Forensic genetics and the pharaohs of Egypt: After extracting tiny amounts of ancient DNA from the mummies’ bones, the researchers amplified 16 short tandem repeats (short sequences in the DNA that create a genetic fingerprint) and eight polymorphic microsatellites (hereditary molecular markers) to testable quantities using techniques commonly employed in criminal or paternity investigations. They… Continue reading

George Will with a good article today on Sarah Palin: Populism has had as many incarnations as it has had provocations, but its constant ingredient has been resentment, and hence whininess. Populism does not wax in tranquil times; it is a cathartic response to serious problems. But it always wanes because it never seems serious… Continue reading

Dan Rayburn says it’s time to take stock of YouTube on its 5th anniversary: In his latest post on YouTube’s blog, talking about YouTube’s fifth birthday, Chad makes all kinds of references to YouTube’s “innovation“, “experience” and how they provide the “revenue models“, “tools” and just about anything else a content owner needs to succeed.… Continue reading

You can always count on Jerry Coyne to uncritically applaud A.C. Grayling …even when, as Brandon shows, the guy’s logic leaves much to be desired.

Samuelson on how Obama’s administration is handling…or not handling China: It would be a tragedy if these two superpowers began regarding each other as adversaries. But that’s the drift. Heirs to a 2,000-year cultural tradition — and citizens of the world’s largest country — the Chinese have an innate sense of superiority, Jacques writes. Americans,… Continue reading