Science: Glorious Handful

SCIENCE

Dr. William Seifriz of the University of Pennsylvania lives a quiet bachelor's life in Chester Springs, collects old Italian bronze and French porcelain, permits no telephone in his house. At his ground-floor laboratory in Philadelphia he good-humoredly allows an impertinent squirrel to come in by the window, make off with chocolate bars and filter paper. Squirrels, however, are not Dr. Seifriz' favorite pets. On a far greater favorite of his he last week performed an experiment with extraordinary results.

Slime molds are among the most primitive of living things. Six years ago...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!