Tag Archives: Nova

The King of Ants

Posted on August 9, 2010 | 3 comments

This weekend I ran into this delightful video by NOVA about E.O. Wilson, an entomologist, conservationist and one of my favorite humans ever. Wilson’s child-like enthusiasm for ants has translated into a couple dozen books and a pile of prestigious awards, including 2 Pulitzer prizes and the 2007 TED prize.

Coincidentally I was also learned this weekend that he recently published a new book… a novel! In Anthill, warring ants function as commentary on the behavior of human society. Hmmm… sounds like another favorite book of mine, Watership Down.

E.O. Wilson is the reason why I clap in delight when I see a cool bug and why I protect scorpions from my silly freaked-out friends when we’re camping. Hopefully one day I’ll get to hear him lecture and shake his hand.

It’s good to have heroes.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

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Posted in Nature, Science, Animals, Earth

Tagged Anthill, Conservation, E.O. Wilson, Entomologist, Hero, King of Ants, Nova

Kings of Camouflage

Posted on January 11, 2010 | Leave a comment

Cuttlefish are hands down my favorite animal. These strange little creatures have three hearts, blue-green blood, can alter their skin to match an enormous range of colors and textures even though they can only see in shades of green and are intelligent enough to change their defensive strategies based on the type of predator they are facing.

Below is fascinating hour-long Nova special which does a great job explaining how their skin functions as well as exploring their intelligence and odd mating behaviors.

Darwin’s Darkest Hour

Posted on October 6, 2009 | 1 comment

Nova’s 2-hour drama, Darwin’s Darkest Hour, premiers today and will begin streaming online tomorrow. It looks pretty good. Also, Henry Ian Cusick plays Darwin so maybe it will satiate my LOST craving for a wee second.

Here’s the trailer.