Kernels of Truth
On June 16, 1902, biologist Barbara McClintock was born. McClintock studied courses in genetics before it was accepted as a discipline. Using maize cobs as her exploratory medium, she noticed colour spots on kernels that could not be explained by Mendelian genetics. Immediately attracted…
In the Blood
On June 14, 1868, Austrian-American immunologist and serologist Dr. Karl Landsteiner was born. Early in his research of blood properties, he had concluded that agglutinin, a substance that causes particles to aggregate in a thickened mass, varied between blood types. He demonstrated how human…
World Oceans Day
Yearly, on June 8, World Oceans Day recognizes 71% of our planet as an interconnected entity since all oceans are linked and flow together as one. Marine life moves without regard for ocean label. Unfortunately, so does acid rain and pollution that can move…
International Day for Biological Diversity
On May 22, 1993, the United Nations sanctioned this date as the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase awareness of biodiversity issues worldwide. 4-piece Logo of 2022 International Day for Biological Diversity Building a Shared Future for All Life is this year’s theme on International Day for Biological…
Sharing the Good Health News
On May 17, 1749, English country surgeon Dr. Edward Jenner was born. In the 18th century, smallpox was a disease that killed about 20% of victims who contracted it and, if it didn’t kill, it often disfigured or blinded many survivors. When an epidemic…
World Migratory Bird Day
This year’s theme “Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!” engages participants to understand the impacts of light pollution on migratory birds. The hope is that this campaign will trigger concrete commitments and pledges from Parties, cities, and others across the world. Migrating birds…
Canada’s National Wildlife Week
On April 10, 1865, Canadian naturalist, Jack Miner was born. At 39, he established the Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary for the conservation of migrating Canada geese and ducks on an Ontario peninsula between Lake Erie to the south and Lake Saint Clair to the…
Successful Measures
On April 7, 1795, France introduced the metric system of measurement with the original units for length, area, volumes and mass. The main feature of the metric system is the standardized set of interrelated base units that include a standard set of prefixes in…
Tambora
On April 5, 1815, the Tambora stratovolcano erupted after several thousand years in repose. This Indonesian super-volcano signalled its awakening with a few years of steam releases, tremors, and small eruptions until the April 5th explosion, heard up to 1,400 km (870 mi.) away,…
Second Nature
On April 3, 1837, writer/naturalist, John Burroughs was born. In his early adult years, he alternated teaching with studying at different institutions or colleges. The works of Wordsworth and Emerson inspired him to write from his personal vantage point – a man raised and…