Month: December 2014

Uncertain Dots 27

After a loooong hiatus due to incompatible work schedules, Rhett and I are back with our intermittent hangout series. We talk about space programs, the engineering mindset, and cool stuff you can do with liquid nitrogen. Amazingly, we didn’t actually talk about our current (well, recently-completed, in my case) classes. That might be a first… Continue reading Uncertain Dots 27

Advent Calendar of Science Stories 4: Solstice

The passage tomb at Newgrange, in Ireland. Inset: some dude in front of the entrance to Newgrange.

The southeastern sky had been lightening for some time, stars slowly fading away. Off to the west, a band of clouds was moving in, obscuring stars as it came, but they wouldn’t make it in time to block the sunrise. A good thing, as the last two dawns had been cloudy. There would be maybe… Continue reading Advent Calendar of Science Stories 4: Solstice

PNAS: Hamish Johnston, Physicsworld.com Editor

Hamish Johnston at work on Physics World.

I’ve decided to do a new round of profiles in the Project for Non-Academic Science (acronym deliberately chosen to coincide with a journal), as a way of getting a little more information out there to students studying in STEM fields who will likely end up with jobs off the “standard” academic science track. The tenth… Continue reading PNAS: Hamish Johnston, Physicsworld.com Editor

Advent Calendar of Science Stories 3: Iceman

Otzi the Iceman, both as a mummy and a modern reconstruction. From DOGOnews, link in post.

The fungal tea tastes vile, and not for the first time he considers dumping it on the last of the morning’s fire. It does seem to be helping the pain in his gut, though, as the medicine man said it would, so he gulps the last of it with a grimace. Around him the younger… Continue reading Advent Calendar of Science Stories 3: Iceman

PNAS: Steven Olson, Semiconductor Engineer

Steven Olson, under a big tree.

I’ve decided to do a new round of profiles in the Project for Non-Academic Science (acronym deliberately chosen to coincide with a journal), as a way of getting a little more information out there to students studying in STEM fields who will likely end up with jobs off the “standard” academic science track. Ninth in… Continue reading PNAS: Steven Olson, Semiconductor Engineer

Advent Calendar of Science Stories 2: Begin at the Beginning

Exterior of Blombos Cave in South Africa, photo by Magnus Haaland, from Wikimedia.

She kneels on the dirt and watches the elder study the rocks she brought. Five fist-sized chunks of red stone, laboriously hacked from an outcrop. Half a day walking there and back, and half a day pounding rocks against rocks to yield this offering. The elder’s hands are stained the same red as the stone,… Continue reading Advent Calendar of Science Stories 2: Begin at the Beginning

PNAS: Grant Goodyear, Oil Industry Nuclear Physicist

Grant Goodyear, theoretical chemist turned nuclear oil explorer.

I’ve decided to do a new round of profiles in the Project for Non-Academic Science (acronym deliberately chosen to coincide with a journal), as a way of getting a little more information out there to students studying in STEM fields who will likely end up with jobs off the “standard” academic science track. Eighth in… Continue reading PNAS: Grant Goodyear, Oil Industry Nuclear Physicist

Advent Calendar of Science Stories 1: Famous Exclamation

“…and unless the King comes here himself, I’m not to be disturbed.” “Yes, of course.” The servant bowed out, leaving him alone with the bath. He stepped in, gingerly at first, the water almost too hot to stand. Slowly, he lowered himself down to a sitting position, feeling the heat soak into his tired legs.… Continue reading Advent Calendar of Science Stories 1: Famous Exclamation