Miranda Lee

jtotheizzoe:

LOLscience of why cats (and other animals) like stroking

Nature covers a nearly purr-fect neuroscience study that looks at why cats and other animals love to groom each other. Specialized neurons respond to stroking, but not poking, and stimulate pleasure circuits in the brain. Humans might share some of these neurons in our own skin, which explains our fondness for massages, head scratching and other gentle caresses.

In short, why pets like to be pet. 

jtotheizzoe:

Whose Air Would You Share?

In response to the latest episode of It’s Okay To Be Smart, “Whose Air Do We Share?” many of you shared with me who you were most excited to share air molecules with.

There were plenty of Carl Sagans and other great minds offered, as well as Amy Poehler and even a horse (Secretariat). But many of you also sent in touching answers, like grandparents you’ve never gotten to meet, or people who left us too soon.

When we step past all the atmospheric science and interesting math about just how small and shared our atmosphere is, I think this bit of poetic connection will prove to be my favorite part of this episode.

I mean, science providing us with a profound sense of connection, true links to the past, true community with those we can no longer see and with those we have never met? That’s a breath of fresh air.

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(via pleatedjeans)