Old Weblog Archive - October 2002

The Scientific Origins of Abstract Art #
Mystery has shrouded abstract art since it emerged in the late 19th century. Where did it come from? How did shape, color, and line -- in and of themselves -- come to be the vocabulary of the modern painter? Could Charles Darwin have had something to do with it?
Chronicle of Higher Education: 25-Oct-02
No.

On a personal note:
Letter to the London Review of Books #
Disagreeing with someone who had been psychoanalysing Darwin.

Ten greatest Britons chosen #
The shortlist for a silly TV beauty contest of the great and the good of Blighty is announced:

BBC: 19-Oct-02
Each contestant will be expected to appear twice: once in evening dress, once in a bikini.

DNA as Destiny #
DNA is the book of life. It's also the book of death. In the future we'll all be read cover to cover. Here's what it's like to take the world's first top-to-bottom gene scan.
Wired 10.11
As you might expect from Wired, the article is very deterministic: "I have two lame-heart genes, which will nag me everytime I'm short of breath. My lifespan score is .49: I will live to the age of 88."

Darwin to receive Scots honour #
Scotland's capital city is finalising plans to honour biologist Charles Darwin. A plaque will be unveiled on 22 November at the rear entrance to the Royal Museum, on the site of Darwin's old student accommodation.
BBC: 14-Oct-02

Battle of the bugs #
Plant life on the Galapagos Islands is under attack from cottony cushion scale insects. The solution? Squadrons of hungry Australian ladybirds, which regard them as a tasty treat.
Independent: 14-Oct-02

Darwin's theory 'may explain ill health' #
Dr Randolph Nesse, professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, is one of the leading proponents of evolutionary or Darwinian medicine. He uses Darwin's theory of evolution to try to understand human disease and illness.
BBC: 12-Oct-02
Anyone else fed up with the adjective Darwinian being tagged to all sorts of non-biological fields these days?

Announcement: #
 

'DARWIN COMES TO ILKLEY!'
DARWIN CORRESPONDENCE PROJECT EXHIBITION

The Darwin Gardens Trust (Ilkley, West Yorkshire), together with The Darwin Correspondence Project (based at Cambridge University Library), are arranging an exhibition of the project which aims to publish all Charles Darwin's correspondence.

The exhibition will include extracts and facsimiles of letters relating to Darwin's visit to the area in 1859, and will be on display during the same dates that Darwin actually stayed here!

The exhibition will give a unique insight into Charles Darwin's thoughts and experiences during the crucial period which saw the first publication of his epoch-making book 'The Origin of Species'.

There will be free entry to the exhibition, which will tour three venues in the town and will be on display during their normal opening hours:

  • October 3rd - 31st at Ilkley Public Library (closed Wednesdays)
  • November 4th - 15th at Clarke-Foley Centre (closed Sundays)
  • November 16th - December 8th at Manor House Museum (closed Mondays)

Don't miss this rare opportunity of an introduction to the personal impressions of one of the world's greatest scientists, which will start in coordination with the celebrated Ilkley Literature Festival (October 4th - 20th).

Visitors are also welcome at Darwin Gardens Millennium Green beside Wells Road, - the focal point of Darwin's association with the area, which is freely open at all times of the year. Full information is always available at www.darwingardens.co.uk

The 2002 winner of Yorkshire in Bloom's Millennium Project Trophy, Darwin Gardens Millennium Green is an excellent base for natural history study and informal exercise at the edge of the world-famous Ilkley Moor.

Charles Darwin's famous associate T H Huxley wrote "....after 24 hours here I feel wonderfully better already. I took a three hours' walk over the moors this morning with nothing but grouse and peewits for company, and it was perfectly delicious!"

For further details contact Peter Harnett on 01943 601743 or at

Scientists clash over skull #
The war of words over the significance of an ancient skull known as Toumai has resurfaced. In July, the fossil was described as possibly the most important find of its kind in living memory. But some researchers voiced scepticism at the time and they have now gone into print with their criticism.
BBC: 09-Sep-02

Gene technique reveals human evolution #
A genetic technique that could allow scientists to probe the evolution of our ancestors during the critical transformation from hunter-gatherers to farmers has passed its first test.
New Scientist: 09-Oct-02

Do Some Birds Cheat to Avoid Inbreeding? #
An international team of biologists is offering more evidence that when it comes to mate selection, genes count. In a study of three species of monogamous shorebirds, the researchers found that "illegitimate" chicks were found overwhelmingly in the nests of partners with a high degree of genetic similarity.
National Geographic: 09-Oct-02

Species face tough fight for survival #
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has updated its Red List of Threatened Species and says more than 11,000 creatures now face extinction.
BBC: 07-Oct-02

Concern over baby gene selection #
Parents should not be allowed to select embryos for IQ or personality, an ethical watchdog in the UK has warned.
BBC: 02-Oct-02
That's even if you don't place any creedence in the concept of IQ.