Science Saturday: why FTL neutrinos are still a good thing

If you are a loyal reader of my Science Saturday posts, you've no doubt seen me mention faster-than-light neutrinos a few times. For those unfamiliar with the story, let me catch you up to speed (har har): in September 2011, the OPERA group from the CERN particle accelerator in Italy announced some interesting findings. Their data suggested that they had detected neutrinos traveling faster than the speed of light - a sensational observation that, if true, opposed Einstein's theory of special relativity. (For more info, check out the fabulous guest post Jason wrote back in November. In it he explains more about the experiment and elementary particles in general - I highly recommend you check it out!)

When the FTL neutrino results were released they were immediately controversial. Some scientists involved in the experiment refused to associate their names with the work, as they were certain that the phenomenon would in time be explained by experimental error. Even the scientists who released the experiment did so with a message of caution, saying that these results still needed to be repeated and explored more fully before even thinking of revising Einstein's theories. In February, the OPERA group announced that they had found a possible explanation for the faster-than-light recordings: a loose optical cable that caused a clock on one of their detectors to malfunction. And then, a few weeks ago, the ICARUS group (OPERA's counterpart) repeated the original experiment and found neutrinos traveling at exactly the speed of light (if not a bit slower). And then yesterday, the scientist heading up the neutrino project resigned following a vote of no-confidence by the OPERA team. It seems that this is the final nail in the coffin for the FTL neutrino story.

There has been quite a bit of backlash amongst the science community/blogosphere about this, saying things like: the scientists should have waited to more fully test their findings before releasing them to the public; the media blew the findings out of proportion; etc. In the comments section of one article I saw many people saying that this fiasco was an embarrassment to science and that all the scientists involved should be fired!

I have to disagree. I don't think anything about this was bad. I can understand why some are arguing the results should have been more fully vetted before being released, but I don't agree. The world is more connected than ever before. We now live in a society were exciting scientific results can be discussed and analyzed in real time. Part of what made FTL neutrinos so exciting was watching the story unfold. By releasing their data when they did, the OPERA group allowed the whole world to be witness to the scientific process. After all, scientists are just people. They make mistakes. In fact, science could well be described as a perpetual cycle of uncovering mistakes, even as you make more of them. Experiments are bound to fail. That is the point of experimentation. If we already knew the outcome, there would be no point in testing our theories. Because we are human, our testing is inherently flawed. Even the most perfect-seeming result must be checked and rechecked before drawing conclusions. If in rechecking our results we find they are actually false, this doesn't mean we have failed as scientists. We've succeeded. We learned more about the universe, albeit by a different route than we intended.

Aside from teaching the general public about the realities of science, the FTL neutrino story had another benefit: it got scientist and non-scientists together and talking about physics, and elementary particles, and how the universe works. Personally, I found the entire experience exciting, even if it turned out to be false. It was exciting to imagine being a part of such a radical step forward in our understanding of physics. I often find myself wishing I was alive in earlier times when dramatic discoveries were happening: imagine being around when Einstein was alive, or when the structure of DNA was discovered, or when electricity was invented. These were huge advances in science that changed everything - how thrilling it must have been to witness that!

For a moment, the FTL neutrino story got us thinking about what humanity's next advances could be like. Even though these results turned out to be in error, I still think the research at CERN is going to yield some incredible discoveries in our lifetime. And that's exciting.

A pharmer's clothes: March 27, 2012

These pictures are from last week when the cherry blossoms were in peak bloom. I braved the masses and drove (!) to the mall to see the blossoms. I've missed them every other year I've been here and I was determined to see them this year. It was a total pain in the butt dealing with traffic and parking, but I'm glad I did it because I definitely wouldn't have had any other opportunity to see them this year. It was crazy gorgeous. These pictures really don't do it justice. And it was the perfect place to take outfit photos in public. No one batted an eye at my tripod - I was just one of many! Pretty awesome. I wish I had the chance to check out the blossoms with Jason though. I saw lots of couples sitting under the trees having picnics. Hard to imagine something more romantic then watching the sunset over the Potomac while sitting under the cherry blossoms.

(( shirt: Anthropologie / skirt: Madewell / shoes: DIY ))

I couldn't help but wear my DIY loafers again. I just want to wear them with everything. Black loafers with hearts/brains go with everything. Truth. The puffy paint has completely held up - they still look perfect, and I've already walked a few miles in them. This was seriously the easiest DIY ever, so I'm stoked that they are holding up so well. Can't ask for more than that, right??

A pharmer's clothes: March 20, 2012

How awesome are my shoes?? Is it horribly conceded to say that since I made them? Meh, oh well. I've been lusting over a pair of needlepoint loafers for a good year (see 1, 2, or 3). I couldn't find anything under $100, so I decided to try to make them myself. At first I was planning on doing actual needlepoint, but the problem with that is: 1) takes a long time, and 2) I don't know how to needlepoint. Also I was worried about the knots and whatnot on the underside of the needlepoint rubbing against my toes and being super uncomfortable. Then I saw this DIY on PS- I Made This for kitty loafers where she used puffy paint to replicate the look of embroidery. A-ha!! I can handle putting puffy paint on shoes. And thus my project was born. I was planning on doing at DIY post for them, but I literally just painted them with puffy paint, so it seems a bit obvious (but if anyone is interested I'll gladly put it up!) I've only worn them for these pictures so I don't know how they'll hold up. I've been walking to and from school everyday, which totals 3+ miles, so I've been worried about wearing them to lab. The puffy paint is pretty flexible though so I think it will be fine. And if any parts fall off I have plenty of paint left over to repair them...so I suppose I should get over my fear of ruining them and take them for a proper test drive.

I've had a serious crafting itch recently. I have about five projects that I'm dying to do. Of course, I'm much better at planning these things than actually executing them so who knows. I'm definitely going to do a test run of one project tonight. I've very excited about the idea and I hope it turns out well...if so look out for a real DIY post soon!

(( sweater: H&M / dress and hat: UO / necklace: Forever21 / shoes: DIY ))

I just can't resist the appeal of a goofy picture. Jason was kind enough to take to be my photag for this outfit, and I can't help but be silly when he's around. It's either be silly or "omg I am a super serious model." Yep, we all know which one I prefer!

I'm digging how these pictures came out. The combination of the light and the flowering trees makes it feel very springy. I can't remember ever being this excited for spring, which is odd since we didn't really even have winter. Spring here is just so gorgeous! Apparently the cherry blossoms are in peak bloom right now and I'm dying to see them. I've missed them the past two years, but this year I'm determined. Jason has class tonight and I have the night off from tutoring, so I think I'm going to spend my alone time walking over to the tidal basin to check them out. Seems like the perfect activity for the first day of spring (assuming the weather cooperates - it rained pretty hard this morning.  I hope the blossoms are still okay!) 

Science Saturday

The weather outside is amazing. All I want to do is frolic about in the sunshine. So the big science post I've been planning will have to wait. Instead, here'a round up of some of the awesome science I saw on the interwebs this week.

For starters, if you are into science at all I'm sure you heard the news that the possible faster-than-light neutrinos have been disproven. Researchers at the ICARUS detector in Italy have failed to reproduce the fast neutrinos reported from the CERN group. Looks like warp technology is still just science fiction.

Jason showed me this article from Scientific American explaining a study that shows that sexually frustrated male flies drink away their sorrows. Male flies were paired with willing females, previously mated (and therefore unwilling) females, or dead females. Then they were offered normal food or food laced with ethanol. Male flies that didn't get their freak on drank significantly more ethanol. They also had elevated levels of NPF - a molecule in the brain that is associated with pleasure. Not only is this research kind of hilarious, but it's also fascinating because it shows that getting pleasure out of a few beers is a biological mechanism preserved from drosophilia to homo sapiens. (PS Jason said when he saw the article started with an Ani DiFranco quote that he knew he had to share it with me ASAP. He knows me so well :)   )

I will always have a soft spot for science art, bonus points for molecule art. So it's no surprise that I'm totally digging these prints from artist Daniel Seex (in other news, I'm really craving a good cup of coffee...)  





I can't decide if this is weird or cool, but a Japanese company has come out with a pair of "ears" that move based on your brain patterns. When you are excited the ears perk up, and when you are relaxed they relax too. (via Scientific American).

Finally, in celebration you absolutely must watch this video that combines beer and science, and therefore is the most amazing thing ever:



Happy St Patty's Day!!

A pharmer's clothes: March 16, 2012

 

(( shirt: thrifted / skirt and sunnies: ModCloth / necklace: UO / shoes: Minnetonka / bag: DIY ))

You may recognize this skirt from my Friday Favorites a few weeks ago. Yep, I bought it. I'm so happy that I did - it was relatively affordable and I know I will wear it all the time. Fun skirts like this are the perfect compliment to my vast t-shirt collection. For its debut I opted to pair it with this button-up I snagged while thrifting a few months back. I have been told that this shirt is "awful," but it's actually one of my favs. It is perfectly broken-in and slouchy, and I love the little crest on the pocket. It makes me comfy and happy. So even if it is not the elegant garment in the world, I don't really mind.

 

Ahh, my trusty graffiti wall. I'm happy that the taggers have started covering up this area again. It made me a bit angry when the city painted over everything. For one thing, this is underneath a road, so really who cares? Also, I think the contrast between the graffiti and the river is really pretty. It's a good example of the beauty of DC in general - urban with gorgeous buildings, but also surrounded by incredibly lush woods and nature. What do you think? Can graffiti be art, or is it always a blemish?

 

A pharmer's clothes: March 13, 2012

I'm a Colorado girl at heart, there's no doubt about that. I love mountains and dry air and snow. But there are a few things about DC that have really won my heart. Spring is one of them. Spring here is so long and there are so many flowers! Daffodils, one of my favorites, are all over the place and especially common in the medians in highways (weird, right?? But it does make driving much more enjoyable). Jason and I took these pictures on Sunday in one of said highway medians. With a huge field of daffodils and a beautiful view of DC overlooking the Potomac, this might be the prettiest highway ever.

(( dress and necklace: ModCloth / tights: Target / shoes: Minnetonka ))

I really love these pictures. Daffodils make me so happy. They are happy, bright, and springy, and one of the first flowers to come up. They just make me smile.

A pharmer's clothes: March 8, 2012

(( shirts: H&M / jeans: Paige Denim / purse: awesome (which means it is obviously from Target) / necklace: Forever21 ))

Jason is snickering at everything I try to write. Apparently starting my blog post with "I love stripes" is hi-larious. He recommended starting with "this is what Beetlejuice would look like if he was a sexy lady." Awww (?)

Honestly though, I do love stripes (even if they make me look like a cartoon). Paired with converse and a funky necklace, this is pretty much my favorite outfit. Easy and comfy. What else can you ask for?

It's almost Friday! Woo hoo!! This week has been weird, but not in a bad way. It's gone by very quickly, and while I felt busy the whole time, looking back I feel like I didn't get much accomplished. I hate when that happens. Lab has been good this week though - maybe, just maybe, I had an experiment work on the first try. No, no. That is too good to be true, right??

A pharmer's clothes: March 7, 2012

Secret superhero?

I'm still totally in love with my hair cut. I don't know what this woman did. She managed to cut some sort of witchcraft into my hair. It is way curlier and looks equally awesome the day after washing it. I think she secretly gave me different hair. It's awesome. In honor of my new mane, I tried to let my bangs go curly. I think my bangs are a bit too short to really rock this look, but I like the idea. Maybe in the summer I will grow them out and just have a big, curly mess of hair!

(( dress: Jason Wu for Target / jacket and broach: thrifted / shoes: Minnetonka / neckalce: Made With Molecules ))

I got this denim jacket a few months ago on a thrifting trip with Gina, Katie, and Mackenzie. It was on sale too, so I think it was a whopping $5 or so. Can't beat that! Only downside is it doesn't have pockets (pockets make everything better, this is a well known fact) and I absolutely cannot wear it without a broach (I'm blaming Nicole from Coco Maria for this one - she always has the cutest broaches and pins!) Obviously all my broaches have cats on them.

Put a cat on it!

If you couldn't tell, it was wicked windy while taking these photos. This lead to many silly outtakes, including this one, which I actually kind of like. When Jason takes my photos it is so much more fun! There are always a bunch with me laughing hysterically. I don't usually include them because you don't often see "fashion bloggers" laughing with crinkly noses and eyes so squinty they are invisible, but I think there should be more! More silly photos, less "be a super serious model" photos. Who's with me?!

Drowning in a sea of dresses

(This is a bit embarrassing.)

My closet is a complete mess. Living in a tiny apartment, Jason and I have to share a closet. Our closet is decently sized (for a one bedroom apartment), but it needs to fit all our clothes as well serve as storage for other various things (our apartment has a total of two closets! A coat closet and our bedroom closet. No linen closet, no pantry - not even a medicine cabinet! Le sigh...) With my growing addiction to shopping, I officially have more clothes than I know how to fit in there (blogging, I'm blaming you for this one). Right now I have all my pants and sweaters on hangers and all my dresses "folded" on a shelf above them, and all my shirts, skirts, etc are in a dresser that is also packed to the brim. When I only had half a dozen dresses this worked fine, but now that I have substantially more this "organization" system just isn't cutting it. I've completely given up on folding anything and pretty much throw all my dress in a pile on top of a shelf. Not pretty and not organized! Only thing is I can't think of a good way to organize things - I could start hanging all my dresses, but I would have to fold all my dresses in half first and hang them like slacks since my side of the closet is divided by a shelf.

I don't know what I'm thinking, but I'm going to include a picture. Please don't judge me, okay? I didn't try to tidy or anything before taking this picture...this is honestly what my closet looks like.

Friday Favorites

Yee haw, it's Friday!!! I'm overly excited for this weekend, during which I plan to do nothing more stimulating that cook, clean, and play video games. Mmmm delicious relaxation. To wrap up the week, here are a few of the coolest things I stumbled upon during my the entirely excessive amount of time I spent on the internet this past week: 

I'm lusting hard over the Girlfriend Power skirt from ModCloth. It caught my eye a few weeks ago during the cabin fever sale, but I decided to get a dress instead. But after seeing it on both Loren and Virginie this week I'm fully smitten. I can start that spending diet after this one little purchase, right??

How adorable and creative are these photos by Diana from Dressed Up Alligators? Also, this is the first instance of me being okay with this whole printed pants trend. Never would have thought to combine them with sleek pumps, a blazer, and a hoodie. Who would have guessed that would be the way to avoid looking like frumpsville.

Photo credit: Sarah Phipps

Photo of women protesting a "life begins at conception"-type bill in Oklahoma. Amazing things about this photo: first, that sign is hilarious. Second, the woman holding it is Senator Judy Eason McIntyre from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Love seeing a politician out protesting!

Go check out my girl thursday, who is hosing the best blog giveaway ever. Literally.

Star from A Though is the Blossom looks gorgeous in her thrifted shirt & skirt. Why can't I ever find anything this awesome when I go thrifting? Also, I saw those boots for sale at Target but passed them up #regret

Photo credit: Patrick Honan/Nick Carlile 

Don't be scared off by this (not so little) guy. This NPR story about the Lord Howe Island walking stick bug is amazing and totally worth a read. In short, the walking sticks, which lived only on a small island off the coast of Australia, went extinct when rats were introduced on the island in the 1920s. But recently, a a few of the walking sticks were found on a super isolated rock island in the middle of the ocean. There were only 24 of the insects, and they were all living on one bush!! Now the Melbourne Zoo has started a succesful captive breeding program of the little guys and is thinking about reintroducing them in the wild. Seriously, go read the story. It's amazing!

PS Had to add this blog post from the #IAmScience project. It made me cry a bit. Teaching is awesome.