You say potato, I say leprosy
a day ago
- Historically, potatoes were believed to cause leprosy due to their unusual appearance and growth method.
- AI can now generate full academic papers from spurious correlations, potentially making some academic fields redundant.
- 2025 is projected to have the fewest US murders since reliable data began in 1960.
- Biology is highlighted as crucial for preventing mundane medical procedures like catheter insertion.
- Over 200 failed apocalypse predictions have occurred, with zero successful ones.
- The US government originally relied on the Riverbank Institute for cryptography during WWI, leading to the NSA's precursors.
- Fighting in the Ukraine war is described as primarily trench-based with drone threats.
- Fountain pen caps use vacuum suction to draw ink into the nib.
- Neuroscientists still struggle to simulate a simple worm's brain due to complexity.
- AI has not replaced radiologists; instead, radiology jobs and salaries have increased.
- Political opinions remain stable over time, with less than 2% supporting political assassination.
- A replication of the 'Things Could Be Better' study was successfully conducted by beginners.
- Harvard is suing Francesca Gino for allegedly faking data again in her defense.
- Reducing NIH funding by 40% would have significant negative impacts on medical research.
- Claims of large personality changes over time are likely exaggerated based on re-analysis.
- ClearerThinking offers a mega personality test comparing various assessment methods.
- The classic cognitive dissonance experiment may have flawed data, casting doubt on some findings.
- Losing a Michelin star can improve TripAdvisor ratings by lowering expectations.
- Potentialism is a new civic vision emphasizing individual cultivation for the common good.
- Both US and USSR planned to nuke the moon during the Cold War.
- PhD students are more likely to take psychiatric medication than master's-level peers.
- Paying debris contractors by the ton led to fraudulent practices and extra costs.
- A $10k prize is offered for the best essay judged by humans and AI.
- A visual illusion shows mind-bending effects, causing strong reactions.
- Independent scientists are encouraged with resources and prizes for uplifting memes.
- DIY biology projects, like UV sterilization pumps, are being pursued by individuals.
- Metformin improved reaction times in one user but did not affect blood sugar.
- The internet likely accelerated but did not cause the decline of deviance since the 1990s.
- Americans are increasingly afraid of talking to each other, as discussed with Derek Thompson.
- Weirdest lyrics in #1 hits were explored in a Q&A with Chris Dalla Riva.
- A past post title remains memorable despite potential awkwardness for sharing.