Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
Waiting around for pots to boil, Spock's home world, and a fecund brain in a petri dish
By Mr. Smarty Pants, Fri., Jan. 28, 2005
University of Texas astronomer William Cochran has discovered a Jupiter-sized planet in the same orbit that Star Trek lore says one would find Vulcan, Mr. Spock's home world (orbiting the star Epsilon Eridani).
Depending on the context, the word "fecund" is an adjective meaning "capable of producing offspring or vegetation" or "intellectually productive."
About two-thirds of Americans cannot name a Supreme Court justice, according to the Center for American Progress.
University of Florida scientists have grown a brain in a petri dish from 25,000 neural cells extracted from a rat embryo and taught it to pilot an F22 jet simulator.
The above is information that Mr. Smarty Pants read in a book, magazine, or newspaper; heard on the radio; saw on television; or overheard at a party. Got facts? Write to Mr. Smarty Pants. Why not visit mrsmartypants.com?
