archive
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The Butterflies And Beetles Behind Evolution
November 25, 2009 Alfred Russel Wallace was Darwin's colleague, a globe-trotting naturalist who helped shape the theory of evolution. Thirty years ago, an antique shopper wandered into a modest antique shop in Arlington, Va., looking for Chinese carpets and wound up buying a magnificent rosewood cabinet. It contained Wallace's personal collection of 1,600 butterflies and insects.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Since Darwin's Era, Following Science Got Complex
November 24, 2009 On Nov. 24, 1859, Darwin's On the Origin of Species first appeared in print and had a tremendous impact on society and science alike. Despite having more media access today, science has gotten so complex that it's hard for people to keep up, let alone evaluate the significance behind science stories.
At 150, Darwin's 'Origin' Stirs Even More Debate
November 24, 2009 On Nov. 24, 1859, a book that changed the world first appeared in print. On the Origin of Species proposed a radical new theory about how all life on Earth evolved. In many respects, the book sparks greater controversy today than when it first appeared.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Krulwich Wonders...
Darwin's Very Bad Day: 'Oops, We Just Ate It!'
February 24, 2009 When young Charles Darwin set out on the Beagle, near the top of his wish list was a rare and coveted bird: the lesser rhea. The bird had been sighted by a French rival — but never caught.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
'Orchids Through Darwin's Eyes'
February 22, 2009 This Orchids. These brilliant, flashy, sensual, and sometimes graphic flowers fascinated Charles Darwin. This year the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History has made Darwin's interest in the flowers the theme of their annual orchid exhibition.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Doubting Darwin: Debate Over The Mind's Evolution
February 20, 2009 Evolution doubters have adopted a new focus for their attacks on Darwin's theory: the human brain. They say it's impossible that a grouping of cells could produce something as abstract and complex as consciousness or free will. Brain scientists counter that there's plenty of evidence that the brain causes the mind. But they admit they're not exactly sure how this happens.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Taking Darwin Personally
February 15, 2009 Why do Charles Darwin's ideas generate such strong resistance? Maybe because it hurts people's feelings. But does accepting our place in the animal kingdom make us any less miraculous?
Students Reconcile Darwin's Theories With Faith
February 15, 2009 The state of Kansas has been publicly wrestling with how or whether to teach Darwin's theory of evolution in the public schools. At the University of Kansas, some students are studying biological sciences despite devout Christian faith and a strong belief in the biblical story of creation. They face internal struggles similar to the ones Darwin himself must have felt as he wrestled with his scientific theories about evolution.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Darwin's Earthworm Experiments Broke New Ground
February 12, 2009 While Charles Darwin is most remembered for his revolutionary theory of evolution, he also studied earthworms. He proposed the theory that earthworms, then considered pests, actually processed soil, making it more fertile.
Death Of Child May Have Influenced Darwin's Work
February 12, 2009 Charles Darwin was honest with his devout Christian wife that his scientific investigations led him to doubt the existence of heaven. But he feared that publishing his scientific ideas would hurt her deeply. Only after his daughter Annie's death did this change, biographers say.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Darwin Finds Some Followers In The Pulpits
February 11, 2009 Churches and synagogues worldwide will be holding events this weekend to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin. Organizers of Evolution Weekend say it's a chance for people of faith to challenge the assumption that evolution and religion are incompatible.
Darwin's Theory: Too Big To Publish
February 11, 2009 Imagine having a revolutionary idea, and then sitting on it for more than 20 years. That's what Charles Darwin did. His theory that nature — not God — was responsible for the marvelous variety of life on Earth was heretical. But then a young butterfly collector forced Darwin's hand.
