In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) changed the definition of a planet in such a way that it downgraded Pluto to the status of “dwarf planet”. The definition of a planet was previously that a body must firstly be …
Snowflake science
The physics behind snowflake formation
After the Beast from the East last year, and with more snowstorms on the horizon, you might be wondering about that white stuff that falls from the sky. Tiny crystals of frozen water have fascinated humanity for as long as …
I’m afraid I can’t do that: The future of AI
Artificial intelligence is now a part of our everyday life. But what does the future of AI look like?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a subject that brings a mixture of excitement and trepidation to many. On one hand, it sounds really cool, but on the other, what if the robots rise up and destroy us?
Artificial intelligence is a …
Space wars: the future of warfare?
Molly McCrory explores the possibility of taking the battlefield to space
When one thinks of space wars, the immediate thought that occurs in most of our minds is probably “you mean Star Wars?” Then, once corrected to illustrate that war in space is what is meant, the next thought is often, …
Graduate programs shouldn’t be our only vision of academic success
While many may feel pressured into undertaking postgraduate studies, pursuing a life outside of academia isn’t failing or giving up
At this time of final year, one of the best ways to strike fear into the hearts of myself and my Hamilton peers is with one question: “So, how are the masters applications going?” Upon hearing this, many students feel …
EMS: Engineering, maths and sexism
An insight into the subtleties of sexism found in Trinity’s STEM departments
Usually, when one thinks of sexism in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM), one might think of Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell being overlooked for the Nobel Prize, or the joke about Francis Bacon’s sister being behind his work, or Hedy …
Too many paywalls, not enough bridges
Molly McCrory explores the movement of open science, its mission to make scientific research more accessible, and why Trinity should play a part
Since its beginning, science has often been perceived as an isolated, elite institution, only for the smartest, most well-educated academics and absolutely no one else. As a society, we are thankfully moving away from this perception, however slowly that may …
Being an international student in STEM
New International Students’ Officer for the Students’ Union, Molly McCrory, considers her experience as an international student
Science is something of a universal discipline. Math (or maths, as the case may be) is the same in every country, and gravity works the same whether you’re in Ecuador, Finland, or Australia. Water is still made out of two …
Trials and tribulations of group projects
If nothing else, we come out the other side with the bonds forged in the collective misery that is the group project
Group projects are a staple of university life, like sleep deprivation and pizza, and they are met with nearly universal frustration by students. Between the absolute fiasco that is scheduling meetings amongst busy classmates and the terror that is placing …
