How does a writer like Kim Stanley Robinson, or any writer for that matter, obtain and integrate the vast amounts of knowledge necessary to create a fully detailed and realistic world on the page? [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! on Sep 22, 2012 - 17 answers

I'm going to college! (fo' realz this time, yo). So, what should I study? (or, How do I learn to stop worrying I won't get to do everything and love just one subject?) [more inside]
posted by Seiten Taisei on Feb 9, 2012 - 19 answers

I'm trying to find a way of determining the "trustworthiness", for lack of a better term, of a scientific study. To do so, I would really like to know if there are systematic methods you can use to map out disciplines in which you are not already an expert. Help me sort this out. [more inside]
posted by PercussivePaul on Mar 1, 2010 - 14 answers

Alternatives to the mainstream scientific method that have generated real, practical output. [more inside]
posted by ajp on Mar 17, 2009 - 27 answers

What are some easy, relatively quick ways to learn to write better, think clearer, and express myself better? [more inside]
posted by Bageena on Jan 28, 2009 - 24 answers

i want something sort of like this, only more to my liking. recommendations, please. [more inside]
posted by gcat on Apr 17, 2008 - 4 answers

Is there a book or website that details early attempts to assemble fossilized bone into animals/dinosaur skeletons? [more inside]
posted by R. Mutt on Sep 1, 2006 - 4 answers

I would like to make a "scientific discovery", or otherwise contribute something (however useful, or not) to the body of human knowledge. What are some unanswered questions, or unexplained details of the world, or (most especially) developing fields of inquirey, that an amateur might seek to investigate with possibility of making progress into the unexplored? [more inside]
posted by -harlequin- on Jul 3, 2006 - 45 answers

A coworker is interested in broadening her general knowledge with an emphasis in History and Science. So, she's looking for a site she can set to be her home page where she can get bite sized chunks of interesting information (like 5 to 15 minutes at a time). Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by willnot on Apr 4, 2006 - 11 answers

In science, what is the difference between a theory and a law? Why is something called a law rather than a theory?
posted by furiousxgeorge on Jan 15, 2005 - 18 answers

Is there a limit to scientific advancement? If there is only a certain number of elements to the universe, will there reach a technology plateau? [more inside]
posted by the fire you left me on Jul 17, 2004 - 24 answers