Lots of computer geeks here, any science geeks around?

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I like science.

I have been trying to think of a way to do this without putting any extra demands on anyone. I thought like a college journal club, someone could put forth something that interests them and provide some links to background. Then we could discuss it the following week. I am not sure if that would generate any interest, especially if the topics get esoteric.

I think we would be better off having some sort of in-depth discussion and criticism group of Hot News in science, especially autism-related research, that could discuss big events as they happen. That way we could help educate others and ourselves. It seems like a lot of autism research just isn't good science, and people without background might be easily manipulated by results saying something is fact that isn't necessarily true. We could provide a service to the community without delving too far into the politicization of autism. I think we would be less likely to exclude people that love science, but wouldn't want to contribute due to a lack of expertise. What do you think?

I also think ruveyn should start a mathematical discussion. I think if you provided a question that was more real world and asked people to solve it, it could be a lot of fun. Stuff like probabilities and the old "story problems" of a train leaving a station could be a good brain teaser for people.

Someone should do that job.

ruveyn

Physics geek here.

I suck at math, but physical science like chemistry and physics fascinate me. I also dabbled in biology.

Hmmm, I have a MSc in biotechnology and PhD in genetics so I think I might qualify.

I will open with the Collatz Conjecture. Why do you suppose it is harder to deal with than Fermat's Last (so-called) Theorem which was finally put to rest by Wiles back in 1993.

ruveyn

Because there isn't a very clear way to begin the problem. What tools do you use to systematically analyze the general case of the Collatz Conjecture?

And actually, I highly doubt the Collatz Conjecture is harder than Fermat's Last Theorem. FLT was a much better-known open question and attracted the attention of far more top mathematicians than the Collatz Conjecture, which isn't much more than a curiosity. FLT was also around for hundreds of years before it was resolved; Collatz Conjecture was only proposed in the 1930s. Give it some time.

Paul Erdos said of the Collatz Problem: Mathematics is not yet ready for such problems.

ruveyn

Science was one of my preferred subjects at school,mainly astronomy and astrophysics is the one I stand out with.

Sure.
Go for it.

I've really been into computers Physics, Biological Physics, and Chemistry. I wouldn't call myself a geek though. Just an idiot.

I'm a math geek. I absolutlly love the subject. My faviorite area of it is Abstract Algebra

Then you should enjoy hypercomplex numbers and Clifford Algebras.

ruveyn

I am crazy about Astronomy. I am also very interested in the prospect of high-speed travel (approaching the speed of light, and what happens to space/time relative to something moving that quickly).

Here is a new exciting find:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJXSSYyIVqw

Gliese-581 seems to be another Earthlike Planet, but about three times as big! Apparently they lost it, but it was detected! Isn't that amazing?

I'm into experimenting with Sodium metal and am closing in on a chemistry problem I am working on.