Chopstick Science

Apparently, chopstick skills contributed to the recent stunning advances in stem cell research.

I grew up using steel chopsticks (actually, I used silver chopsticks at home and still do) in Korea so I guess my hand is more dexterous than your average wood chopstick users. For example, I can easily pick up individual strand of hair or a spec of dust with my micro2005 chopstick.

My wife and son, however, can't so the chopstick gene might be in a decline. I know that thick beards are rarely seen in Korea and it's also disappearing in my family (notice the hairless cheeks and the missing spots in my jawline?). Thankfully, at least the thick eyebrow is declining more slowly although I can't hold a pen on top of my eyebrowse like my father can. I am still hoping my son might be able to when he grows up.

China also has a chopstick story related to stem cell research although it stems (sorry) from lack of dexterity. I am impressed, however, by the display of kung-fu power necessary to penetrate human skull with wooden chopstick.