CSI: Microbe City by Scott LaFee - Eureka! on Creators.com

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CSI: Microbe City

Computer keyboards of the future may be crime scenes of the future, too, not necessarily for what was typed on them, but what fingers did the typing. Researchers at the University of Colorado say they have found a way to identify the users of keyboards — computer mice, too — based on skin bacteria left behind by their fingers and hands.

"We were very surprised to see that the bacteria left on the keyboard keys and the mice were essentially a random sample of what was on the fingertips and palms of the users," said Rob Knight, an assistant professor of chemistry, biochemistry and computer science.

It had been assumed that different kinds of bacteria thrived on keyboards — with their hard, dry surface — than on soft, moist human skin. Instead, many of the same bacteria were found to do well on both surfaces and were specific to each person.

"We're cautiously optimistic that this technique could be widely applicable," said Knight. "But before anyone can stand up in a courtroom and defend it, we need to spend a lot more time and money on validation."

ABUSING MEANS LOSING

In late February, Terry Newton became possibly the most famous rugby player in the world, though not for anything he achieved on the field. Newton, who plays in England, was caught using human growth hormone or HGH by a blood test. HGH, which boosts muscle mass, is a prohibited substance in most sports.

Newton has been banned from playing rugby for two years.

Authorities say the test, which represents the first time a blood test has successfully detected HGH, serves as a warning to athletes in all sports that using HGH has become a no-win situation.

BRAIN SWEAT

If a man lives in the state of Washington, why can't he be buried in Oregon?

PRIME NUMBERS

34 — Number of the roughly 24,000 meteors known to have landed on Earth that are thought to have originated on Mars

500 — Market price, in dollars, for a gram of Martian meteorite

2 — Market price, in dollars, for a gram of ordinary, non-Martian meteorite

Source: Discover

BRAIN SWEAT ANSWER

He isn't dead.

TELEVISION

From the producers of the popular "Planet Earth" series comes "Life," a new 11-part series that debuted a few weeks ago on the Discovery Channel (in collaboration with the BBC). Like its predecessor, "Life" is a remarkable visual achievement. Individual episodes focus on subjects like birds, reptiles and amphibians, insects and mammals. While the subjects are diverse, the look and feel is beautifully seamless.

Enormous and obvious effort went into capturing the illustrated animals and plants, often seen doing things for the first time on film. Some of the scenes are so well shot that they appear to be set pieces or simply set up, but the results are wonderfully rewarding nonetheless.

The narrative, voiced by Oprah Winfrey, is spare and to-the-point, occasionally interjecting humor and drama. New episodes will appear on Sundays, with repeats during the week.

To find out more about Scott LaFee and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.