The Why Files The Why Files -- whyfiles.org

Today's date: 23 Nov 2008


Happy Thanksgiving! We celebrate eating — and food.
[20 Nov 2008] Hungry: Is that your "food clock" ringing? Why does a fruitfly need to smell? How does bitter taste to you? And could eating MSG make you fat? (More...)


New concern as ocean grows more acidic
[13 Nov 2008] Each hour, the ocean dissolves 1 million tons of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuel. As the water grows more acidic, sound travels further. What will happen to marine mammals, which rely on an exquisite sense of hearing? (More...)



In The News

Markets continue to slide...
Looking for a bottom -- which isn't there...

What does science tell us about dealing with money? Can thinking about money change your behavior? How do monkeys gamble? Is "homo economicus" truly rational? Do some people thrive on financial risks? More on...Investments: Halloween came early this year!

Wildfires around Los Angeles.
Burning season returns to California.

Are California's fires a natural tragedy, or are human actions making them worse? What is the role of global warming and zoning? Can we build safer houses in safer locations? More on...California burnin’: Are we building in harm’s way?

India prepares to shoot the moon!
Robot spacecraft sets out for 2-year mission amid rumblings about "Asian space race."

In 2004, Bush proposed mission to moon and Mars, but what are the scientific payoffs of this expensive, risky adventure? More on...Space Travel: Humans vs. Robots


Coming Thursday
Assembly-line efficiency? Ants disprove Henry Ford's biggest idea (Posting 11/27)
Let me know...


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