When I come across a science story with a video of the experiment or phenomenon in question, it is hard to pass up. Even if the topic is less familiar, or less obviously connected to my usual themes, the opportunity to show as well as tell is appealing. And so today I find myself writing about bouncing droplets of oil. First, go ahead and watch for yourself. (Video from this story on this paper) Mesmerizing, no? Just me? Actually, I suppose there is a risk it looks too banal; who hasn't seen a ball bounce? You … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Anointing with Oil Again, and Again…
Science Corner
Science Corner: Matters of Representation
Large language models captivate for a variety of reasons; I am particularly intrigued by the fact that we know how to build them even without really knowing how they work. So I tend to gravitate less towards discussions of what they can (or cannot) do and more towards discussions of how & why. (Which may have something to do with the fact that the "what" changes rapidly, while progress on "how" and "why" feels a bit more tractable for an outsider to follow.) Hence my interest in this podcast with Ken Stanley on how … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Matters of Representation
Science Corner: Recombination is Creativity
In order to explore the ideas of Jurassic Park Rebirth, this post contains spoilers for the film. Jurassic World Rebirth, the latest film to spin out of Michael Crichton's novel Jurassic Park, opens with a flashback revealing experiments to create mutant species of dinosaurs which never existed. We are clearly meant to be unsettled, if not outright horrified, by this revelation even before it is underlined by the death of a scientist or technician at the claws of one such creature. (In what I hope is a nod to the … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Recombination is Creativity
Science Corner: Of Barks & Bytes
Move over, Nintendo Switch 2--there's a new video game sheriff in town. Sure, the graphics are pretty rudimentary, and the controls are idiosyncratic. But how can you not be charmed by seals playing a video game--for science! Check out the link for a brief video clip. The "game" models features of a swim at various depths, and the seals interact in a way that indicates they understand what direction of travel is implied by the simulation. The results provide scientists insights into what cues seals use to navigate. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Of Barks & Bytes
ESN Focus Groups – Sign Up and Share Your Ideas!
The Emerging Scholars Network wants to hear and learn from you! As we seek to live out the vision of developing scholars following Jesus together, we want to know what this looks like in today’s environment – both for scholars seeking an academic position and those looking to work outside the academy. How can ESN best support the ongoing formation of scholars as followers of Jesus and as thriving scholars, whether that’s online or on campus? Here's how you can help. Pray for fruitful conversations and wisdom … [Read more...] about ESN Focus Groups – Sign Up and Share Your Ideas!