About
What is Science In Real Life?
The short answer: Science in Real Life is a series of essays that attempt to illuminate the extraordinary science behind entirely ordinary phenomena.
The long answer: Science in Real Life is a candle in the darkness (to borrow from Carl Sagan). It is a telescope aimed at the heavens, it is a microscope focused on the invisible. It’s that pair of x-ray specs you always wanted to order from the back of the comic book, only these show you a glimpse at a whole new perspective, allow you a tantalizing peek at the structure and patterns underlying the entire Universe.
You see, most people are afraid of Science With A Capital S. It’s seen as a monolithic institution to which only a select few are granted access. And that’s the problem. Because science is indeed vast – the body of knowledge its various fields have amassed in just a few hundred years is awesome in the original sense of the word. To attempt to take it in all at once is impossible, unthinkable, a total non-starter. So how do scientists do it? It’s no big secret – you just have to learn it a little piece at a time. Small doses. And that’s what Science in Real Life is: Small doses of science that you can directly relate to things you experience every single day.
For now, Science in Real Life will focus on subjects that mostly fall under the subject of physics (see below), but I will be attempting to gradually extend into chemistry, biology, geology, and lots of other fun areas. Questions and suggested topics are always welcome! You can submit them via the Contact page.
The main Science In Real Life essays are posted on Monday mornings, to brighten the start of your week. Medium-sized Science Bites will show up irregularly throughout the week, and Science Facts of the Day will be posted on a (you guessed it) daily basis.
About Me
I am a 25 year old graduate student in physics at Tufts University, working towards a PhD in gravity/cosmology. I have a knack for strange metaphors, a penchant for punnery, and a belief that lists should have at least three items.
