Probably not. Part of the research I do is on how crystals start to form, and this an example of what is called in the trade a “rare event”. So I have an interest in the statistics of rare, or extreme or freakish things. I googled “rare events” to see what others are up to, […]
Read more
In scientific research, you do the research, then you publish the research. It is published in what are called peer-reviewed journals. These are journals where when an article is submitted, it is sent out to one or two other scientists to review it. These reviewers are usually anonymous, i.e., you don’t know their names. If […]
Read more
Seriously, why is it blue, not green or orange? This is one of the classic science questions. Simple enough that a five-year old can ask it, but containing a lot of science – the answer tells us a lot about how the universe works. I was reminded of it on Monday. I was at a biological […]
Read more
My algorithm for selecting a butter/margarine-type-thing when shopping is simple, and not very scientific. I avoid butter, partly because I think it is bad for you, but mostly because it is a pain to spread straight from the fridge. I am not organised enough to take it out of the fridge early.
Read more
Over Easter I have been reading a short fun book on statistics by Uri Bram, called Thinking Statistically. This trots through some of the obvious pitfalls in reasoning that statistical reasoning can help you avoid, including the absolute classic: selection bias. I have also been listening to news and phone-in radio programs about the benefit […]
Read more
I am teaching part of an electromag course this semester but I am doing the maths bit of the course, so I’m not doing much electromag, apart from doing stuff like getting the students to calculate the electrostatic potential inside a spherical cavity. This is a bit of a shame as this means I don’t […]
Read more
3