Daily Archives: January 30, 2012

Humans Tamed Horses All Over the World

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Deskarati

The domestication of wild horses had a profound effect on human history — offering nutrition, transportation and a leg up in warfare, among other advantages. But there are still many unanswered questions about when and where our species began its … Continue reading →

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The Proust Phenomenon

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Deskarati

Most everyone has had the occasion of breathing in an odor and suddenly finding themselves lost in the reverie of a memory from long ago; the smell of fresh baked bread perhaps bringing back mornings at Grandma’s house or a … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology | Leave a comment

Why is there a hole in the universe?

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Deskarati

This eerie patch of blackness in the middle of a busy star cluster may look like a rather misshapen black hole, but it’s actually something even stranger. It’s also quite possibly the loneliest, darkest, coldest place in the entire cosmos. This … Continue reading →

Posted in Cosmology | Leave a comment

“IT’S A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY”

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Deskarati

Thanks to Alan Mason – It was one hundred years ago today, 30 January 1912 that the song “It’s A Long Way to Tipperary” was published. Most of us know the chorus, but few of us know the verses which … Continue reading →

Posted in Alan Mason, Arts, History | 1 Comment

Body clock receptor linked to diabetes

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Deskarati

A study published in Nature Genetics today has found new evidence for a link between the body clock hormone melatonin and type 2 diabetes. The study found that people who carry rare genetic mutations in the receptor for melatonin have … Continue reading →

Posted in Biology, Medical | Leave a comment

A Short History of Sanskrit

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Deskarati

Thanks to Murali Sham for bringing this historical lanuage to our attention – Deskarati – Sanskrit is a member of the Indo-Iranian sub-family of the Indo-European family of languages. Its closest ancient relatives are the Iranian languages Old Persian and … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Leave a comment