According to an opinion piece by science writer Helen Pilcher in the Guardian, science and scientists tend not to be funny. A peer-reviewed paper that analyzed over 500 presentations at 14 academic conferences revealed that the scientists delivered fewer than two jokes per presentation on average and most of the jokes generated only "polite chuckles."
Pilcher had previously conducted a double-blind study where one presenter gave a presentation that included jokes and another one did not. Laughter levels "failed to reach statistical significance." The study might have been biased by the fact that not even the scientists knew if they were making jokes in their presentations, so their delivery might have been partly responsible for the lack of chuckles.
A 2020 study indicated that researchers who used levity when they posted on social media were seen as more trustworthy. Their posts were also more likely to be deemed an appropriate and legitimate source of scientific information—humor made them seem more credible.
There is certainly a long tradition of humor in science. A prime example is the annual Ig Nobel awards that honor genuine scientific achievements that first make people laugh...and then make them think. The Journal of Irreproducible Results published whimsical scientific articles for nearly 40 years, starting in 1955. Since then, the Annals of Improbable Research have carried on the tradition of publishing scientific research being done on strange or unexpected topics, although other content tends to focus on fictional absurd experiments.
So, the next time you present your research at a conference like the ones listed below, consider whether there's room for some levity in your talk. If you can generate more than a few polite chuckles, it might make you seem more credible!
Still feel uncertain about phase identification or peak interpretation after collecting powder XRD data?
This webinar covers the fundamentals of powder X-ray diffraction, connecting diffraction patterns to crystal structure and composition while showing how preparation and measurement choices affect data quality. With practical examples, Ekaterina Vinogradova, PhD, will walk through common pitfalls and how to avoid them, with hosting by Tom Concolino, PhD. A solid refresher for anyone looking to gain more confidence in their powder XRD results.
The NEX QC II Series simplifies routine quality control and elemental testing. These compact benchtop EDXRF analyzers deliver fast results for solids, liquids, powders, and thin films—ideal for everyday quality control in labs, plants, and production environments. Designed for ease of use, the NEX QC II and NEX QC II+ feature intuitive operation with an embedded computer and built-in printer, so your team can get results quickly with no specialized technical background required. The first-generation NEX QC+ QuantEZ remains available for users who require expanded method development, advanced calibration strategies, and optional compliance features, including 21 CFR Part 11 support.
This video provides a detailed walkthrough of how to implement automated XRD workflows, moving from manual processes to a fully integrated, "no user action" environment.
Easily scripted, repeatable measurement and analysis: SmartLab Studio II flow templates standardize complex measurement and analysis methods so every run is consistent, comparable, and automation-ready.
Learn how to define multiple XRD scans and enable automated features like peak search, phase ID, and Rietveld refinement. By standardizing your peak search and quantification parameters into a template, you ensure that every subsequent run follows the exact same high-standard methodology.
March 11, 2026: Researchers reported a fluorine-assisted flash Joule-heating method that turns waste glass and other silicon-rich waste into silicon-carbide nanowires in under a minute, with high yield. Because SiC is both a hard ceramic and a wide-bandgap semiconductor, this result is applicable to glass recycling, advanced ceramics, and semiconductor materials.
March 13, 2026: Researchers reported a hot-wire laser process for tungsten carbide–cobalt that softens rather than fully melts the feedstock, reducing waste of expensive tungsten and cobalt. This is important for hard-metal manufacturing because WC-Co is central to cutting tools and wear parts but is notoriously difficult and wasteful to shape.
April 9, 2026: Stanford’s “Phlego” formulation replaces limestone with volcanic igneous rock, sharply reducing the CO₂ released during clinker production while staying compatible with existing cement processes.
Standardless FP Analysis of Lithium-ion Battery Cathode Material LiFePO₄
In this application note, SQX analysis was performed for cathode material LiFePO₄ to determine the concentration of Fe, P and trace components using the wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer ZSX Primus IV. In addition, applicability of the ZSX Primus IV was evaluated with reference to the Nonferrous Metals Industry Standard of the People’s Republic of China, YS/T 1028.5-2015, a standard for the chemical analysis of trace components in LiFePO₄ by using ICP atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES).
This application note demonstrates the measurement of additive elements in new, fresh lubricating oils by ASTM D7751 usingNEX CG II. Utilizing indirect excitation EDXRF and user-friendly QuantEZ software, results are reported using empirical calibration and Fundamental Parameters with Matching Library.
Neural Network Application to Phase Identification in Powder X-ray Diffraction
By Toshihide Shibasaki, Takumi Ohta, and Akihiro Himeda
In recent years, there have been significant improvements in AI technology, especially in neural networks. We describe profile-based phase identification using neural networks, which does not require peak search. Using cements and excipients as examples, we report that neural networks can be used to identify crystalline phases more accurately even when analysis by the conventional method is difficult.
The Opioid Matrix is a podcast for anyone looking for the latest information in the illegal drug supply chain—beginning to end. Each episode will feature a discussion with industry experts about the current opioid crisis, including drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, drug identification, drug addiction, as well as the role of government, law enforcement, new health and social programs, and more.
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