Weekly Science Blog Roundup

• If you give away your lotto ticket, is it more likely to win? John Tierney discusses the science of tempting fate. • Mark Alpert offers a breakdown of why the only scientists in novels are mad ones. • Ever wonder why there isn't a Web site sharing the latest in cutting-edge teaching methods? Look no further: Edutopia has arrived—courtesy of none other than George Lucas. • Psychologist Wray Herbert explains the evolutionary root of "flowering buds," "blooming roses," and all those other cheesy flower metaphors we use to describe women. • Feeling small and insignificant in the universe? Here's just the T-shirt to assuage your fears. • Now you can make ethanol right in your backyard. Though whether that will help anything remains to be seen.