Postcard of the Interwebs - 18 October 2017

Bacteria Eating Cancer Drugs: Apparently there exists bacteria that feed off of some cancer fighting drugs. Analysis of a person to determine if they have this bacteria could lead to providing antibiotics to help the healing.

Hyperloop from Montreal to Toronto in 39 minutes!: 640 kilometers in 39 minutes while surrounded by vacuum? Sign me up!

Sunlight to Make CO2 Into Fuel: Berkley labs has been able to use photosynthesis to make ethanol and ethylene. Another way to help the planet!

Babies Try Harder when they see Adults Try Harder: Apparently if children, as information absorbing organisms, see a person do something with ease they get frustrated if they cannot do the same. Yet if they see an adult struggling and then succeed they are more willing to continue trying. Even more impetus for us to learn how to do new things with our children.

Quantum Computing Development: The University of Tokyo has developed a new way to conduct quantum computing by utilizing a light loop system. They just need to come up with a way to correct errors.

Life Started because of Collapsing Bubbles: Apparently the conditions inside bubbles, extreme temperatures and pressure, could have been just the right push for microorganisms to start chemical reactions and then multi-cellular life.

Magic Mushrooms help Depression: Another study that indicates the psilocybin in magic mushrooms help those who suffer from depression by "rebooting" the brain...for weeks after one dose.

Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

I have not read many of the Victorian era novels let alone a sensationalist one. I will applaud "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins for not only is it one of the first mystery novels but also one of the first sensation ones. 

I will also give applause for the superb pacing and engagement of the writer with the audience. Several parts of the book are way too teary and some of the characters reactions are frustrating but it is a novel that has stood the test of time with its strengths, in spite of these minor flaws.