Ben Feakins
@feakster.bsky.social
Epi, stats, R, Linux & FOSS enthusiast. Trying to get into photography, so expect various badly taken photos of birds and landscapes.
Original post: vis.social/@infobeautif...
January 22, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Original post: vis.social/@infobeautif...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
Since 2020, electricity prices have increased by an average of 40 percent across the country. But the rise in costs hasn’t affected each type of user equally.
An unusual disconnect is emerging between what regular people pay — and what data centers pay. https://wapo.st/49A1v25
An unusual disconnect is emerging between what regular people pay — and what data centers pay. https://wapo.st/49A1v25
January 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Since 2020, electricity prices have increased by an average of 40 percent across the country. But the rise in costs hasn’t affected each type of user equally.
An unusual disconnect is emerging between what regular people pay — and what data centers pay. https://wapo.st/49A1v25
An unusual disconnect is emerging between what regular people pay — and what data centers pay. https://wapo.st/49A1v25
Original post: mastodon.xyz/@privacyint/...
January 22, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Original post: mastodon.xyz/@privacyint/...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
The countdown is on and our final ‘10 birds’ guide is here...
Spotting these on your patch? Now that’s lucky! 😍
Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
#BigGardenBirdwatch
Spotting these on your patch? Now that’s lucky! 😍
Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
#BigGardenBirdwatch
January 22, 2026 at 10:01 AM
The countdown is on and our final ‘10 birds’ guide is here...
Spotting these on your patch? Now that’s lucky! 😍
Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
#BigGardenBirdwatch
Spotting these on your patch? Now that’s lucky! 😍
Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
#BigGardenBirdwatch
Reposted by Ben Feakins
He also said Brexit would be great, Trump would be good for us, he’d help the people of Clacton, the Tory party are awful (then took in all their worst people), broke parliamentary rules & allowed a traitor to run the Welsh Reform party, so let’s stop listening to what this prick says eh
January 21, 2026 at 6:24 PM
He also said Brexit would be great, Trump would be good for us, he’d help the people of Clacton, the Tory party are awful (then took in all their worst people), broke parliamentary rules & allowed a traitor to run the Welsh Reform party, so let’s stop listening to what this prick says eh
Reposted by Ben Feakins
FDA guidance on Bayesian clinical trials
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2026/01/15/f...
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2026/01/15/f...
FDA guidance on Bayesian clinical trials | Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social Science
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu
January 15, 2026 at 4:50 PM
FDA guidance on Bayesian clinical trials
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2026/01/15/f...
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2026/01/15/f...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
Almost all livestock in the United States is factory-farmed—
It’s difficult to quantify animal suffering in a single number, but one metric often used to measure living conditions is the number of animals raised on “factory farms”.
It’s difficult to quantify animal suffering in a single number, but one metric often used to measure living conditions is the number of animals raised on “factory farms”.
January 14, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Almost all livestock in the United States is factory-farmed—
It’s difficult to quantify animal suffering in a single number, but one metric often used to measure living conditions is the number of animals raised on “factory farms”.
It’s difficult to quantify animal suffering in a single number, but one metric often used to measure living conditions is the number of animals raised on “factory farms”.
Reposted by Ben Feakins
PCA is one of those techniques that sounds unreasonable (yeah sure we all want to fit a p-dimensional ellipsoid to our data) but turns out to be a reasonable solution to a wide range of problems.
Also: I do hope stackexchange has been archived, because it is my gen's library of alexandria
Also: I do hope stackexchange has been archived, because it is my gen's library of alexandria
still one of the best explanations of principal component analysis (pca), explained at different levels from layman to the more math inclined stats.stackexchange.com/a/140579/132...
Making sense of principal component analysis, eigenvectors & eigenvalues
In today's pattern recognition class my professor talked about PCA, eigenvectors and eigenvalues.
I understood the mathematics of it. If I'm asked to find eigenvalues etc. I'll do it correctly li...
stats.stackexchange.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:13 PM
PCA is one of those techniques that sounds unreasonable (yeah sure we all want to fit a p-dimensional ellipsoid to our data) but turns out to be a reasonable solution to a wide range of problems.
Also: I do hope stackexchange has been archived, because it is my gen's library of alexandria
Also: I do hope stackexchange has been archived, because it is my gen's library of alexandria
Reposted by Ben Feakins
Reposted by Ben Feakins
The NHS draft recommendation against routine prostate cancer screening stems from the conclusion that the harms would outweigh the benefits.
This recommendation provides a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, and clinically relevant guide to practice
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
This recommendation provides a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, and clinically relevant guide to practice
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
January 13, 2026 at 3:12 PM
The NHS draft recommendation against routine prostate cancer screening stems from the conclusion that the harms would outweigh the benefits.
This recommendation provides a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, and clinically relevant guide to practice
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
This recommendation provides a comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, and clinically relevant guide to practice
www.bmj.com/content/392/...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
Ready to level up your birdwatching? 😎
Here’s another 10 birds to keep an eye out for this #BigGardenBirdwatch...
From colourful Jays to stealthy Sparrowhawks, who have you spotted on your patch before?
PS - Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
Here’s another 10 birds to keep an eye out for this #BigGardenBirdwatch...
From colourful Jays to stealthy Sparrowhawks, who have you spotted on your patch before?
PS - Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
January 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Ready to level up your birdwatching? 😎
Here’s another 10 birds to keep an eye out for this #BigGardenBirdwatch...
From colourful Jays to stealthy Sparrowhawks, who have you spotted on your patch before?
PS - Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
Here’s another 10 birds to keep an eye out for this #BigGardenBirdwatch...
From colourful Jays to stealthy Sparrowhawks, who have you spotted on your patch before?
PS - Don't forget to sign up: www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happen...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
“New technologies will come along to save the environment.” What they said versus where we are:
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
January 8, 2026 at 9:37 AM
“New technologies will come along to save the environment.” What they said versus where we are:
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
From the new Private Eye, in shops now.
Reposted by Ben Feakins
I mean, even I've left.
People who consider themselves decent, progressive, or left leaning should not only be embarrassed to remain on X in any active capacity - they should be deeply ashamed. The line was crossed long ago.
January 7, 2026 at 9:05 PM
I mean, even I've left.
Reposted by Ben Feakins
Relentless "improvement" of the countryside leaves no space for nature.
But ever more people are now helping the wild return, through *rewilding*.
No matter who you are or where you live, you too have a part to play in the fight.
There is no better New Year's resolution.
But ever more people are now helping the wild return, through *rewilding*.
No matter who you are or where you live, you too have a part to play in the fight.
There is no better New Year's resolution.
January 1, 2026 at 7:14 AM
Relentless "improvement" of the countryside leaves no space for nature.
But ever more people are now helping the wild return, through *rewilding*.
No matter who you are or where you live, you too have a part to play in the fight.
There is no better New Year's resolution.
But ever more people are now helping the wild return, through *rewilding*.
No matter who you are or where you live, you too have a part to play in the fight.
There is no better New Year's resolution.
Reposted by Ben Feakins
🎄 Hope you’ve got all your presents ready 💝
Google search interest shows a stable pattern:
🎅 “Christmas gift wife” peaks just before Christmas Eve
🎅 “Christmas gift husband” peaks much earlier
#MerryChristmas to all of you! 🎁
📈 Google Trends (Nov 18–Dec 24, 2020–2024)
#dataviz #ggplot2
Google search interest shows a stable pattern:
🎅 “Christmas gift wife” peaks just before Christmas Eve
🎅 “Christmas gift husband” peaks much earlier
#MerryChristmas to all of you! 🎁
📈 Google Trends (Nov 18–Dec 24, 2020–2024)
#dataviz #ggplot2
December 24, 2025 at 10:16 AM
🎄 Hope you’ve got all your presents ready 💝
Google search interest shows a stable pattern:
🎅 “Christmas gift wife” peaks just before Christmas Eve
🎅 “Christmas gift husband” peaks much earlier
#MerryChristmas to all of you! 🎁
📈 Google Trends (Nov 18–Dec 24, 2020–2024)
#dataviz #ggplot2
Google search interest shows a stable pattern:
🎅 “Christmas gift wife” peaks just before Christmas Eve
🎅 “Christmas gift husband” peaks much earlier
#MerryChristmas to all of you! 🎁
📈 Google Trends (Nov 18–Dec 24, 2020–2024)
#dataviz #ggplot2
Reposted by Ben Feakins
It’s the run up to the holidays so there can only be one #MethodologyMonday topic - the scientific way to cut your Christmas cake. Published c1906 in Nature by the statistician Francis Galton 🎂🎄🔪😊 Enjoy!
galton.org/essays/1900-...
galton.org/essays/1900-...
December 22, 2025 at 7:57 AM
It’s the run up to the holidays so there can only be one #MethodologyMonday topic - the scientific way to cut your Christmas cake. Published c1906 in Nature by the statistician Francis Galton 🎂🎄🔪😊 Enjoy!
galton.org/essays/1900-...
galton.org/essays/1900-...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
Today, the UK Government’s Planning Bill became law – a big blow for wildlife.
Thousands of you fought for nature as the Bill passed through Parliament.
Now, this isn’t the time to stay silent – nature needs us more than ever.
Join us & speak up 👇
action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/action/1
Thousands of you fought for nature as the Bill passed through Parliament.
Now, this isn’t the time to stay silent – nature needs us more than ever.
Join us & speak up 👇
action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/action/1
December 18, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Today, the UK Government’s Planning Bill became law – a big blow for wildlife.
Thousands of you fought for nature as the Bill passed through Parliament.
Now, this isn’t the time to stay silent – nature needs us more than ever.
Join us & speak up 👇
action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/action/1
Thousands of you fought for nature as the Bill passed through Parliament.
Now, this isn’t the time to stay silent – nature needs us more than ever.
Join us & speak up 👇
action.rspb.org.uk/page/180990/action/1
Reposted by Ben Feakins
What a total disgrace that Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and, above all, Sinn Féin voted this down.
Very few want this terribly cruel colonial sport, which sees hordes of horses, riders, and dogs rampage across the countryside.
The wishes of the majority were ignored. Again.
share.google/GFZMEYpIfSe0...
Very few want this terribly cruel colonial sport, which sees hordes of horses, riders, and dogs rampage across the countryside.
The wishes of the majority were ignored. Again.
share.google/GFZMEYpIfSe0...
Bill to ban fox hunting defeated in Dáil
The bill to ban fox hunting in Ireland, proposed by People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger, has been defeated in the Dáil.
share.google
December 18, 2025 at 9:06 AM
What a total disgrace that Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and, above all, Sinn Féin voted this down.
Very few want this terribly cruel colonial sport, which sees hordes of horses, riders, and dogs rampage across the countryside.
The wishes of the majority were ignored. Again.
share.google/GFZMEYpIfSe0...
Very few want this terribly cruel colonial sport, which sees hordes of horses, riders, and dogs rampage across the countryside.
The wishes of the majority were ignored. Again.
share.google/GFZMEYpIfSe0...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
Morning all. Allow me to show you the perfect burn 🔥
December 18, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Morning all. Allow me to show you the perfect burn 🔥
Reposted by Ben Feakins
🚨 Toxic pesticides are poisoning our soils, water, and biodiversity. Now the EU wants to weaken rules.
Last week, the EU Commission published the environment omnibus + the grids package. This “simplification omnibus” is a dangerous shift.
👉 Take Action: www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxi...
Last week, the EU Commission published the environment omnibus + the grids package. This “simplification omnibus” is a dangerous shift.
👉 Take Action: www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxi...
December 15, 2025 at 10:51 AM
🚨 Toxic pesticides are poisoning our soils, water, and biodiversity. Now the EU wants to weaken rules.
Last week, the EU Commission published the environment omnibus + the grids package. This “simplification omnibus” is a dangerous shift.
👉 Take Action: www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxi...
Last week, the EU Commission published the environment omnibus + the grids package. This “simplification omnibus” is a dangerous shift.
👉 Take Action: www.environmentalpillar.ie/end-the-toxi...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
I dream of a day that another scientist will be so fed up with my bullshit that they go on to great things just out of spite. *This* is my road to impact.
October 12, 2023 at 1:40 PM
I dream of a day that another scientist will be so fed up with my bullshit that they go on to great things just out of spite. *This* is my road to impact.
Reposted by Ben Feakins
"Our waters are crying out for a break from the pollution, Irish people [want] clean water, but our voices are drowned out in a world of political wrangling and vested interest.
[But] you can’t drink politics."
Excellent piece by
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
[But] you can’t drink politics."
Excellent piece by
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Most Irish people want clean water, not a nitrates derogation
Has the Government ever asked the people of Ireland if they agree with pulling on the green jersey to convince Europe to give us another derogation?
www.irishexaminer.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:53 AM
"Our waters are crying out for a break from the pollution, Irish people [want] clean water, but our voices are drowned out in a world of political wrangling and vested interest.
[But] you can’t drink politics."
Excellent piece by
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
[But] you can’t drink politics."
Excellent piece by
@elainemcgoff.bsky.social
www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/comm...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
Very common to ask patients to rate pain from "no pain" (0) to "worst pain imaginable / possible" (10). Here is a randomized trial showing anchor for pain score of 10 should be "extreme pain" (TL;DR: we want to evaluate pain, not imagination) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
Client Challenge
jpro.springeropen.com
October 13, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Very common to ask patients to rate pain from "no pain" (0) to "worst pain imaginable / possible" (10). Here is a randomized trial showing anchor for pain score of 10 should be "extreme pain" (TL;DR: we want to evaluate pain, not imagination) pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
Reposted by Ben Feakins
Machine learning has developed remarkable new ideas about how to develop prediction algorithms. But always baffled me why the field had to reinvent how to evaluate models. Here we show F score should not be used to evaluate medical prediction models link.springer.com/epdf/10.1186...
The F score ranks diagnostic tests and prediction models inconsistently with their clinical utility
link.springer.com
December 8, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Machine learning has developed remarkable new ideas about how to develop prediction algorithms. But always baffled me why the field had to reinvent how to evaluate models. Here we show F score should not be used to evaluate medical prediction models link.springer.com/epdf/10.1186...