Traditional models of economic decision-making assume that people are self-interested rational maximizers. Empirical research has demonstrated, however, that people will take into account the interests of others and are sensitive to norms of cooperation and fairness. In one of the most robust tests of this finding, the ultimatum game, individuals will reject a proposed division […]
Science
Science isn’t…
A limited view of science What do you think science is? At dinner last night one of our lab demonstrators, who has a BSc (Honours), claimed that he got into science because he wanted to prolong life. Quality life, not life plagued with alzheimers, for example. Somewhere in his speech about long-life, money management and […]
Meteorite Illness
This story struck me as very strange. Something from a Sci-fi show… Many people are sick after visiting a possible meteor crater. Apparently the meteor hitting the earth can release nasty gases (from meteor chemicals reacting with something in the earth). When you hear that explanation it makes a bit more sense, and it doesn’t […]
Who used my lab coat?
In the lab we have our coats hanging behind the door. I didn’t think twice about it until today. I had hung mine on the back of a chair, then I came in and it was behind the door – the chair had moved too so I guess it was fair enough that someone wanted […]
Genetically Modified Foods
Last night I was cooking enchiladas. The packet of corn tortillas, which was inside a box, said “contains wheat”. I checked the box and couldn’t find any sign saying the corn tortillas contained wheat and I thought it was a shame because there could have been someone allergic to gluten who had hoped to eat […]
The beauty of science
Today’s XKCD comic reveals a marvelous truth about science. It’s the same in biology. Put a PCR on, or something that needs to digest or wash for an hour or two and then do something interesting. 😛
