23
submitted 4 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
top 3 comments
sorted by: hot top new old
[-] [email protected] 10 points 4 weeks ago

tldw: scientists try to match absorption spectra of 20 molecules to exoplanet transit curve; one of them (DMS) matches to 2σ; scientists publish paper "hint of DMS found!"; university published press release "biosignature found!"; news media report "extraterrestrial life found!"

So basically the xkcd jellybeans situation: https://xkcd.com/882/

(2σ = 95% confidence interval = 1-in-20 false positive)

[-] [email protected] 2 points 4 weeks ago

I don't trust the headlines of anything covering scientific breakthroughs, especially medical, and astronomical discoveries. They are never genuine or accurate, ever.

this post was submitted on 28 Jun 2025
23 points (100.0% liked)

Space

1611 readers
151 users here now

A community to discuss space & astronomy through a STEM lens

Rules

  1. Be respectful and inclusive. This means no harassment, hate speech, or trolling.
  2. Engage in constructive discussions by discussing in good faith.
  3. Foster a continuous learning environment.

Also keep in mind, mander.xyz's rules on politics

Please keep politics to a minimum. When science is the focus, intersection with politics may be tolerated as long as the discussion is constructive and science remains the focus. As a general rule, political content posted directly to the instance’s local communities is discouraged and may be removed. You can of course engage in political discussions in non-local communities.


Related Communities

🔭 Science

🚀 Engineering

🌌 Art and Photography


Other Cool Links


founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS