MUSE Magazine February 2025. Science is about pushing at the boundaries of our knowledge. That’s why research doesn’t always go according to plan. Learn about some failures and their upsides—not just in science, but also in tech, math, education, art, and food!
Science isn’t always black and white. Data can be misleading, and even meticulous studies might lead scientists to the wrong conclusions. For instance, smaller class sizes are better for students, right? In practice, it’s not necessarily that simple. Find out what happens when good science goes bad—and how to use repeated trials to avoid leaping to conclusions!
From media mistakes to artificial art, see how errors, inaccuracies, and spurious correlations sometimes help to create a better world. Even some of your favorite foods, like chocolate chip cookies and popsicles, were created by mistake! Meet a real scientist whose blog has encouraged other STEM professionals to open up about their own mistakes and rarely-shared experiences with the scientific process. Plus, see if you can spot the fake newspaper “corrections,” try to conduct the perfect experiment, and more! This issue of MUSE will change your perspective on science—and that’s no mistake!
Enjoy features including:
· “When Good Science Goes Bad” by Jennifer Stephan
· “Can You Repeat That?” by Alice Andre-Clark
· “Flawed Genius” by Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan
· “Art Alert” by Galadriel Watson
Regular features include Parallel U, Muse Mail, Muse News, Science @ Work, Art Space, History Files, Do the Math, Your Tech, Q&A, Hands On, Contest, and Last Slice.
