via www.wired.com
Another excellent article on turning the scientific method on its head using new web based social networking data mining methods versus hypothesis/testing. For example compares the conventional approach of NIH to that of 23andMe in studying Parkinson's which lead to a reduction in research time from 6 years to 8 months.
via www.boston.com
An interesting article that notes that 22% of heterosexuals in one recent study met online and the findings of recent data mining analysis of online dating sites which is surpassing other social science methods in identifying patterns in behavior such as male and female preferences for mates. However what is notably missing is any information on cultural or environmental factors in these findings.
via www.hamilton.edu
In a professional world that is evolving into only data points liberal arts graduates have the ability to synthesize and offer solutions, add opinion and context to data.
Just returned from a truly amazing week in the Berkshires where Sarah and I had a great time exploring the area including hiking Mount Greylock, swimming in mountain streams, cooking and eating local organic foods, cycling, and checking out Mass MoCA during the Wilco Solid Sound festival which featured a truly innovative collection of interactive media in old mill buildings. More photos on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2049554&id=4503306
Having now spent the better part of many weekends completely rebuilding our in ground pool including all piping, pumps, and filters, I just now realized that I have designed a reproduction of a biological circulatory system. Interestingly as this article describes a new field of clean technology is becoming popular which attempts to use the principles of ecology and biology to create a more sustainable chlorine free swimming pond.
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via www.npr.org
An interesting NPR story about the evolution of human meat consumption and its effect on brain size and anatomy.
Today, Steve Jobs gave a press conference to respond to the complaints about the iPhone 4's antennae and the company has offered to give out a free case or rubber bumper to all owners of iPhones currently or a full refund for 30 days.
This will doubtless be expensive for them with +-$3million phones in the market already but I don't think they pay much for the cases so it should not cost anywhere heard the price of a full recall which is estimated at <$1billon.
The feedback on the press conference is largely positive. Steve managed to explain why in fact most mobile phones have antenna reception problems. He also pointed out that fewer than 1 in 100 calls will be dropped and that their helpline has received very few complaints. In fact, I'd be inclined to agree with him that this is largely a media driven hysteria.
But what is more important to companies like Apple than hard facts is the public perception. The fact that people keep buying the phone proves that loyalty to the brand is more complex than just features and price. It is sort of like the placebo effect: if a product works for you you don't always need to know how or why.
However it is worth noting that the same machine which Apple has leveraged to gain such widespread appreciation for their products (Internet based social media) has proven to be equally adept at virally damaging that reputation if they stumble. So, the lesson for tech companies: use with care.