I always assumed that earthquake early warning systems, were they to ever become a reality, would have to predict an earthquake before it happened. But systems in place in parts of Japan and Mexico provide earthquake warnings by detecting an earthquake at its epicenter, and sending light speed signals that outrun the seismic waves.

The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious problem that’s only going to get worse. One alternative treatment is the use of bacteria-eating viruses, or bacteriophages. The Soviet Union continued research into the use of bacteriophages long after scientists in the United States stopped such research in the face of the miracle drug penicillin, and today Georgia (the nation, not the state) is something of a hot spot for bacteriophage treatment. The linked Slate article is especially interesting for its explanation of why bacteriophage as a medical technology is not good business in the United States.

Dilbert creator Scott Adams fantasizes on his blog about starting a new political party. His gimmick? The party platform would mirror majority opinion as measured by sophisticated polling. I’m not saying I think it’s a good idea, exactly, but it’s fun to think about a political system that doesn’t pretend nothing’s changed in 200 years.

Ever since the Cassini probe spotted a geyser of ice and water spewing from the south pole of the Saturnian moon Enceladus, there’s been a lot of speculation as to why this particular spot should be the site of the outgassing materials. Certain scientists believe the hotspot may have started elsewhere, and that the laws of physics made the moon tilt to its current orientation. This could mean that there are, as hoped, oceans beneath the ice, but not everyone agrees with the hypothesis. As always, more data is required.