More than half a million levels of a video game have provided random data for a global study testing the laws of quantum physics. The Quantum Technology lab at the University of Queensland and ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) was one of 12 laboratories from five continents to participate in the Big Bell Test, coordinated by the Institute ofContinue reading “Gamers help quantum physicists in massive citizen science experiment”
Category Archives: science
Highlighting the need for conservation: the power of Douglas Adams
In early March, the 13th Douglas Adams Memorial Lecture was presented by the New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman, who spoke on the enduring and timeless nature of Adams’ work. In his opening address, Gaiman said, “I would classify Douglas as a genius because he saw things differently and he was capable of communicating the wayContinue reading “Highlighting the need for conservation: the power of Douglas Adams”
On ‘scienceyness’ and public trust
At the beginning of February, Scott Adams posted on his blog Dilbert about “Science’s Biggest Fail“. The issue, said Adams, is that science has lost its credibility in the public because uncertainty over when science is ‘done’. Scott Adams, “Science isn’t about being right every time, or even most of the time. It is aboutContinue reading “On ‘scienceyness’ and public trust”
Science art: The Wellcome Image Awards
Did you know that the Wellcome Trust, a London-based charity dedicated to supporting the “brightest minds” in science, the humanities and social sciences, runs an annual competition called the Wellcome Image Awards? No? That’s alright, neither did I. The Wellcome Image Awards showcases the best in science imaging and techniques. With the winners due toContinue reading “Science art: The Wellcome Image Awards”
Science, fantasy and everything in between – A Terry Pratchett world
As timing would have it, I had just finished the Science of Discworld II when I heard that Terry Pratchett had passed away. Pratchett gave us the fantasy series Discworld, a science fantasy world based on quantum theory in Long Earth and Good Omens, a memorable novel written in collaboration with Neil Gaiman. If thatContinue reading “Science, fantasy and everything in between – A Terry Pratchett world”
IFLScience – a case of (positive) hype around science
If you haven’t heard of I Fucking Love Science (or IFLS for any sensitive readers out there) then let me give you a quick run down. Established sometime in March 2012 by Elise Andrew, IFLS has accumulated over 18 million Facebook followers and over 120 000 followers on Twitter, which is pretty incredible given the readershipContinue reading “IFLScience – a case of (positive) hype around science”
Selling through science (aka commercial hype)
So, we’ve looked at hype from a variety of sources (including scientists, journals and media), but what about those huge proponents of big promises – the commercial sector? The nutritional supplement industry in the USA, which made $11.5 billion in sales in 2012, is a easy example to make. In May 2014, the American FederalContinue reading “Selling through science (aka commercial hype)”
Shark tales: on cage diving
Internet hype gives us a chance to look into the ethics of cage diving with sharks
A war of perceptions on GMOs
In a war of perceptions, how do you know which experts are providing the ‘right’ information?
Arguments in science
From the outside it might appear that all scientists are the same. After all they have all spent a long time in higher education institutions, they all know quite technical things relevant to their field, and they all wear lab coats (right?). But ‘the scientist’ is not an identity that any one person or groupContinue reading “Arguments in science”
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