2010

Steve Landsburg poses a mathematical puzzle about population sex ratios, asking readers to determine the expected percentage of females in a population with a specific family planning approach. via The Big Questions: Tackling the Problems of Philosophy with Ideas from Mathematics, Economics, and Physics

The website whatilearnd.com is currently available for purchase.

Jonah Lehrer's article, "The Truth Wears Off," explores the concerning trend of scientists struggling to replicate experimental results, particularly in medicine. via ThinkMarkets.

Research from Eric Hanushek, highlighted by Greg Mankiw, finds that teachers exceeding average effectiveness could generate over $400,000 in present value of their students' future earnings.

via Greg Mankiw's Blog

16 Ways to Avoid Getting Caught Reading at Work offers lists of creative and funny methods to sneak in some reading time.

Spike Activity from Mind Hacks offers a collection of links on neuroscience and psychology, spanning topics from internet behavior to the death penalty. via Mind Hacks

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