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Word Herder	Post subject: Gardening and supernovae Posted: Mon Aug 02, 2004 12:56 pm
Joined: Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:01 am Posts: 21 Location: Chicago, Ill.	'U' experiments lead to discovery of rare isotope By CARL LINDQUIST<p>The State News (East Lansing, Mich.)<p>Scientists believe they are one small step closer to understanding the origins of mankind after confirming last week the presence of a rare geranium isotope generated during early May experiments. <p>The trials at MSU's National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory yielded three examples of a new atom, tagged geranium-60. The discovery is the first of its kind in three years. <p>Data derived from the experiment might aid the development of theories that explain ancient nuclear supernova explosions. <p>------ Next: glow-in-the-dark plutonium pansies for insomniac gardeners.<p>Agri-physical howler aside, it seems like every science story I've read lately has some cliched attempt to make the story seem relevant, even if it's a tremendous stretch. "The origins of mankind," for example. (Stars make carbon, supernovae spew carbon atoms into the universe, and we're made of carbon, so now you see why this story is so important!)<p>The origin of mankind probably occurred on the Serengeti Plain, not in the interior of an exploding star. Some believe it happened in a garden (hmmm) in Persia. To imply otherwise is confusing to readers, most of whom have a poor grasp of science already. Especially those from Kansas.<p>Anything wrong with "Scientists believe they are one small step closer to understanding why some stars explode."?<p>"The building blocks of matter" is another one. Ack.<p>------- Full story: http://www.statenews.com/article.phtml?pk=24820
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CopyMonkey	Post subject: Re: Gardening and supernovae Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 12:19 am
Joined: Sun Mar 21, 2004 1:01 am Posts: 69 Location: N.Y.	Y'know, if you're writing about an element that's not a common one (like oxygen or helium, say), it never hurts to look it up and make sure you're spelling it right. Apparently, that writer never got the memo, 'cause in this case, one letter makes all the difference (I'm assuming it's germanium they're referring to).
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Wayne Countryman	Post subject: Re: Gardening and supernovae Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 1:52 pm
Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2002 12:01 am Posts: 1775 Location: Baltimore	I followed the link to the full story, where "geranium" blossoms in the lead and graph 7, but the reference in graph 2 and all others now are correct -- assuming "germanium" is correct.<p>A partial fix?<p>The mysteries of science and copy editing collide.
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KfitzR	Post subject: Re: Gardening and supernovae Posted: Tue Aug 03, 2004 6:20 pm
Joined: Thu Apr 18, 2002 12:01 am Posts: 836 Location: New Brunswick, Canada	I actually find the idea of the new geranium isotope rather charming. It opens amazing new vistas in science - expanding on biochemistry quite nicely.
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Le Petomane	Post subject: Re: Gardening and supernovae Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 4:52 am
Joined: Sat Jul 24, 2004 12:01 am Posts: 402 Location: Moulin Rouge	I believe that geranium is next to upsidaisium and gladiolium on the periodic table .<p>[ August 04, 2004: Message edited by: Le Petomane ]</p>
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