Top 10 Fun Science AC Content of 2006

Here are the top ten science articles that caught my eye. I was particularly looking for ones that didn't require a science degree to get something out of them.

1. Technology Changes and Inventions in the 20^th Century - by Heather Kidder

A fun review of what's been invented and discovered in the 20^th century. Pretty amazing to see how much our everyday world has changed in only 100 years!

Some of the items we take so for granted that it's hard to believe they've only been around less than 100 years. How about the vacuum cleaner, the air conditioner, and motion pictures?

Air travel and medicine were two big hitters for major advancements that have dramatically changed our lives. Hats off to all those hard-working scientists and engineers!

2. Dangers of Static Electricity to Your Computer - by Al Ebaster

You may not know what it is, but you could find out the hard way. Most writers today are using computers. We all know we can't afford to have this crucial tool go down, even for a short while.

This is a useful and easy-to-read article about the dangers of ESD (electro-static discharge) and how much damage it can cause to your computer. Also gives some tips on how to avoid getting zapped with ESD damage.

3. Cloning the Woolly Mammoth and Other Extinct Animals- by Allen Butler

Jurassic Park, move over! Scientists have partially decoded the DNA of an extinct woolly mammoth, whose closest living relative is the African elephant. Hopes are high that the DNA will be fully decoded within a year and we could potentially re-create this animal that's been extinct for 27,000 years. Controversy still rages over the ethics involved and whether a suitable habitat could be created.

4. Top 10 Archaeological Discoveries of 2006- by Christine Senter

Even if you're not into archaeology, this article has something in it of interest for you. For instance, the discovery of what is believed to be the palace of the legendary warrior-king, Ajax. Any relation to the bathroom scouring powder by the same name?

How about the oldest known jewelry, a 5000-year old dagger, and a 3000-year old canoe? Cool.

5. Water Purification in Space and on Earth- by Mark Whittington

Did you ever wonder how astronauts who spend long periods of time in space get their drinking water? There's a new technology that can take any water, no matter how polluted (including urine!) and turn it into safe drinking water. This has enormous potential to help people on Earth in third-world countries as well as disaster areas such as those caused by hurricanes. Not to mention its value to future outposts of humans on the moon or even other planets. Stay tuned for further developments.

6. Aristotle and Animals: His Work in Zoology- by Shane Carney

Aristotle is primarily known as a great thinker and philosopher. But don't picture him just sitting with his chin on his fist as he thinks weighty thoughts. He was a serious scientist before we even had the word. This article talks about his work with animals and the major contributions he made toward understanding and classifying them.

7. Quantum Physics and Its Tie to Metaphysical Possibilities - by Patricia Williams

Strictly speaking, metaphysics isn't a science, but it's always fun to look for ways to tie these together. Ms. Williams gives a brief description of four aspects of quantum physics and describes how she thinks they may have non-physics implications. As a scientist myself, I may not totally agree with her physics descriptions, but I appreciate that they are written in a way that is friendly for the non-scientist reader.

8. What Is An Optical Illusion and How Does It Work?- by Scott Kessman

How many of us haven't been intrigued with some form of optical illusion? An optical illusion is something that fools your brain. You see things the way you do because of how your brain processes the light entering your eyes. The same optical illusion is sometimes seen differently by different people because their brains don't process information in the same way.

Optical illusions are an especially fun area of science. Check out the web sites Mr. Kessman lists to have this experience for yourself.

9. The Rebirth of Hubble- by Jason McGouldrick

You've probably heard of the Hubble Telescope, but what do you really know about it? Mr. McGouldrick does a nice job of introducing you first to Edwin Hubble, the scientist, then to the Hubble Space Telescope itself. Find out how the Hubble is flawed and why it's predicted to fall to earth in the year 2010 unless some risky repairs are undertaken. Are we still getting any useful data from Hubble? What will eventually replace it?

10. Science Proves All Living Things Emit Light- by Peggy Adamik

Fascinating article about the theory that all living things, including humans, give off a type of light that can be measured by scientific instruments. This light is called UPE, or ultra-weak photo emissions, and it has been observed to come from the forehead, palms, and soles. Questions it raises are whether it relates to auras and whether it can be used to enhance medical treatments of any kind.