Matt Alldian

Robin Hanson's blog post "How Hopeless A PhD?" analyzes whether an article titled "The disposable academic" would influence one's estimation of becoming a professor. Read the full post here.

via Overcoming Bias.

This article challenges the universality of social science findings, arguing that oversampling from "WEIRD" (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) societies skews results. via Freakonomics

A loaded handgun was accidentally brought through TSA security at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston when a passenger says he forgot it was in his computer bag. via The source of this content is Consumerist.

WIRED offers the latest news and insights on technology, science, culture, and business. via WIRED

Bryan Caplan argues that open borders are a vital part of free markets and human liberty.

Jason Kottke shares a link to The Big Picture's selection of the best photos from 2010, presented in three parts.

via kottke.org

A Ukrainian firm called "Kind Fairy" is offering rentable drinking buddies for €14. via The source of this content is Marginal Revolution.

Dan Kaminsky created an iPhone/Android app that corrects for color blindness in anomalous trichromats. via kottke.org

Bethany McLean's "The Bank Job" examines the gap between how Goldman Sachs views itself and its public perception. via Longform

Robin Hanson's blog post questions why we admire fictional characters who enjoy stories, suggesting that if we find inspiration in narratives, our heroes should logically do the same.

via Overcoming Bias.

Alex Tabarrok of Marginal Revolution discusses the ethics of random clinical trials, citing a New York City housing program that drew criticism.

Doctors believe a Berlin man has been cured of HIV following a stem cell transplant in 2007 in which the donor's cells had a genetic mutation resistant to HIV infection. via kottke.org