Science in real-world culture and claims: open access, opinion, “voodoo science,” science in movies/TV, reality checks, and social implications of science.
23andMe, the DNA-testing kit service, has announced that it will now begin telling customers about the three mutations in the breast-cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 (“Authorization for Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Test on Cancer Risk,” 2018). “Being the first and only direct-to-consumer genetics company to receive FDA authorization to test for cancer risk without a prescription is …
I get it. I have purchased a lab piecemeal, and every piece we invest in here at Insanitek makes me cringe. The price tag can be more than a bit stressful. But there is a secret in science that most people don’t know: Much of what we use is often cobbled together or have a …
What does it take to be popular? A desire to be the centre of attention, sure, but also people paying attention to what you say. Not everyone wants to be popular, but it certainly helps to be able to get your research seen and heard. This, in turn, helps to get grant money or raise …
Is fat bad or good for us? What about eggs? And our precious coffee? Well, it depends. Back in the 90s, I remember my mother clearing all fats out of the house and banning eggs. She had read a study stating that they were bad for the health. Plasticy non-fat cheese, sugar-laden, non-fat yoghurt became …
A quick Google search notes that there are over 2 million pieces on improving your listening skills. This implies that there is something seriously wrong with the status quo of a person’s average listening abilities. Why is listening important? Well, as a human, you want people to hear you, see you, and understand you. As …
Editor’s note: This piece is part of the geek holiday collection, but also because even great minds like Newton believed in more occult-like things. Just because we live in a world that is more based in the real and tangible doesn’t mean we can’t give a nod to the curious hidden world. Occult Day might …
Guy Fawkes Day is a holiday in England and some of the commonwealths that celebrate a failed assassination of King James I. The attempt was both a religious protest as well as a political one. The conspirators plotted to blow up King James on the opening of Parliament, November 5 1605. Tensions were high. Queen …
Did you know that World UFO Day is July 2? Before you get your tin foil hat on, it’s worth taking a moment to dive deep into the history of this event. It’s more than just a holiday for sky watchers, supposed abductees and otherworldly beings. What is World UFO Day? World UFO Day, which …
SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., the aquatic animal-based theme park company, has announced that it will end the Orca whale shows at its San Diego facility. This news comes after heavy criticism of the park’s treatment of whales, which activists say should reside in the wild, according to the Associated Press. However, many people (who probably watched Blackfish) are saying that this …
Editor’s note: This post has been updated and broken links removed. Please see our policy on broken hyperlinks for more. You may have heard that at the rate we’re going, we’re quickly headed toward a lack of fresh water. As the creatures responsible for this planet, we haven’t exactly done the best job of sustaining …