David Warmflash
Scientific American
Portland, OR, United States
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Past articles by David:
Should the Moon Be Quarantined?
Nearly a half century after astronauts first visited the moon, it is once again a flash point for debates on how to safely, responsibly explore the solar system → Read More
What foods have pesticide residues? When do the chemical traces pose dangers?
Dosage and length of exposure determines whether a compound actually produces toxic effects and could lead to such diseases as cancer. → Read More
Have humans or any of Earth's creatures stopped evolving?
Some of the planet's more bizarre creatures have prompted some observers to suggest that evolution, on occasion, is stopped in its tracks. The same is often said of humans. What are the facts? → Read More
Maybe we aren't finding alien life because we don't know what to look for
Scientists are looking for evidence of extraterrestrial communication across interstellar space. But what if other intelligent life forms are using technology so advanced that we can't recognize them? → Read More
How our brain perceives time
Internal time perception is complex, involving disperse areas of the brain. But a new field of research called neurorelativity, using the perceptional/neuroscience analogy to physical effects elucidated by Albert Einstein's Relativity Theory, is changing opening avenues of understanding. → Read More
Protecting against cancer: What can we learn from animals who live for centuries
There are an increasing number of genetic clues from animals that could provide hints to treating aging and age related diseases. → Read More
Back from the dead: Rebooting the brain and our battle against mortality
We may be on the verge of redefining "brain death" following the partial revival of a man in France 15 years after he was declared to be in a vegetative state. Research for new treatments to reboot the brain could pay off in a big way. → Read More
Searching for ET in our Solar System requires methodical approach
The quest to find life in our Solar System is focused on locating planets or moons with the right chemical and physical characteristics. Finding strong candidates could lead to space missions capable of more direct searches. → Read More
Guided evolution of wheat and other grains could feed growing population
Can we breed wheat and other cereal grains the ablity to fertilize themselves? Researchers report promising results that could signal a new wave of improvement in crop yields. → Read More
Orthorexia nervosa: Do anti-GMO activists have this 'eating disorder'?
Orthorexia nervosa is being evaluated as a possible psychiatric diagnosis -- which is causing symptoms of anxiety among some people who have a dangerous view of what constitutes healthy eating. → Read More
Reconsidering LSD, other psychedelic drugs for treating depression, anxiety
There is a movement underway to reconsider how LSD and other psychedelic drugs are regulated. If restrictions were loosened, these drugs could find their way into treatment plans for a range of medical conditions. → Read More
Is brain hacking possible?
Accessing the human brain to enable functional connections with electronic technology may sound incredibly futuristic, but a handful of entrepreneurs, and also the government, are exploring the prospects. → Read More
Avoiding PTSD: Genetic tests could help military screen optimal combat candidates
Research offers new support for the idea that genetics can play a key role in determining why some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder, while others don't. → Read More
Quest to colonize space demands boost from biotechnology, synthetic biology
The lack of technology for such sustainable life support systems is a major factor underlying criticism of human space exploration. If long-term human presence on other worlds is the goal, then genetically altered organisms are the key. → Read More
As the era of the artificial womb approaches, a great debate awaits
The ability to develop a fetus outside the mother's body could be here within decades. That means society will face tough choices on abortion rights, religious beliefs, embryonic research and human development. → Read More
Our brains as hard drives — could we delete, modify or add memories and skills?
Research suggests it might one day be possible to tweak our brains -- eliminating traumatic memories or granting new skills, like the ability to play a musical instrument. → Read More
How to teach evolution when students hold creationist views
University instructors employ a variety of methods when teaching evolution in classes in which large numbers of students reject the science because of their religious beliefs. → Read More
Are our views on religion, astrology and new-age beliefs hardwired?
Our beliefs, including irrational ones such as an embrace of pseudoscience and 'fake news', have been shown to be somewhat independent of one’s educational level. What's the role of DNA? → Read More
How facial recognition software may help identify genetic disorders
The technology might help in diagnosing rare genetic disorders. But the depiction of its promises and challenges by the media isn't always on point. → Read More
Unwanted genes: Why can't we just edit them out of our lives?
Gene therapy 2.0 using CRISPR to knock out harmful genes sounds is a great idea--if and when it works. But medical science often must journey through years of hurdles and detours before novel treatments make it to consumers--if they ever do. → Read More