fun facts
Most Koreans don’t need deodorant.
There’s a gene called ABCC11 that’s responsible for body odor. Apparently, most Koreans (and maybe me) are missing it. | learn more
better doing
Maker’s schedule vs manager’s schedule.
This is an old post by Paul Graham about the difference between schedules of managers and makers. I recently reread it and recommend you do also if you interact with both types of people. | learn more
thoughts of food
Indoor farming startup Plenty raises $200mm round led by SoftBank Vision Fund.
While others have failed, the march toward indoor farming continues. The benefits include extreme improvements in land yields (530x), better water efficiency, and implicitly organic foods. | learn more
thoughts of food
Apeel Sciences coating makes fruits and veggies last 5x longer.
“Made of leftover plant skins and stems, the coatings act as barriers that slow down the decay process… The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Apeel’s first products, Edipeel and Invisipeel, as ‘generally recognized as safe,’ meaning they’re OK to […]
oh, chicago
Supply vs demand: farmers vs farmers markets.
New farmers markets are popping up all over Chicago. But are there enough farmers? | learn more
oh, chicago
Video Shows Man Chilling On Top Of A Moving CTA Bus, Smoking A Cigarette.
Because sometimes you just don’t have the $2.25 for bus fare. | lean more
big ideas
The BBC outlines 10 grand challenges we’ll face by 2050.
The list includes rising sea levels, gene editing’s ramifications, and aging populations. This article is part of their broader series on the topic. | learn more
under the microscope
EVOO preserves memory and protects brain against Alzheimer’s.
“In a new study, the researchers show that consumption of extra-virgin olive oil protects memory and learning ability and reduces the formation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain – classic markers of Alzheimer’s disease.” | learn more
under the microscope
Gene therapy for cancer endorsed by FDA advisory panel.
The FDA doesn’t need to listen to this panel, but they usually do. Scientists remove T-cells, genetically modify them to attack cancer, then put them back in the bodies of leukemia patients. This would be the first time the FDA […]
under the microscope
Old brains become less flexible, and now that’s reversible.
Young brains actively rewire themselves based on exposure to stimuli. As brains get older, they actively resist this process. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but reversing this process can help with aging-related disorders. Researchers have figured out how to […]