Narrowing it down
Proving that something doesn’t exist is hard, though it can be done. More often, scientists work out more and more restrictions on the characteristics something can have, until the idea has no place left to hide.
Proving nothing
Articles Tagged with probability
Indirect arguments
Simple is not always true
A common feature of paradoxers is a confusion between a simple argument and a correct one.
Why a forecast discussion?
More than numbers
Weather forecasts are much more reliable than they used to be, mostly thanks to more powerful computers. Input from people is still important, though.
Interpreting French Oast
The complicated business of reading signs
Even simple daily tasks can involve very sophisticated thinking.
When predictions are wrong
The role of science fiction
Today’s world doesn’t look like most science fiction stories pictured it. But accurate prediction isn’t the main point of the genre.
The distance to the stars
A matter of small and big numbers
Having mentioned the difficulty of finding the distances to stars last week, our astronomer tries to put some unfamiliar numbers within your grasp.
A plausible assumption
It’s reasonable and makes sense, but it’s wrong
Our astronomer describes how an assumption widely made in his science in past years turned out to be completely erroneous.
Not dangerous enough
Probable perils of new technology
Using mobile phones, especially smartphones, while driving is dangerous. Yet our chief consultant concludes it’s not dangerous enough!
When science is an art
The experimentalist’s skill
Some scientists have an unusual skill for extracting precise data from their instruments. Sometimes this leads others to question their results.
Getting your universe right
Our service providing science help for writers
Your novel, novella, short story or epic poem has everything:
- Ingenious plot
- Scintillating dialogue
- Believable and interesting characters
Shouldn’t you also get the universe right?