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Author Archives: Lascap
Neurotycho – A farewell to an old man
Tycho Brahe was once a Danish Nobleman. Do not think that I am very much impressed by that as a title of nobility, but it meant a lot to Brahe. He cared nothing for nobility itself, in fact he disliked … Continue reading
Posted in Misc, Science
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The shining city
The city of light was attacked by the forces of darkness, but the lights prevailed. Beaming brighter than ever. Encouraging. Perhaps reason and virtue will prevail after all, checking the barbarians at the gate as well as subduing the barbarians … Continue reading
Posted in Misc
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A statistical analysis of Olympic outcomes of the past 28 years
Now that the excitement over the Olympics has abated a bit, it is time to reflect on the outcomes to see if we can discern any long term trends. Most casual observers seem to be most interested on the outcomes … Continue reading
Low contrasts shed light on the neural code for speed
The effects of stimulus contrast on visual perception have been known for a long time. For example, there is a consensus that at lower contrasts objects appear to be moving slower than they actually are (Thompson, 1982). Several computational models … Continue reading
Posted in Journal club, Science
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How to successfully attend a major scientific conference
Most professional societies hold an annual meeting. They are an important venue for the exchange of ideas as well as for professional development. However, given their scope and scale, these can be overwhelming, particularly – but not exclusively – to the … Continue reading
Posted in Conference
2 Comments
A video says much more than a thousand words – rapid communication of scientific concepts via the “Podster”, a historic waystation towards a truly dynamic presentation surface
Background The efficient communication of complex scientific concepts at an academic conference poses a challenge that is as old as it is formidable. The use of dynamic visual stimuli and intricate experimental designs have exacerbated the problems associated with this … Continue reading
Posted in Conference, Optimization, Science, Technology
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The need for sleep
Western culture – the US in particular – is pervaded by the notion of achievement through hard work. This has many benefits, but like everything, it comes at a steep cost. One of the things that is typically shortchanged in … Continue reading
Posted in Neuroscience, Science
14 Comments
Charlemagne was a Neuroscientist
The exploits of Charlemagne are fairly well documented and widely known. He was both the King of the Franks and the founding emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (technically, the Carolingian Empire). In this capacity, he is renowned for a wide … Continue reading
Posted in Neuroscience, Pet peeve, Science, Social commentary
2 Comments
One catchy tune, three different sets of values
I’m no musicologist, but I found this to be striking enough to address. Most people associate the tune in question with “God save the Queen“, the national anthem of the United Kingdom. What is much less known is that two … Continue reading
Posted in Social commentary
3 Comments
The treasure hunters
Just outside of the big city is a giant and seemingly inexhaustible heap of trash. It might be hard to believe, but there are actual people living on this pile. Every day, year after year, they make their living sifting … Continue reading
Posted in Science
2 Comments
Evidence based medicine – IVF success rates and age
In recent years, “evidence based medicine” has become a popular buzzword in the medical community. More than anything, this just highlights the fact that most of medicine is precisely not sufficiently based on evidence, in sharp contrast to – for … Continue reading
Posted in Science, Strategy, Technology
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In the footsteps of Theodore Roosevelt
The US is at a crossroads. Strong leadership is necessary. What kind? We can look to Theodore Roosevelt for inspiration. Also: Don’t forget the brothers of the cosine. Continue reading
Posted in Life, Misc, Philosophy, Social commentary
4 Comments
An open letter to Zipcar: Your ad campaign lacks balls
Dear Zipcar, as you know, I have been a happy member for years. The concept simply makes a lot of sense, so please make every effort to get the word out. I know you believe your marketing to be edgy. You … Continue reading
Posted in Misc
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What you should do
It actually doesn’t happen that infrequently that students seek me out for advice on this very question – what should they do with their life? I’m usually happy to oblige, but there is now sufficient data (including long term feedback), … Continue reading
Posted in Life, Optimization, Psychology
4 Comments
Coming to the US of A – 10 years on
I find it hard to believe, but ten years ago today, I arrived in the US for the very first time. I find it worth reflecting on this – personally quite meaningful and memorable – anniversary. And I do remember … Continue reading
Posted in In eigener Sache, Life
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Gas warfare: Could it be Inulin?
The fact that fiber aids in digestive health, heart health, and regulates blood sugar levels, to say nothing of potential benefits for weight control are becoming increasingly well known in the general public. In addition, these benefits are extremely well … Continue reading
Posted in Nutrition, Optimization
150 Comments
Science and the Zodiac – a brief introduction to an epistemological placebo
It is somewhat of a cheap shot for a scientist to come down harshly on astrology. As a matter of fact, it is probably the lowest hanging fruit there is. Nevertheless, the undying popularity of astrology in general and horoscopes … Continue reading
Posted in Psychology, Science
8 Comments
Eponyms are stifling scientific progress.
An eponym is something that is named after a particular person. I would like to put forward a radical assertion: The habit of naming an idea or principle in honor of its purported discoverer or developer is holding Science back. Therefore, eponyms have … Continue reading
Posted in Pet peeve, Science
3 Comments
In eigener Sache: The attractor structure of logarithmic iterations in the complex plane
I decided to post my explorations in empirical mathematics on arXiv. This was done in the same spirit as the work that led to the Eagleman prize back in 2006. At some point, I will have to prettify the plots … Continue reading
Posted in In eigener Sache, Matlab, Science
1 Comment
Meditations on the proper handling of pigs
Popular wisdom is not short on advice on how to handle pigs. This goes back to at least biblical times, which counseled that one should Neither cast ye your pearls before swine. Matthew, 7:6. The point here is that the … Continue reading →