The Language Tree

Language evolution

In the 17th century, the Japanese shoguns decided that the only Westerners allowed to trade with the Japanese empire, would be the Dutch. By doing so they not only opened up their country to sugar, cotton and silk, they also unintentionally exposed the Japanese language to Dutch words and terminology. Many Dutch naval terms and words [...]

January 2nd, 2011 | Tags: , , , , | Category: evolution, history, science | 3 comments - (Comments are closed)

How I survived and cured a major pandemic

Cover art of the board game 'Pandemic'. Fun and planning stress included.

Over the past few weeks I’ve gained valuable insights into what it takes to survive and cure a major pandemic. I will share some of my experiences in the hope they will help you, dear reader, when disaster strikes. Find close friends Don’t expect to survive the initial onslaught on your own. Moreover, you will need the [...]

August 10th, 2010 | Tags: , , , | Category: games, science | 2 comments - (Comments are closed)

Wolves, Bacteria and Cheaters

Throughout the natural world species have discovered the benefits of cooperating to achieve common goals. Wolves hunt together in packs, many birds seasonally migrate in flocks and no bee will hesitate to work or give its life for the colony. But when cooperation becomes the norm, cheating can become a fruitful strategy on its own. [...]

March 8th, 2010 | Tags: , , , , , | Category: evolution, microbiology, molecular biology, science | 5 comments