Category Archives: Discursive Detours

A catch-all category

Edited Twins, Genetic Engineering and Bioethics

Gene-editing rules showed up in my news feed last Monday. So, indirectly, did genetically-edited twins who, as far as I know, are still alive. If I’d known how little I’d be able to verify about Dr. He Jiankui’s famous (or … Continue reading

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Snow Cruiser, Moon Buggies, Mars Tractors

I started writing about the Antarctic Snow Cruiser, “one of the colossal engineering flops of history”. Or, my opinion, a basically good design that was rushed into service. The Snow Cruiser and Little America III reminded me of imperial ambitions … Continue reading

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Ancient Stone Tools: Hello, Fellow Humans?

“Ancient stone tools found in Kenya made by early humans“ BBC News (February 10, 2023) “Archaeologists in Kenya have dug up some of the oldest stone tools ever used by ancient humans, dating back around 2.9 million years. “It is … Continue reading

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Mars, MOXIE and More

Humanity is one step closer to exploring Mars, in person. With people living and working on the surface. And eventually, I think, living there permanently. That’s going to take time. But like I said, we’re one step closer. This week … Continue reading

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Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI: 1927-2022

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI died this morning — Saturday, December 31, 2022. His death is international news, but I don’t have much to say at the moment. Headlines included the all-too-predictable political spins and ‘hidden meanings.’ And, happily, I saw … Continue reading

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