.

My new tooth brush may also be able to turn on the TV and start my toaster but I don't know why I would do that either.

But undeterred, I was finally ready to brush. So today, for the first time, I used an electric toothbrush. Here's what happened:

What To Do If A Shark Attacks

Time magazine just published a great new scientific study that says if someone is attacked, to punch the shark in the snout, and if that fails poke him in the eyes.

Tax Breaks For The Wealthy

Over the weekend here in the US, Republicans promised additional major tax breaks for corporations and for wealthy people.

Given the huge national deficit, at first, I was worried, but then I realized this is how the Bible guides us. 

Photographing The Legendary Bigfoot

The Gaviota 76 mile oceanfront in the greater Santa Barbara area is the largest undeveloped coastline in California. A UC Santa Barbara PhD student, Ms. Zoe Zilz set 40 live action cameras to capture the images of the wildlife that populates the area. 

Scientists are fascinated with her initial results showing the widely diverse animal population that resides there.

Recognizing a great idea, I decided to pursue one special animal and set live action cameras to photograph the legendary Bigfoot, a large hairy human-like creature. After learning where he feeds, I set the camera by the dumpsters in back of the bar, Boozy Miss Loozy. 

In exciting news: I may have captured the first quality photos of Bigfoot! 

An Orangutan Practicing Medicine

In Sumatra a male orangutan 🦧 named Rakus was seen treating wounds with herbs. 🌿 This means Rakus is practicing medicine, surprising scientists.

In a related story:

Because Rakus is affordable, patients are lining up for his medical treatments. He is booked for the next six months.

But is he worth the wait: