Tag science

Peer Review

“Who are the peers?” (the question nobody asks) In theory, “peers” means: In practice, “peers” often means: So the real answer to “Who are the peers?” is: People who share the same assumptions, incentives, and blind spots as the authors.…

Common Sense Isn’t Common

Because of our biography of Madame Currie, I’ve been told I was a bit harsh on her, that the most brilliant woman on earth experienced a few moments of stupid that ended up killing her and her daughter, not to…

Self Experimentation

It was the cover image (above) that got me started on this subject. You see, people constantly and consistently post memes such as this with no context. The context missing from this particular meme is that no animal or human…

The Spanish Flu

The image above is from the hospital at Camp Funston, in Fort Riley, Kansas, or “ground zero” for America’s greatest pandemic. Go ahead and forget that “fact,” because you’re about to get one heck of an education. What is Influenza…