_____the best of times_____ the worst of times

A graduate student has created the first man-made biological leaf. It absorbs water and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen just like a plant. He did this by suspending chloroplasts in a mixture made out of silk protein. He believed it can be used for many things but the most striking one is the thought that it could be used for long distance space travel. Plants do not grow in space, but this synthetic material can be used to produce oxygen in a hostile environment. (Video)

I wish all hikes were like this

Today was fun. We found our own private blue lagoon up in the mountains 45 minutes southwest of Reykjavik, Iceland. The water was warmed by the many hot springs located in the area; temperatures were balanced out by the cool water flowing in. Perfect. We were the only people around for miles; our spirits could not be contained.

No amount of hot showers will get rid of the glitter on me now. Hopefully you guys think it was worth it!