Melvyn Bragg’s two recent programmes on the industrial revolution were entertaining, informative and thought-provoking.

Entertaining because Melvyn going full-tilt for one of his guests is always a pleasure, and Pat Hudson gave as good as she got. Was Britain, especially in the north, away from...

Sense about Science has replied to my querulous email (blogged here) asking about the possible effects of fermented foods on the immune system and about their different-premises use of the word “chemical”. I reproduce the relevant parts in full:

Our Celebrities and Science review is a light he...

I learned two things from Aaron Swartz’s 2010 Review of Books.

1. The guy can read.
2. I can make use of that; five books added to my wishlist.¹

OK, so that’s barely more than 4% of the stack he got through, but I’m not competing. And I should maybe try and do some more reviews myself, as a b...

I used to be a fully paid-up card-carrying skeptic, eager to confront and attempt to correct scientific silliness wherever it raised its muddled head. I conferred, I debated, I pointed and counterpointed, null hypothesized and t-tested, and all to no avail. Now I generally save my breath to cool m...

Catching up with my electronic “life” after a period of enforced non-connection used to worry me. Had I avoided infection by the latest viral fancy? Did one of my favourite sites feature something incredible, something I just had to share? What if someone had posted something really interesting to t...