Matthew Vannette
@matthewvannette.bsky.social
Physics Professor at SVSU. Spouse and father.
svsu.edu/~mvannett
svsu.edu/~mvannett
One of the things about Trump saying Khashoggi was not very well liked is he's laying groundwork for the US killing of journalists that he doesn't like.
Before his dementia got really bad, he often tried to normalize abhorrent behavior so he could do it. It's a default mode of thinking for him.
Before his dementia got really bad, he often tried to normalize abhorrent behavior so he could do it. It's a default mode of thinking for him.
November 19, 2025 at 2:03 AM
One of the things about Trump saying Khashoggi was not very well liked is he's laying groundwork for the US killing of journalists that he doesn't like.
Before his dementia got really bad, he often tried to normalize abhorrent behavior so he could do it. It's a default mode of thinking for him.
Before his dementia got really bad, he often tried to normalize abhorrent behavior so he could do it. It's a default mode of thinking for him.
Colleagues and I were discussing how many physics/physical science majors don't know about integral tables. They want Wolfram alpha or something. One posited the lack of physical textbooks is a cause.
What else is lost with rented copies of e-books and online HW subscriptions?
What else is lost with rented copies of e-books and online HW subscriptions?
November 15, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Colleagues and I were discussing how many physics/physical science majors don't know about integral tables. They want Wolfram alpha or something. One posited the lack of physical textbooks is a cause.
What else is lost with rented copies of e-books and online HW subscriptions?
What else is lost with rented copies of e-books and online HW subscriptions?
A great victory in the lab at a regional state funded PUI is getting a poorly constructed circuit working at all. It's a step toward a less-poorly constructed circuit working. Then you can get data.
The Vannette Lab had a great victory today.
#Academicsky #Physics
The Vannette Lab had a great victory today.
#Academicsky #Physics
November 11, 2025 at 9:07 PM
A great victory in the lab at a regional state funded PUI is getting a poorly constructed circuit working at all. It's a step toward a less-poorly constructed circuit working. Then you can get data.
The Vannette Lab had a great victory today.
#Academicsky #Physics
The Vannette Lab had a great victory today.
#Academicsky #Physics
Another failing of AI. Pattern recognition is not thinking or understanding. Ask my introductory physics students.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
phys.org/news/2025-10...
AI models for drug design fail in physics
State-of-the-art AI programs can support the development of drugs by predicting how proteins interact with small molecules. However, a new study by researchers at the University of Basel published in ...
phys.org
October 29, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Another failing of AI. Pattern recognition is not thinking or understanding. Ask my introductory physics students.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
phys.org/news/2025-10...
It seems when we don't get good rest, our brain may force the issue. Sleep is necessary for quality thinking. Don't disregard it #AcademicSky.
medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10...
medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10...
Attention lapses due to sleep deprivation coincide with a flushing of fluid from the brain, research reveals
Nearly everyone has experienced it: After a night of poor sleep, you don't feel as alert as you should. Your brain might seem foggy, and your mind drifts off when you should be paying attention.
medicalxpress.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:34 AM
It seems when we don't get good rest, our brain may force the issue. Sleep is necessary for quality thinking. Don't disregard it #AcademicSky.
medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10...
medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10...
Asked a class today what they feel marks a faculty member who does not value their time.
Going over time. Reading from slides. Auto graded homework. Assignments without feedback.
Notably absent were difficult assignments, expecting effort, and dense readings.
Does #AcademicSky have thoughts?
Going over time. Reading from slides. Auto graded homework. Assignments without feedback.
Notably absent were difficult assignments, expecting effort, and dense readings.
Does #AcademicSky have thoughts?
October 23, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Asked a class today what they feel marks a faculty member who does not value their time.
Going over time. Reading from slides. Auto graded homework. Assignments without feedback.
Notably absent were difficult assignments, expecting effort, and dense readings.
Does #AcademicSky have thoughts?
Going over time. Reading from slides. Auto graded homework. Assignments without feedback.
Notably absent were difficult assignments, expecting effort, and dense readings.
Does #AcademicSky have thoughts?
Another bit of data regarding misplaced "trust" in the LLM AI hype. Only a little bit of poison in the training is enough to corrupt the system, even when it is very large.
techxplore.com/news/2025-10...
techxplore.com/news/2025-10...
techxplore.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Another bit of data regarding misplaced "trust" in the LLM AI hype. Only a little bit of poison in the training is enough to corrupt the system, even when it is very large.
techxplore.com/news/2025-10...
techxplore.com/news/2025-10...
This is a really neat innovation. Passive thermal regulation for buildings that is more effective at higher temperature.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
phys.org/news/2025-10...
Silver-nanoring coating points to 'self-regulating' smart windows—without power or tinting
A new Danish research breakthrough could make buildings far more energy-efficient in the future. Researchers from Aarhus University's Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) have developed a ligh...
phys.org
October 2, 2025 at 10:37 PM
This is a really neat innovation. Passive thermal regulation for buildings that is more effective at higher temperature.
phys.org/news/2025-10...
phys.org/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Matthew Vannette
Trump's higher ed ransom note is here - everyone would have to acquiesce to their unprecedented demands or not be "given priority for grants," plus they can demand "reimbursement" for "violations" www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
October 2, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Trump's higher ed ransom note is here - everyone would have to acquiesce to their unprecedented demands or not be "given priority for grants," plus they can demand "reimbursement" for "violations" www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
The Dept of Energy is apparently trying to prevent the use of the word "green." I propose swapping it for 550. In the spectrum 550 nm light is green.
September 30, 2025 at 10:54 PM
The Dept of Energy is apparently trying to prevent the use of the word "green." I propose swapping it for 550. In the spectrum 550 nm light is green.
Fellow faculty, we must speak about the destruction of our rights in our classrooms. All 4 of the 1A rights are being dismantled. On Monday, in my physics lectures, I will begin by showing the text of the 1A and explain what each part means and how it is being destroyed. 1/
September 20, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Fellow faculty, we must speak about the destruction of our rights in our classrooms. All 4 of the 1A rights are being dismantled. On Monday, in my physics lectures, I will begin by showing the text of the 1A and explain what each part means and how it is being destroyed. 1/
The call to federalize DC is a call to bring the one police force that stood against the Jan 6 insurrection under Trump's control. Who will be there to prevent the coup in Jan 2029?
August 10, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The call to federalize DC is a call to bring the one police force that stood against the Jan 6 insurrection under Trump's control. Who will be there to prevent the coup in Jan 2029?
Hopefully someone has archived the climate reports already. If you have a non-US government source, would you post a link?
phys.org/news/2025-08...
phys.org/news/2025-08...
US to rewrite its past national climate reports
US President Donald Trump's administration is revising past editions of the nation's premier climate report—its latest move to undermine the scientific consensus on human-caused global warming.
phys.org
August 9, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Hopefully someone has archived the climate reports already. If you have a non-US government source, would you post a link?
phys.org/news/2025-08...
phys.org/news/2025-08...
It doesn't seem like the Robot Drummer is trashing hotel rooms or anything (yet). They also haven't implemented it IRL.
techxplore.com/news/2025-08...
techxplore.com/news/2025-08...
Robotic drummer gradually acquires human-like behaviors
Humanoid robots, robots with a human-like body structure, have so far been primarily tested on manual tasks that entail supporting humans in their daily activities, such as carrying objects, collectin...
techxplore.com
August 8, 2025 at 11:51 AM
It doesn't seem like the Robot Drummer is trashing hotel rooms or anything (yet). They also haven't implemented it IRL.
techxplore.com/news/2025-08...
techxplore.com/news/2025-08...
Science relies on being honest with each other and with ourselves. Fraudulent science may become more prevalent than real science. All so someone can have the good reputation needed for tenure.
It's unclear how to balance publishing expectations with what's feasible.
phys.org/news/2025-08...
It's unclear how to balance publishing expectations with what's feasible.
phys.org/news/2025-08...
Organized scientific fraud is growing at an alarming rate, study uncovers
From fabricated research to paid authorships and citations, organized scientific fraud is on the rise, according to a new Northwestern University study.
phys.org
August 5, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Science relies on being honest with each other and with ourselves. Fraudulent science may become more prevalent than real science. All so someone can have the good reputation needed for tenure.
It's unclear how to balance publishing expectations with what's feasible.
phys.org/news/2025-08...
It's unclear how to balance publishing expectations with what's feasible.
phys.org/news/2025-08...
This is an example of bad "science" writing. The author has a clear agenda, and is pushing a narrative without any supporting information. I think MedicalXpress should label this as Opinion.
medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07...
medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07...
Red states lead the charge toward healthier living
Ever since Donald Trump rode down his golden escalator at Trump Tower in 2015, a political and cultural realignment has been underway in America, culminating in his second presidential victory. Many i...
medicalxpress.com
July 30, 2025 at 10:45 AM
This is an example of bad "science" writing. The author has a clear agenda, and is pushing a narrative without any supporting information. I think MedicalXpress should label this as Opinion.
medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07...
medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07...
I hope we all remember that regulations on business practices do not hinder innovation. They hinder exploitation. This is why hardcore capitalists do not want to be regulated. They make money by exploiting everything and everyone around them.
July 24, 2025 at 11:30 PM
I hope we all remember that regulations on business practices do not hinder innovation. They hinder exploitation. This is why hardcore capitalists do not want to be regulated. They make money by exploiting everything and everyone around them.
Those I follow on here don't really talk about this, but there are many in my region saying we need to find common ground. To them I say there is no common ground with a fascist. A line exists for us all. Know where yours is.
March 30, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Those I follow on here don't really talk about this, but there are many in my region saying we need to find common ground. To them I say there is no common ground with a fascist. A line exists for us all. Know where yours is.
Doing Things the Stupid Way ought to be this administration's tagline.
DOGE wrong about Social Security, says former SSA chief www.npr.org/2025/03/24/n...
DOGE wrong about Social Security, says former SSA chief www.npr.org/2025/03/24/n...
Former head of Social Security says Elon Musk and DOGE are wrong about the agency
Michael Astrue, former commissioner of Social Security Administration under George W. Bush and Barack Obama, told NPR Elon Musk is wrong about Social Security and that there is no widespread fraud.
www.npr.org
March 24, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Doing Things the Stupid Way ought to be this administration's tagline.
DOGE wrong about Social Security, says former SSA chief www.npr.org/2025/03/24/n...
DOGE wrong about Social Security, says former SSA chief www.npr.org/2025/03/24/n...
After a long hiatus, back to Bluesky. Sharing this one. It's appropriate that a Scot solved it as James Clerk Maxwell won the Adams prize in 1856 on the structure of Saturn's rings. His was the only submission b/c he was the only one who made any progress.
phys.org/news/2025-03...
phys.org/news/2025-03...
Surprisingly, some Dyson spheres and ringworlds can be stable
In the realm of science fiction, Dyson spheres and ringworlds have been staples for decades. But it is well known that the simplest designs are unstable against gravitational forces and would thus be ...
phys.org
March 20, 2025 at 11:36 AM
After a long hiatus, back to Bluesky. Sharing this one. It's appropriate that a Scot solved it as James Clerk Maxwell won the Adams prize in 1856 on the structure of Saturn's rings. His was the only submission b/c he was the only one who made any progress.
phys.org/news/2025-03...
phys.org/news/2025-03...
Back at things, I guess.
A new vulnerability in LLMs has been exposed. This one is hard to detect because it works on the reasoning level, not training or user query.
techxplore.com/news/2025-02...
A new vulnerability in LLMs has been exposed. This one is hard to detect because it works on the reasoning level, not training or user query.
techxplore.com/news/2025-02...
DarkMind: A new backdoor attack that leverages the reasoning capabilities of LLMs
Large language models (LLMs), such as the models supporting the functioning of ChatGPT, are now used by a growing number of people worldwide to source information or edit, analyze and generate texts. ...
techxplore.com
February 18, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Back at things, I guess.
A new vulnerability in LLMs has been exposed. This one is hard to detect because it works on the reasoning level, not training or user query.
techxplore.com/news/2025-02...
A new vulnerability in LLMs has been exposed. This one is hard to detect because it works on the reasoning level, not training or user query.
techxplore.com/news/2025-02...
It's a bit misleading to say "37 dimensions" and leave it at that. They don't mean "34 more dimensions than we live in." They're using dimensions to mean possible results of a measurement. At least, as near as I can make out from the paper.
phys.org/news/2025-02...
phys.org/news/2025-02...
Extending a paradox: Quantum mechanics experiment measures a pulse of light in 37 dimensions
A team of physicists affiliated with multiple institutions in China has measured a pulse of light in 37 dimensions. In their paper published in Science Advances, the group explains that their experime...
phys.org
February 5, 2025 at 11:02 AM
It's a bit misleading to say "37 dimensions" and leave it at that. They don't mean "34 more dimensions than we live in." They're using dimensions to mean possible results of a measurement. At least, as near as I can make out from the paper.
phys.org/news/2025-02...
phys.org/news/2025-02...
This one is worth a read. I have talked about confusion in number scales among the general population. Here they are talking about scientists not understanding the measurement process. If you teach undergrads, maybe work this into your course.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Discourse on measurement | PNAS
Measurement literacy is required for strong scientific reasoning, effective experimental
design, conceptual and empirical validation of measurement...
www.pnas.org
February 3, 2025 at 11:34 AM
This one is worth a read. I have talked about confusion in number scales among the general population. Here they are talking about scientists not understanding the measurement process. If you teach undergrads, maybe work this into your course.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...