Stories about fascinating research, including a law prof who digs up very old bones

Bet you'll enjoy at least one or two of these stories of unique academic research told in "Journeys of Discovery" (Washington Post). You can read about law professor James E. Starrs who looks at old bones to dig up answers to such questions as  "whether famous explorer Meriwether Lewis actually committed suicide -- or was murdered." Read the Starrs story.

Read about Todd Kashdan who is curious about the benefits of curiosity. (I've blogged about Kashdan before.)

John Conkling teaches a class in pyrotechics.

In the lab, students see how to make flames white, red, yellow, blue, even such subtle shades as peach and honeydew melon. They learn how to create thick smoke, ash that squirms and writhes and coils up like a snake, or a quick, brilliant burst of light.

Click for Conkling's story.

Read more research tales here.