I need to collect my scattered thoughts before I attempt an essay. In the meantime, some interesting science articles that caught my eye.
Long-term consequences of life in microgravity: Cap'n! Spin up the space station! "Scientists have hypothesized that chronic exposure to elevated intracranial pressure, or pressure inside the head, during spaceflight is a contributing factor to these changes. On Earth, the gravitational field creates a hydrostatic gradient, a pressure of fluid that progressively increases from your head down to your feet while standing or sitting. This pressure gradient is not present in space." or in other words, any long-term space exploration needs some sort of gravity, whether generated by rotation or... clever engineering trick.
Vaccines and the Covid-19: it's not coming soon. And that's not a bad thing. We need to take the time to do it right. More, though, is the interesting overview of the types of vaccines. I see a lot of ignorance out there surrounding vaccines (especially as most people seem to think the only kind of vaccine is the live attenuated sort and they think it's dAngeRous!!1!!).
Speaking bones: mass graves and what they tell us about history. It's not a surprise to learn that a conquering army cared little for the prisoners it took. Nor that they carelessly buried them. It's not a surprise, at least, if you paid any attention in history readings. What I find fascinating is all the things we can learn from the old bones. History books might be written by the winners, but the truth lies buried for those who care to dig it up again.