More Acidic Than Vinegar, River Teems With Tiny Life. When an international team of biologists took a closer look at a river in southwestern Spain, they were startled by what they found. By Andrew C. Revkin. [New York Times: Science]

It is just amazing what conditions life can flourish in.  9:32:33 PM    

Stephen Jay Gould, Evolution Theorist, Dies at 60. Stephen Jay Gould, one of the most influential evolutionary biologists of the 20th century who helped to reinvigorate the field of paleontology, died on Monday in Manhattan. By Carol Kaesuk Yoon. [New York Times: Science]

Although arrogant (aren't they all), Gould was one of my heroes. His ability to write is well known but he was better than almost any when it came to capturing the excitement of being a scientist. I love science and my exploration of the world. He had a lot to do with my ability to articulate this joy. I had just bought his last book on Sunday. I'm bummed. This is as bad a the death of Feynman.  9:28:30 PM