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profcoutts.bsky.social
@profcoutts.bsky.social
80 followers 33 following 9 posts
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profcoutts.bsky.social
Great discussion!
Now can anyone complete this sentence:
Alien to Earthling: “I can’t believe that you guys didn’t even realise that…”
startswithabang.bsky.social Ethan Siegel @startswithabang.bsky.social · Oct 29
Why aliens might not “speak physics” the same way we do

If an alien species achieved interstellar communication or even interstellar travel, can we assume they've developed the same laws of physics as us?

Maybe not, and here's why.
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#physics #aliens #space #nature
Why aliens might not "speak physics" the same way we do
Physicist Daniel Whiteson challenges the notion that all intelligent species would eventually uncover the same laws of nature. Do you agree?
bigthink.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:25 PM
profcoutts.bsky.social
youtube.com/watch?v=OTTi...
The Hitch is back! Awesome use of AI.
Trump's UN Speech Went Full DEMENTIA! - ft. Christopher Hitchens
YouTube video by Christopher Hitchens Resurrected
youtube.com
September 28, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Reposted
barackobama.bsky.social
In a moment like this, when tensions are high, part of the job of the president is to remind us of the ties that bind us together.
September 20, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Reposted
eurekaprizes.bsky.social
🏆 Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen @arccoesb.bsky.social is awarded the Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science. #EurekaPrizes

Learn more: youtu.be/NeQn8TR9GYk
September 3, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Reposted
eurekaprizes.bsky.social
🏆 Dr @drvanessapirotta.bsky.social is awarded the Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science. #EurekaPrizes

Learn more: youtu.be/vw0iFeij1tY
September 3, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Reposted
eurekaprizes.bsky.social
🏆 @livingseawalls.bsky.social is awarded the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Eureka Prize for Environmental Research: youtu.be/l76BDpJ7HU4

#EurekaPrizes @sims-australia.bsky.social @melaniejbishop.bsky.social @cariocamayer.bsky.social @marialvozzo.bsky.social
September 3, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Reposted
eurekaprizes.bsky.social
🏆 The Fission Chips Team from Macquarie University is awarded the @ansto.bsky.social‬ Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology. #EurekaPrizes

Learn more: youtu.be/6yf27LdQkhw
September 3, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Reposted
eurekaprizes.bsky.social
🏆 Dr Kamal Kant Gupta and Dr Jafar Shojaii are awarded the Department of Defence Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia. #EurekaPrizes

Learn more: youtu.be/vuiDwHJ2AB4
September 3, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Reposted
arc-tracker.bsky.social
The ARC has “announced” an update on the proposed changes to its grant schemes.

Key changes, in response to “nearly 350” submissions” (!) on their proposal, are 👇

More here: www.arc.gov.au/news-publica...
Black text on white background. Screenshot from ARC webpage updating us on changes, in response to community feedback, to their proposed modification to their grants system. This screenshot shows the main changes, listed on that webpage.
July 14, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Reposted
benjaminpope.bsky.social
Macquarie has put out the call for fully-funded PhD applications in all areas of astronomy, to start January 2026: aas.org/jobregister/...

Applications due 2 July to astrohdrinfo@mq.edu.au. International scholarships will be competitive, typically expecting publication and/or excellent GPA.
PhD & Masters of Research Scholarships in Astrophysics | American Astronomical Society
Macquarie University is seeking outstanding candidates for PhD and Masters of Research scholarships commencing between January and June 2026.
aas.org
June 5, 2025 at 1:10 PM
profcoutts.bsky.social
youtube.com/watch?v=Ix4n...
Another one that I wish everyone would watch and reflect on.
Why the Most Foolish People End Up in Power – Machiavelli Knew This
YouTube video by Philosophy Coded
youtube.com
April 27, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Reposted
startswithabang.bsky.social
Have you ever lamented that people just aren't scientifically literate?

It's true, but probably not for the reasons you've been taught. Here's what science literacy actually looks like, and why we need it now more than ever.

www.firstprinciples.org/article/why-...
Why science literacy could be the most important skill you never learned
In an era of misinformation, understanding science is essential for informed decision-making. True scientific literacy goes beyond reading or quick online searches—it empowers individuals to think cri...
www.firstprinciples.org
April 15, 2025 at 5:15 PM
profcoutts.bsky.social
youtube.com/watch?v=vK6f...
I wish everyone would understand this:
History Professor Answers Dictator Questions | Tech Support | WIRED
YouTube video by WIRED
youtube.com
April 6, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Reposted
johnmdudley.bsky.social
Bad news from the US with the closure of atomic spectroscopy at NIST !!
tristancren.bsky.social Tristan Cren @tristancren.bsky.social · Mar 20
Latest news on the U.S. Federal Government's reorganization plan: the end of atomic spectroscopy at NIST, marking the end of a 120-year legacy...
Over the last 120 years, atomic and plasma spectroscopy was one of the most successful and visible directions of research at NIST. As a matter of fact, the very first scientific paper from the National Bureau of Standards (original NIST's name) back in 1904 was on spectra of mixed gases. Since then, the critically evaluated datasets and databases provided unique benchmarks to researchers across numerous fields of science and industry -- astronomy and astrophysics, medicine and Martian geology, lithography and nonproliferation. The advanced collisional-radiative codes allowed fast and accurate calculations of light emission from the hot matter of magnetic and inertial confinement fusion, laser-produced plasmas, solar corona, industrial plasmas. The precise measurements of spectra from neutral atoms to extremely charged ions helped discover many new exoplanets, accurately measure nuclear radii, develop new powerful diagnostic techniques. Unfortunately, the story of atomic spectroscopy at NIST is coming to an end. We were recently informed that unless there is a major change in the Federal Government reorganization plans, the whole Atomic Spectroscopy Group will be laid off in a few weeks, in particular, since our work is not considered to be statutorily essential for the NIST mission. In anticipation of this likely outcome, our primary goal at this moment is to preserve as much of the accumulated scientific knowledge as possible. We are currently discussing mirroring our atomic spectroscopy databases and online tools at other institutions and/or universities so that they will not become a slowly dying burden but rather continue to evolve and improve. Obviously, the most painful side of this development is the layoff of our extraordinary scientific and technical staff. Some of us plan to retire, others will hit the job market.
March 20, 2025 at 1:55 PM
profcoutts.bsky.social
youtube.com/watch?v=_g5V...
Keeping them honest.
IN FULL: Simon Holmes à Court's Address to the National Press Club of Australia
YouTube video by National Press Club of Australia
youtube.com
March 12, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Reposted
davidfrum.bsky.social
No blinking. No looking away. www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
At Least Now We Know the Truth
It’s ugly, but necessary to face.
www.theatlantic.com
March 1, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Reposted
benjaminpope.bsky.social
The Macquarie University Lighthouse Fellowship is one of the only non-ARC prize fellowships in Australia, competitive and generous: 3-4 years with AUD $109,272 salary and $50k research expenses.

Applicants require a sponsor at MQ - get in touch with me about planets, stars, or stats!
Macquarie University Lighthouse Fellowships
The scheme provides an incubation period for early career researchers to increase their competitive edge in securing non-University sources of funding.
www.mq.edu.au
February 13, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Reposted
meidastouch.com
Pete Buttigieg responds to Trump:
January 30, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Reposted
bnonews.com
BREAKING: Debris seen over the Caribbean after SpaceX's Starship explodes during test flight
January 16, 2025 at 11:08 PM