One of the craziest things epidemiologists do is called “gain of function” research. This is where scientists take deadly communicable diseases and poke them with enzymes (or something) to make these microscopic killers even more powerful. Then these hopefully not-mad scientists can learn more about the virus and maybe…

Charles Darwin rarely used the term “evolution,” even as he popularized the concept that species change over successive generations. Instead, Darwin preferred the phrase “descent with modification.” His groundbreaking idea was that organisms randomly mutate over generations, and that the mutations that helped the creature survive would be passed…

Lil Wayne, learning about writing in triplets at a young age. Good news, everyone! Metallica is back on the list. I know, I know. You were worried they’d be stuck at a mere seven appearances in the top five. But fortunately after the regrettable detour that was St. Anger, they turned it…

Photos: Chloe Catajan and Gary Chancer MOUNTAIN VIEW — The first attempt by ID10T Fest to combine comics, comedy and music proved to be a success as fans of all ages and medias came together at Shoreline Amphitheatre for Comic Con-style entertainer panels and comic book showcase, stand-up comedy, and music, even…

The Cure performs at BottleRock Napa Valley on May 30, 2014. There were fewer acts and the names did not shine as brightly as last year. Fewer food venders took the risk to take part. But all things considered, it was a miracle that BottleRock Napa Valley — the…