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
Science and Faith
Science Corner: “From a Certain Point of View”
That infamous line from Star Wars is just one of many popular suggestions that truth is in the eye of the beholder. "One man's trash is another man's treasure." "Missing the forest for the trees." The film Rashomon and its numerous imitators. The parable of the blind men describing just the part of an elephant they can touch. The meme of two people standing on either side of a numeral which could either be a 9 or a 6. Our language and our culture are rich with illustrations of how perspective and perception shape our … [Read more...] about Science Corner: “From a Certain Point of View”
Science Corner: Grandmother, What Grey Fur You Have
Much of the science news these days remains focused on US policy developments, funding changes, and significant shifts in messaging. There is certainly more than enough to fill another blog post. At the same time, I'm not sure I have anything new to say. I remain in favor of funding basic research, both to learn about the world and as a good investment in the future. I remain in favor of supporting public health programs here and abroad that reduce human suffering from various communicable diseases and other ailments. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Grandmother, What Grey Fur You Have
Science Corner: Time Dilation
Even with the loss of an hour, lately it seems like we are packing more news into each day than we used to. And so much of the news lately has been science-related; not necessarily new discoveries--although those are happening too--but the enterprise of science itself is getting more attention. So, we'll trying something a little different this month and try to touch on a few topics in brief. First up, some very quick looks at positive stories. For International Women's Day, several female scientists pay tribute to … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Time Dilation
Science Corner: Double Check, Please!
Content warning: discussion of substance use and overdoses "Find the differences between these two pictures" is a classic children's activity--and now a popular meme format from The Office. Maybe sometimes it is just something to the pass the time, but one can certainly imagine that it's good practice for focused attention and visual discernment, not to mention basics like counting and color recognition for the younger kiddos. Sometimes it can be a job for adults, too. Such was the nature of the task I was given a … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Double Check, Please!