Nature by Numbers

Nature by Numbers is a beautyful short (less than 4 minutes) film. Very well done...

Snake Oil?

Snake Oil? from the Information is Beautiful site is a cool interactive "balloon race" image showing "Scientific evidence for popular health supplements". The "SHOW ME" tab on the right allows you to filter the data slecting specific USES or TYPES of supplements.

Why does 0^0 = 1?

I really enjoy the Better Explained blog. Today at lunch I mentioned one entry Understanding Exponents (Why does 0^0 = 1?) that starts like this:

We’re taught that exponents are repeated multiplication. This is a good introduction, but it breaks down on 3^1.5 and the brain-twisting 0^0. How do you repeat zero zero times and get 1 — without melting your brain?

You can’t, not while exponents are repeated multiplication. Today our mental model is due for an upgrade.

I really enjoy the way the Better Explained blog tries to:

share hard-won “a ha!” moments in clear and simple language

The question was raised at lunch: "Is the Better Explained blog interesting to someone who does not have a math background?"

What do you think?

--Tom