The uncanny valley

For human simulations - especially androids - there's a term that's used to describe the creepiness in seeing a mannequin that's recognizably human but falls short:  The Uncanny Valley.  Usually the term describes situations where the automaton is really, really close to being a human and is "wrong" in subtle ways (kind of like that old motion-capture movie, The Polar Express).

This video features original music and the simulation mannequins for medical science students.  I would say they're identifiably "human" and not very close.  But the Uncanny Valley here is going strong.  Suuuuuuper creeeeeepy.

Tim Minchin: Storm

Ok... profanity warning.  But so worth it!

More homeopathy fun

From my brother I got this:

Culture and science

I occasionally get sent some first-rate links to excellent science humour.  Thanks to Elise, I got a great laugh from this stand-up comedian Dara Ó Briain (yeah, I double-checked the spelling!).

Here he goes with some good sense about homeopathy!

Warning:  strong language.