Facts of the Matter: Self-awareness is antidote to Dunning-Kruger effect
In our daily lives we often encounter people who confidently assert their knowledge on subjects they barely understand. Read more
Facts of the Matter
Richard Brill is a retired professor of science at Honolulu Community College. His column runs on the first and third Fridays of the month.
Facts of the Matter: We’re still learning how fast the universe is expanding
The universe is expanding. This was the great revelation of the 20th century, thanks to astronomer Edwin Hubble, whose work showed that galaxies are moving away from us, with more distant galaxies receding faster than nearby ones. Read more
Facts of the Matter: Schumann resonances are Earth’s silent pulse
The earth hums with a quiet, rhythmic beat somewhere between the heavens and the ground beneath our feet. It is an electromagnetic song, played in the vast space between Earth’s surface and the ionosphere. Read more
Facts of the Matter: Insects display emotions, indicating consciousness
Consciousness is one of the great mysteries of science. We know we have it — we think, feel and experience the world — but what about other creatures? Read more
Facts of the Matter: Protein folding might hold secrets to life itself
Proteins are fundamental to life. They are involved in virtually every process within our bodies, from catalyzing chemical reactions to defending against diseases. Read more
Facts of the Matter: Enzymes keep the body functioning efficiently
Life as we know it wouldn’t exist without enzymes. These tiny proteins, found in every living organism, are the catalysts that make nearly all the chemical reactions in our bodies possible. Read more
Facts of the Matter: Minuscule tardigrades show amazing resilience
Facts of the Matter: Snowball Earth hypothesis: A planet frozen in time
Facts of the Matter: Magnetars: Most powerful magnets in the universe
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Facts of the Matter: Anesthesia affects nerves and brain signal of patient
Facts of the Matter: Water’s ability to transform makes it a notable substance
Facts of the Matter: Quantum tunneling is key to technology, life on Earth
Facts of the Matter: Superconductivity: Behind the perfect conductor
Facts of the Matter: Pauli exclusion principle key to stability of matter
Facts of the Matter: There are many ways to tap brain’s web of information
Facts of the Matter: Researchers are solving mysteries of epigenetics
Facts of the Matter: The mysterious world of quantum smell challenges our conventional senses
Facts of the Matter: Hypothesis links language to our thought processes
Facts of the Matter: Longitude Prize instigated creation of navigation tools
Facts of the Matter: Siberian Traps provide pertinent lessons today
Facts of the Matter: Delving into quantum spin can lead to new technologies
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