springpin - Slashdot User

Chip Allows Blind People To See 231

Posted by samzenpus on Thursday November 04, 2010 @05:07AM from the bionic-eye dept.

crabel writes "3 blind people have been implanted with a retinal chip that allowed them to see shapes and objects within days of the procedure. From the article: 'One of the patients surprised researchers by identifying and locating objects on a table; he was also able to walk around a room unaided, approach specific people, tell the time from a clock face, and describe seven different shades of gray in front of him.'"

Immaculate Conception In a Boa Constrictor 478

Posted by samzenpus on Wednesday November 03, 2010 @11:33PM from the gold-frankincense-and-mice dept.

crudmonkey writes "Researchers have discovered a biological shocker: female boa constrictors are capable of giving birth asexually. But the surprise doesn't end there. The study in Biology Letters found that boa babies produced through this asexual reproduction — also known as parthenogenesis — sport a chromosomal oddity that researchers thought was impossible in reptiles. While researchers admit that the female in the study may have been a genetic freak, they say the findings should press researchers to re-think reptile reproduction. Virgin birth among reptiles, especially primitive ones like boas, they argue may be far commoner than ever expected."

Comment I don't disagree (Score 1) 1153

by springpin on Sunday October 31, 2010 @03:56PM (#34081930) Attached to: How Much Math Do We Really Need?

A lot of comments are arguing that Math makes you think in a different or better way even if you don't use it.

To accept that as a reason for teaching more math, you have to believe that other subjects of study do NOT encourage you to think in a different or better way.

I suggest that if we forced 1000 people to study math full time and 1000 other people to study whatever they want, that people who learn to think critically and make good decisions will emerge in similar numbers from both groups.

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