AboutDan Fink Expertise Though my experience is mostly in the fields of electricity, magnetism, and physics, I have a broad science background. My career is in the field of alternative power sources -- solar, wind, water and battery power. But any questions about electricity, magnetism, energy conservation, power generation, electric motors, and even general physics are very welcome--especially from kids. They ask the best questions of all! I pride myself in answering science questions accurately, with ideas for SAFE, easy experiments that kids can perform by themselves--and that let them prove the answers to their own satisfaction. I think science should be fun, and available to everyone, regardless of age.
Experience I have volunteered in our local public schools for 5 years. I currently make presentations at our schools about electricity and magnetism, with a focus on solar, wind, water and other alternative power sources. I try to demonstrate at our schools how easy it is to make electricity, with simple devices using spinning magnets and coils of wire--powered by wind, water, bicycles, gerbils...etc. And of course solar panels! I am the webmaster of Otherpower.com, an alternative energy website. I have lived 10 miles from the nearest power pole for 11 years--I make all my own electricity from scratch with sun, wind and water.
Expert: Dan Fink Date: 12/13/2007 Subject: DOG PAW PRINTS
Question Do dogs have patterns on their paws like we have on out fingers?
Answer Hi Julie! This is the first time I've had to ask my dog to answer a science question here for me. (Actually, I asked her vet).
The answer is no--while dog paw pads do vary, they don't have unique patterns of ridges like our fingertips do. And since dogs don't usually wear shoes, they develop very thick callouses on their pads. These are constantly changing, cracking, etc.
HOWEVER -- dog noses DO have unique patterns of dots and ridges on them that ARE as unique as human's fingerprints! Next time your dog puts its nose on a window, take a close look with a magnifiying glass and you'll see the patterns.
