Shri 419: the Nigerian scam

Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code has given us a lively term for cheaters - the "420". If however, you search for "419," you will find that this number refers to a section of the Criminal Code of Nigeria dealing with various types of advance-fee fraud. Why does this matter to you? Well, you've … Continue reading Shri 419: the Nigerian scam →

Monkeys can do math so let them solve the oily bamboo problem

A research article published this week in the prestigious scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences caught my attention. Two German scientists report that monkeys have the brain structure to learn and apply basic mathematical rules. Chartered accountants and theoretical physicists thought they were unique, but now this article shows that non-human monkeys … Continue reading Monkeys can do math so let them solve the oily bamboo problem →

Why your New Year’s resolution to lose weight will fail

Happy New Year. Welcome to the Tenties. Are you one of the gazillion people who resolved to lose weight this year? Well, you will fail and there is a scientific reason why you can't lose weight. Sure, there are a few lucky ones who will lose weight in 2010 and keep it off. Maybe you … Continue reading Why your New Year’s resolution to lose weight will fail →

Not all Nobel Prizes are equal

As this years Nobel Laureates collect their prizes, a post in The Great Beyond mentions that winners in future years might actually get less prize money. The Nature blog quotes a story in Reuters which states that the Nobel Foundation has taken a 20% hit in assets due to the global recession. On Twitter, Jason … Continue reading Not all Nobel Prizes are equal →