…is ruled to be in violation of science for not having more people die.
Category Archives: Science And Society
Scientists
Why they sometimes change their minds and disagree.
Part of the problem here is that “science says” has been used as a political bludgeon for too long, particularly with regard to climate.
Epidemiological Models
The real problem with the goes beyond bad code (as is the case with climate).
Superspreading
What causes some to transmit the disease more than others?
[Update a few minutes later]
The immune system may have a unique response to the coronavirus (also an interesting description of how viruses work).
Higher Ed
Some good ideas about how to reform colleges and universities going forward. It’s a shame that it took all this economic destruction to make it happen, but it will be a good outcome.
Hacksawing The Economy
How the lock downs are in the tradition of Civil War surgeons.
[Late-afternoon update]
Sorry! The missing link has been found.
Understanding The Virus
A new algorithm may reveal who is susceptible, and for whom vaccines may not be effective. What we’ve been lacking all this time is this kind of knowledge.
It’s About Time
If this is true, it means that all restrictions about being outside are counterproductive, in that people aren’t getting enough vitamin D, which is apparently prophylactic. You know, like Adolf Whitmer’s dictate that you can be in a boat as long as it doesn’t have a motor, or being able to surf but not swim. It probably also means that sporting events are safe if not in enclosed environments. If it takes more than two hours or so, movie theaters are probably OK as well, and so are restaurants.
The cases of prolonged exposure we’re seeing are nursing homes (thanks, Andy and governor of Pennsylvania!) and factories, particularly meat packing, where people are at close quarters for long periods of time.
[Update a few minutes later]
This also explains high rates of infection aboard naval vessels, but because sailors tend to be young and healthy, also why most haven’t gotten sick. It also means that it was dumb of NASA to restrict viewing at the Cape of the upcoming crew launch next week. It’s probably perfectly safe to gather on the beaches and causeway.
Why Hospitals Are In Trouble
The current conventional wisdom is that they’re hurting because of the ban on “elective” procedures, but it turns out that most admissions are caused by the entertainment industry (restaurants and bars). Shut down all the purveyors of alcohol and food poisoning, and the beds are empty.
Patricia cut my hair last weekend with a Wahl electric clipper that I’d bought for ten bucks at Ross years ago, but we’d never used. She overdid it, and I look like I’m ready for boot camp, but she’d probably do better with practice and learning how to use it. I’ve heard Jesse Watters describe how his wife had learned to cook, and now I’m wondering how many of us will go back to paying other people to cut our hair and cook for us, now that we’ve figured out we can actually do it ourselves? Of course, I’ve never been a big restaurant goer, for reasons I’ve discussed several times here: the cost, and the nutrition. I’ve probably been affected by this as little as anyone.
A Quieting Sun
Are we headed for a new little ice age? There is no scientific reason to think it won’t happen.
Cheap energy and free markets fuel wealth creation. Fossil fuels are the cheapest form of energy currently, for both electricity and transportation.