Cells have two separate guidance systems for the arrangement of their cellulose fibres
“Avalanche” of retractions of research papers on spider personalities
Researchers discover sophisticated hospital system for DNA in cells
On Sev’s “privileg[ing]” vs liberty as the due balance of rights, freedoms and duties (also, on truth vs warrant)
Sometimes, one of our commenters raises a significant matter that is worth headlining and further analysing. In a recent thread, Seversky dismissies Christian concerns about anti-Christian bigotry, bias, lockouts and the like, with: Sev, 14: ” This doesn’t sound like a crusade against Christianity so much as the faith playing the victim because they are aggrieved that they no longer have the prestige, social privilege and political power they once enjoyed. “ What is interesting here is the structure of the dismissive rhetoric, which turns rights and justice concerns into “playing the victim” as one is “aggrieved” that the Christian Faith has somehow lost “prestige,” “privilege” and “social power.” Immediately, we can recognise a familiar rhetorical pattern, blaming the victim Read More ›
Ethan Siegel warns us against five myths about the Big Bang
At Nature: Worries aired about “truth decay”, Rob Sheldon responds
At Mind Matters News: Researchers: Trees “sense” their height and weight
“Let’s see them rip up Dr. Neto’s science papers… “
UB Schools Bob O’H
As is his wont, national treasure Upright Biped took materialist Bob O’H to school: Bob @ 63, we can replicate the process without having to resort to adding anything immaterial” Is that right Bob? Okay, let us make you the Director of a research team with unlimited personnel, unlimited time, and unlimited funding. And let us say that with this extraordinary intellectual and research power, it is not long before you can control, manipulate, and bind together whatever molecules you wish, and not only can you do that, but you can also successfully predict the results of that manipulation. So, if you need a replacement for the extant ribosome, you got it. If you need a de novo tRNA, you Read More ›
“Phantom genes” turn out to be useful
Sokal hoaxer Peter Boghossian makes some Utah State students feel that they are not “safe”
The scientific revolution depended in part on disproven theories
A reminder (or two) to our civilisation from Plato:
First, the Parable of the Cave: Second, the Ship of State: >>[Soc.] I perceive, I said, that you are vastly amused at having plunged me into such a hopeless discussion; but now hear the parable, and then you will be still more amused at the meagreness of my imagination: for the manner in which the best men are treated in their own States is so grievous that no single thing on earth is comparable to it; and therefore, if I am to plead their cause, I must have recourse to fiction, and put together a figure made up of many things, like the fabulous unions of goats and stags which are found in pictures. Imagine then a fleet or a Read More ›