Miss P's Miscellaneous Musings

I Heart Archeology – Using DNA to Date Medieval Scrolls

Polly — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:17:50 +0000

I get so excited every time I read a story that intersects my two loves of historical archeology and biology. In a recent Scientific American post, they discuss research done by Dr. Timothy Stinson to date Medieval scrolls by DNA analysis. As paper was scarce back in the day, ingenious, quick-witted monks used dried parchment made of animal hides to create their masterpieces. Remaining biologic material containing DNA can be used to date these artifacts. For those of you not familiar with Archeology, this technique sure beats the heck out of carbon dating (used to be the only way to date items from recent times – i.e. anytime after 1 A.D.) or figuring out how old something is by comparing it to other writing samples from the time.

Since I’ve been out fo the archeology word for several years now, it is really cool to check back in every once in a while to see what new techniques are being used to tell the story of our human past. I plan to follow this story and check out the researcher’s results to be presented at the Bibliographical Society of America in New York City on Jan. 23.

Ewww…It just makes you never want to get sick…

Polly — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:35:34 +0000

…or come to work in my medical center library for that matter…Just read this story discussing how dirty and bacteria filled hospital worker’s coats are. I used to make fun of some of my germ-a-phobe friends, but this story from the WSJ blog this morning really makes me want to join their ranks. This quote specifically freaked me out because I am an avid eater of hospital cafeteria sandwiches.

Imagine sliding into a restaurant booth after a nurse has left the germ on the table or seat. You could easily pick it up on your hands and then swallow it with your sandwich. – WSJ Blog

Looks like it may be time for me to turn over a new leaf and start bringing my lunch from home…where I know my counters are scrubbed with bleach…

Running in the snow

Polly — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:58:13 +0000

The weather forecast this morning calls for snow this week….blah. Realizing that there may be snow on the ground during my Wed training session, I started to feel sorry for myself and of course this led to the inevitable internal discussion about wimping out.

After getting in this morning and seeing this post from Complete Running Network, I realize things could be alot worse. Happy training season everyone and just remember to feel happy that you don’t live in Calgary.

Testing…Testing…1…2…3

Polly — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:00:16 +0000

Hello, Everyone,

Welcome to my blog. Although I’ve spent many years observing and interacting with friends in various social networking sites, this is my first attempt at putting myself out there in the blogosphere. I hope you all enjoy my miscellanous musings and comments on the real and virtual world around me.