On the Record

“Love of God and compassion and empathy leads you to a very glorious place, and science leads you to killing people.”

Ben Stein, star of anti-evolution movie Expelled, adds his sensible and rational voice to the science-versus-religion debate, during an evangelical webcast.

Scorecard

GOING UP Dino dung

Two pieces of 130-million-year-old fossilized droppings fetched US$960 at a New York auction last week.

GOING DOWN Ancient meteorite

Credit: M. SEGAR/REUTERS

Meanwhile, at the same auction, the meteoric star of the show, expected to fetch as much as $2.75 million, was left unsold.

Overhyped

Virtual lego

The Danish company behind the world's favourite plastic bricks is preparing to launch Lego Universe, letting players build virtual constructions online. Mark Hansen, leader of the new universe, admits it will “never replace the physical experience” of Lego. Quite.

Number Crunch

19 is the age of Alia Sabur, the world's youngest professor. She will teach physics at Konkuk University in Seoul.

2 is the number of years before Professor Sabur is able to legally purchase alcohol in her home city of New York.

1717 was the year in which the previous youngest-ever professor was appointed — Colin Maclaurin, who was awarded a professorship by the University of Aberdeen, UK, also at 19 years of age.

Sources: Trinity Broadcasting Network, Reuters, The Independent