Doctor Stu's Blog
Science
What’s the best month to be born?
It’s nice to feel special. Astrologers would say your birth month dictates your personality, temperament and chances of future success. Clearly, that’s a load of tosh and designed to make us feel special. However, my wife’s recent remark that ‘all the best people are born in June’ got me thinking. True, she does share her … Continue reading
Why is the Universe is Expanding and Accelerating? Here’s my pet theory… (by a non-physicist)
Scientists don’t normally make much money. But Nobel Prize winners Perlmutter, Riess and Schmidt don’t need worry about being short of cash anymore. They can forget eating instant noodles and cobbling together loose change to keep the electricity meter running. Winning the highest accolade in science is more than luck. It wasn’t their lucky stars … Continue reading
“Don’t Blame Me Officer! I was Sleep-Driving…”
In a world of silly excuses for lousy driving, this just about tops the list. ‘Sleep Driving’ isn’t about getting pulled over for driving your Ford Capri drunk. Nor is it taking to the road in a sleep-deprived haze. As improbable as it sounds, ‘sleep driving’ is navigating your gasoline-powered auto whilst completely away-with-the-fairies asleep. … Continue reading
The Mystery of the Meat Sweat!
Another meal, another medical mystery… As I savoured the dying moments of the summer bank holiday, I was relishing the last few mouthfuls of a marvellous and hearty meaty meal. Then as the sun started to set, that dreaded line finally came: “Hey, I’ve got a question for your blog!” Now something of a running … Continue reading
Is being Self-Employed good for your Health?
Working for yourself will make you happier, more satisfied and more productive. These are the surprising conclusions of over two decades of life-satisfaction research – Which is rather odd; considering that being your own boss means no health insurance, no pension and no end of the month office party (!!) With increasing pressure on salaried … Continue reading
The Science of Rioting – Is there a reason for the Violence? Is there a Solution?
The streets of major British cities descended into chaos last night. Again. Angry stick-weilding, BMX-riding hooded teenagers went on the rampage. Breaking, burning and looting for no apparent reason – the police largely impotent to halt to the anarchy. It’s been a long time since the UK has seen anything like this. Just what triggered … Continue reading
Time to Change how we view ‘Nuclear Power’
This article was recently featured in the Tampa Tribune Newspaper – a discussion with experts about alternative nuclear power. Enjoy! We are in an increasingly energy-hungry world. As we sit enjoying breakfast in well-lit, air conditioned homes, Nigeria is crippled by power outages. The most rapidly developing African nation is blighted by near-continuous black-outs. At … Continue reading
“Your Science Reporting Truly Sucks…” – The Editor’s ‘Apology’
It’s not just tabloids that are having their pants pulled down at the moment. Medical journals are too. A few weeks the BJGP – Europe’s leading general practice journal – heralded apparently ground-breaking research on the benefits of acupuncture. On closer inspection, the research was poorly constructed, drew dubious conclusions and biased in extremis. I … Continue reading
Obama cracks a joke to the Atlantis Shuttle Crew – So why wasn’t it funny?
In space, no one can hear the tumble-weed. Obama: “I was just dialing out for pizza, and I didn’t expect to end up in space…” Recently, the US President took some time out from his busy schedule to make a surprise phone call to the Space Shuttle Atlantis crew. Clearly in need of some light-hearted … Continue reading
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