As a researcher for a public health software company, I have experimented a little with predictive models of health-related outcomes. Mainly I have focused on population-level predictions -- e.g. how many flu cases to expect this winter in a given county -- but on one occasion I tried to predict which individual patients would eventually experience a drug overdose necessitating a visit to an emergency department. Statistically, the results were encouraging, although on further inspection I realized that mainly my model … [Read more...] about Science in Review: On the Couch with Dr. Know
science in review
Science in Review: Meet the New Boss, v4.8.23 of the Old Boss
A few years ago, I received a letter informing me that I needed to get new, color-coded waste barrels because our township was implementing a new robotic waste collection program. My inner tech geek was excited, although I'm not really sure what I expected. I knew autonomous vehicle technology was not (and still is not) at the point where a driverless truck would just be let loose on the streets to collect trash and recycling. The high-tech scenario was such a vehicle with humans onboard to monitor and be a safety … [Read more...] about Science in Review: Meet the New Boss, v4.8.23 of the Old Boss
Science in Review: Reformation Comes to the Book of Nature
This week we observe the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's hammer stroke heard 'round the world, a milestone in the broader Reformation movements that redefined the European landscape for centuries. While Luther's concerns were theological, change came to many corners of the cultural world, even the sciences. Thus even a notable scientific journal like Nature is sharing a remembrance of Luther, albeit with the twist that maybe the emergence of Protestantism did not influence science so much as we might think. … [Read more...] about Science in Review: Reformation Comes to the Book of Nature
Science Book Review: Jesus, Beginnings, and Science
Jesus, Beginnings, and Science from ESN contributor David Vosburg and his wife Kate Vosburg is a significant change of pace from the book we've been discussing recently, Quantum Physics and Theology. On some level though, the Vosburgs' aim is the same as Polkinghorne's: encourage readers to consider or continue following Jesus even as they study science. The approach here is to provide a discussion guide for communities large and small looking to have a conversation about where science, especially contemporary science, … [Read more...] about Science Book Review: Jesus, Beginnings, and Science
Next Steps for ESN — Science Edition
Looking at Tom's Next Steps posts, I realized I am (not coincidentally) also coming up on 5 years blogging for ESN. So I thought I'd share a few "next steps" thoughts of my own. I especially want to highlight future editions of the blog book club. I enjoyed reading along with you and being able to chat here in the comments and via video chats, so I want to see if we can make that a more regular feature. … [Read more...] about Next Steps for ESN — Science Edition