Muncie Post-Democrat, Muncie, Delaware County, 24 February 1950 — Page 3

THREE THE POST-DEMOCRAT, MUNCIE, INDIANA, FRIDAY, FEB. 24, 1950.

KEEPING UP WITH THE WORLD OF SCIENCE

New Machines And Gadgets Novel Things for Modern Living j Home hair trimmer, electrically operated, has two full sets of keen, hardened steel cutters, one on each side of the doubleheaded affair. Each set of cutters are at a different approach angle which makes it suitable for varied uses. • » • Professional fool for cleaning all internal parts of an automobile’s carburetor without removal from the engine is attached to the carburetor fuel intake and injects a special chemical solution and gasoline into it while the engine is running. The solution removes all deposits in 15 minutes. • • • Lightning arrester for the television set, to prevent damage from lightning or static charges collecting on the roof antenna, is a porcelain affair that can be installed on the mast or on a grounded pipe. Discharge contacts are sealed in rare gas to dissipate the charges that may cause damage. * * * “Stepping stone” line of X-ray equipment can be constructed into more than 300 types and models. It will permit small hospitals to up-grade their X-ray

From Now On: Our Knowledge of Outer Space Will Grow in Study of Cosmic Rays During Next Half Century

(Seventh in a series of glances forward into the next half century.) * * * By WATSON DAVIS Director, Science Service An intensely “practical” person, who is also unimaginative, may consider quite useless the study of elusive particles that come to earth from outer space. Actually the cosmic rays, studied intensely for two decades, are one of the few ways in which we can sample both the outer universe and the inner atom. Most Energetic They are the most energetic bombarding particles that man has ever observed. There art created in the far reaches of the cosmos fragments of atoms and bits of matter and energy that, despite our great atomic accelerators and bombs, we have no hope of exceeding or even equalling here on earth. Constantly cosmic radiations plunge into the earth’s atmosphere, smashing their way through the atoms there. There are tremendous showers and cascades of particles, with the highest energies yet measured, and these are not only constant but uncontrollable. They are no less real because we can not feel them or see them or because they seem to do our bodies no harm. Balloons are sent with cosmic ray recording instruments to the greatest heights attainable. Airplanes are flown on high-altitude research missions and laboratories are set up on mountain tops. In a world that is concerned about atomic superbombs, made of hydrogen or some other light chemical element, every scrap of

Scientists < rays through as this.

an study cosmic photographs such

information about the fundamental particles of nature and the way they fit together may be productive. The present atomic bomb was born of experiment and theory. Bombs of the future—even beyond the so-called hydrogen bomb—and peaceful applications of atomic energy are likely to come out of the fundamental information being gathered from cosmic rays. Soviet scientists, incidentally, have been in the forefront of cosmic ray research. Meson Discovered What holds the nucleus (heart) of the atom together is a central problem. Part of the answer came through discovery in cosmic rays of the meson, a binding particle of fleeting life when free. Only two years ago mesons were created in the 184-inch Berkeley cyclotron, and this gives a controlled method of producing one sort of meson—for there are at least two kinds, a heavy one called “pi” produced by bombardment and one lighter “mu” sort that is born of the decay of the heavy one. Mesons can be thought of as

fundamental particles entering into hearts of matter, so important in the fast-moving theories and experiments of our atomic race. Simplest Tool For investigations of mesons, the cosmic rays are the simplest tool. Scientists can study them with relative simplicity by exposing special photographic plates, under various conditions, at various places on, beneath and above the earth. When you hear of some physicist going to some high mountain or to some strange and remote place, his interest is in the geography of the atom instead of the earth’s geography. He will be receiving messages from other galaxies, perhaps, that will explain the atom. For the future, there can be expected: A. Discovery of the birthplace of the cosmic rays, which various theories have coming from the stars, other galaxies and space itself. B. Better understanding of the atom-smashing of the cosmic radiation will show more precisely how the nuclei of the atoms are put together, what particles are contained in them and how they may be tapped for energy. C. Although most cosmic radiation is light stuff, atoms as heavy as iron have been demonstrated in cosmic radiation. These and other samples of matter in the outside space should help us unravel further the puzzle of the universe. D. Reversing the accent on getting energy from atoms, cosmic ray study may warn us as to what atomic reactions should be avoided for fear they will go too far and create an uncontrollable chain reaction on earth. (Copyright,1950, Science Service)

facilities one step at a time as funds become available. The picture shows a fully equipped model for use in large institutions. * • • Plant mutation kit, for amateur experimenters in changing the characteristics of plants with colchicine, comes complete with this deadly poisonous chemical in solution and paste form, watch glasses, filter papers, vials and tweezers. A direction booklet in non-technical terms is part of the kit • * * Coin ?*ox, which forms a con▼enient handle to a new transparent plastic umbrella, will hold 50 cents or more in pennies, nickels and dimes where the coins are readily available for streetcar fare. Coins are removed through slots on the side. • * • Bathing aid, for use with infants in a bathtub, is an inclined strip of ducking held by a metal frame on which the baby may sit or lie. Its shape makes a comfortable seat when the lower end of the cloth is dropped. A strap on this recently patented device holds the infant in the desired position. * • • Boil moisture is measured with a device which includes a booksize block to bury in the ground from which wires lead to an overground electrical resistance meter. The block, made of thin metal plates separated by nylon, and assembled under pressure, absorbs moisture in exact proportion to the soil moisture. • * * If you want more information on the new things described here, tend a three-cent stamp to Sciertce Service, 1719 N St., N. W., Washington 6, D. C., and ask for Gadget Bulletin SOS.

Words in Science— Psychology-Psychiatry By Science Service What we know about the mind and how it works, what we have learned about its development from,'* birth to death and from man’lrbeginnings—all that comes under the science of psychology. Psychology, as we know it today, began its development in the 19th century and psychologists say that they still have a long way to go before they know very much about the mind. The psychologist is concerned with the normal mind. But the psychiatrist is concerned with minds that stray from the normal. He learns a grtat deal of what the psychologist knows and then applies it in the treatment of persons whose minds are unwell. {(Copyright, 1950, Science Service)

You Con Do It . . . Use Short Cuts to Ease Hard Jobs

By JOSEPH H. KRAUS Science Service Home Science Editor A nail holding hammer to permit you to get into tight places and a screw holding mallet, both of which you can make easily, will lighten troublesome tasks. Other simple but useful hints to apply when repairing or remodeling your home also are j*iven. Nail Holder When attempting to drive a nail in tight places, the side of the hammer may have to be used. However, it is difficult to start a nail when the hammer is held this way. i A simple attachment to get around the trouble can be made in a minute or two. Cut a piece of cardboard or metal from a tin can or other piece of stock to form a short-tined fork and attach to the hammer with a few rubber bands, as shown. Or break out the tines not needed from an old kitchen fork, break off the handle and cut sliort the remaining tines to fit the diameter of the nail to be used. To use this fitting, insert the head of the nail under the fork and strike a sharp blow. As the hammer head comes away, the nail will be released and driving may be completed. The same attachment will serve also as an emergency substitute for a magnetic tack hammer. If many tacks are to be driven, bend the fork over the

NAIL HOLDER CARDBOARD OR METAL RUBBER BANDS

TIP FLOORING BOARD PALLET

WOOD BLOCK

BEESWAX IN HOLE

striking face of the hammer head. One place where a hole in the head is valuable is in a wooden mallet intended for starting screws when many must be driven into wood. The hole itself should be rather shallow and but slightly larger in diameter than the head of the screw. A bit of beeswax holds the screw firmly enough for a good start. Strike the wood sharply, driving the screw into the wood, then finish with the driver. Flooring Boards When laying a new wooden floor, you will find that many of the boards are no longer straight, in fact so much so that the common way of driving a nail is not

good enough to pull the boards

up tight.

If the board is nailed close at one end, then tipped by twisting with the hand, approximately as illustrated, the nail may be driven in to give greater reach and thus pull the board up tightly against its neighbor. Use cut flooring nails to avoid future

trouble.

Wooden Cushion When knocking wooden pieces apart, as for example a door frame, window, chair, or other furniture, the wood is likely to be dented by the head of the hammer or mallet This may be avoided by the use of a sturdy wooden block held against the piece which is to be separated. Strike not too hard on the block and shift the block from one position to another until parts separate slightly, then try to spread the opening by working alternately on each side of the part first loosened. Should it become necessary to use a pinch bar or screw driver, place the wooden block under the bar and make sure to bite so that the damage will not show when the wooden parts are reassembled again. When working on metal pieces which you want to avoid damaging, cover the head of the hammer with a rubber chair or crutch foot, or in a pinch wrap the head with a fold or two of bathroom

toweling.

(Copyright, 1950, Science Service)

Nature Ramblings scwic* swic*

Junco sounds like the name of one of the newer international organizations affiliated with the United Nations. It is not, but it would not be inappropriate if it were. For the slate-colored junco, or snow bird, is an international creature which in its own person is a fitting symbol of the amity that exists on both sides of the American-Canadian border which it flits across as the whims of the season dictate. Juncos are small birds, somewhat resembling sparrows. In fact sparrows and juncos belong to the same family of birds, the fringillidae. The junco can be distinguished by its dark slategray color, marked with white on the abdomen and white outer tail feathers. The bill is whitish or pinkish, contrasting with the dark head. The junco spends his summers in the north, breeding in a broad belt extending from Alaska to Labrador down to a line just south of the Canadian border. In winter it moves south, and is found from New England to the

Junco

Gulf of Mexico. The name snowbird has been applied to the junco, apparently, because it is one of the few birds that are seen when snow is on the ground. It feeds on weed seeds for the most part, and is frequently to be seen in weed patches which stand above the snow level. Although the junco moves generally southward to escape the biting severity of the northern winter, it is an extremely hardy bird. One ornithologist captured some juncos and instead of letting them migrate south, he kept them in open aviaries throughout a Canadian winter. He suppbftd them with food

which they would have had difficulty finding on their own. The temperatures dropped as low as 52 degrees below zero and rarely rose above zero at any time. Nonetheless, the birds survived. The birds did seem to fatigue quickly and on one occasion during a blizzard their feet became encased in ice. They suffered no visible ill effects from this. These were artificial conditions, of course. Left to their own devices the juncos would have lit out for less arduous climes long before the first blizzard struck. And if in their wintering ground, the weather should become too blustery, juncos know enough to take coyer and not stand around till they

become icebound.

According to Audubon, the great early American authority on birds, juncos burrow into haystacks when they sense an approaching storm. They must seek shelter of some sort, because they do survive, qjid each year they flit back and forth across the

border in vast numbers.

Buffalo Herds Increase

Here’s one buffalo that doesn’t want to end up as steak. Annually bison herds on government wildlife refuges have to be thinned out so that the range available will be large enough to Support the remaining animals. Buffalo Roam Once More With Rigid Protection

By MORTON STARK

Science Service Staff Writer

The buffalo roams the range once more. But he no longer has the run of the continent the way he once did. Today the buffalo, in reassuring numbers, is enjoying a protected existence in national, state, and private refuges scattered across the country. Once the most numerous^- 1

and wide-ranging of America’s native Big-game animals, the buffalo has lost his

liberty but he has won a reprieve from the threat of extinction. Efforts Effective Buffalo are now so plentiful that care must be taken to see that they don’t outgrow the carrying capacity of the range that supports them. So effective have been efforts to save the buffalo that several, hundred animals must be disposed of each year, either as dressed meat or on the hoof. This is a far cry from the situation in 1905 when the government owned exactly 29 buffalo, 21 of them in Yellowstone National Park and the other eight in the zoo at Washington. Small private herds scattered throughout the West brought the national total to less than a thousand animals, the low point after decades of wanton slaugh-

ter.

The official figure for buffalo population is now about 5000, bqt the actual number is probably a good deal higher because an increasing number of people are buying the government’s surplus animals and starting herds of their own. These private herds show hp in the annual Fish and Wildlife Service census only if the separate states keep full records on them, which not all of them do. Largest Herd Although the largest herd, 1125 head, is at Yellowstone National

Park in Wyoming, more representative of the last refuge of the buffalo are the smaller herds consisting of a few hundred animals. Typical of these is the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern

Oklahoma.

Established in 1907 with 15 animals donated by the Bronx Zoo, the herd steadily grew until by 1933 there were 327 animals. Today there are 606, after the disposal in December of 85 buf-

falo.

The annual buffalo roundup is carried on in the time-honored tradition. Cowboys on horseback separate out the buffalo that has been earmarked for elimination from the herd. They drive each cull into a corral. If an animal is destined for slaughter it is driven into a oneway alley and shot with a rifle. The dead beast falls through a chute into the slaughter house. Good to Eat Buffalo meat .s very palatable, and is considered by some to be as good or better than beef. At one time it was customary to give this buffalo meat to the Indians, but now the meat is sold to school lunch programs, to sportsmen’s groups, or to individuals who put in their bid with refuge managers. The price of buffalo meat is set with one eye on the prevailing beef market. This year a whole dressed carcass was $150, with halves and quarters in pro-

Diet 1 of Aged 1$

This buffalo is going to roam no more. It is being driven off the range on the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma and shortly will be butchered. Riding herd on bison hi risky business. A few moments after this picture was taken, this one turned and caught the horse on the left a glancing blow witii

his horn.

portion. There is never any dif-

ficulty disposing of the meat as there are always more seekers than there are buffalo to go around. Cost Given About a fourth of each year’s excess is disposed of alive. These too are distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. Some preference is shown to zoos or to reputable private herds that regularly take several head each year, but otherwise the refuge managers play no favorites. On the hoof, a buffalo costs from $115 to $125 uncrated plus freight. Like the common cattle to which it is related, the buffalo runs to imposing size. Full grown, a bull weighs about a ton, ranging somewhere between 2000 and 2600 pounds, with an occasional individual going even higher. The buffalo’s head and shoulders are massive. A short man can not see over a large bull’s shoulder, the height of which runs from five to six feet. Overall length is nine to nine and a half feet. The dimensions of females, whose weight ranges from 1300 to 1500 pounds, are in proportion. Numbers Once Vast This huge beast which one authority has called “the largest and most distinctive game animal found on the North American continent,” once roamed in numbers so vast that no certain

estimate of the original buffalo population can be made. It was a commonplace for early travelers on the Plains to report traveling for days and seeing buffalo on all sides as far as the eye could see. Sober men who tried to estimate the numbers of buffalo came up with such astronomic figures that they knew they would not be believed. General Phil Sheridan who served in the buffalo country during the Indian Campaigns of the late 1860’s estimated that one solid-packed 100 mile square section contained 10,000,000,000 animals. He and his companions whittled this down to 1,000;000,000, and finally settled for a figure of 100,000,000. Martin S, Garretson, who tells this story .in “The American Bison,” adds: “Nevertheless they believed the last number to be a conservative

one.”

Whatever the true figure may have been, there seems no doubt that the American bison,' to give the animal its true name, wqp once at least as numerous as thl present population of the United States. In conquering the continent, man all but exterminated the buffalo. For a while it looked as though the only survivor would be the buffalo on the nickel. Although it is vanishing from the national coin, the buffalo alive has found a more substantial home near the scene of his vanished glory, (Copyright, 1950, Science Service)

Shadow Pattern Shows Field

By Science Service Doctors have discovered that they can’t take a patient’s word for what he eats, yet a 60-year-old man’s diet and how his body uses it is one of the most important factors in health and long

life.

Today, says Dr. C. Ward Cramp ton in a recent issue of Nutrition Reviews, a man of 60 may be as young, vigorous and vital as the average mail of 40, or he may present the common picture of a man of 80. However he looks, it depends on diet and

nutrition.

To get a true picture of a patient’s diet, Dr. Crampton recommends requiring him to keep an hour-by-hour record of what he eats over a period of four days, including a* week-end. On the

(Copyright, 1950, Science Service) 1 basis of that report, he says, the

doctor may find some of the most common nutritional deficiencies in a man of 60, such as calcium, iron, proteins, vitamins * of the B-complex and vitamin A. TVluch malnutrition in 60-year-olds, says Dr. Crampton, is due to a lack of teeth, to sensitive teeth, dietary fads and prejudices and poor taste habits. In addition to studying the diet, declares Dr. Crampton, the way the body uses the food should also be looked into. How long does the body keep waste materials, and is the nutritious part of food being quickly digested and passed into the body? With a rounded picture of a 60-year-old man’s diet and nutrition, concludes Dr. Crampton, many of the diseases and ills of the aged can be prevented. (Copyright, 1950, Science Service)

New technique for the analysis of the strength of a magnetic field is Illustrated by this electron microscope photograph. h Tho thin black line through the middle is a magnetized wire. The distortions of the background mesh are caused by the magnetic field set up around this magnetic recording wire. Measurement of the amount of this distortion can be made quantitatively and frost these data the magnetic field is calculated-