Brief Musical Interlude (Or, Bias)

Let’s talk about bias for a minute. My fiance, Rachel Rynick, just released her first album, and I think it’s awesome. Of course, my opinion on this matter can’t really be trusted.

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


Let's talk about bias for a minute. My fiancée, Rachel Rynick, just released her first album, and I think it's awesome. Of course, my opinion on this matter can't really be trusted. First, I would likely say this even if I didn't believe it. Second, even though we haven't combined our finances, her success obviously redounds to my benefit. So how would you evaluate whether my statement was correct?

Well, you could listen for yourself (the whole album is streaming on her website, spotify and google play, and you can buy it from the website, iTunes, Amazon etc). My personal favorite is "When I Fall," (but again, you should probably listen yourself just to make sure I'm not lying).


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


Alternatively, if you live in the Boston area, you could come see her live at Davis Square Theater tomorrow night, where you'll also see Dan Blakeslee, Petrina Foley and Liz Grant.

At some point, I'll likely write about bias and how to evaluate truth claims more in depth, but I really just wanted to plug my partner. She really is something, as I'm sure you'll find out for yourself.

Kevin Bonham is a Curriculum Fellow in the Microbiology and Immunobiology department at Harvard Medical school. He received his PhD from Harvard, where he studied how the cells of the immune system detect the presence of infectious microbes. Find him on Google+, Reddit.

More by Kevin Bonham

Subscribe to Support Independent Journalism

Great science journalism requires human expertise, time, effort and creativity. And it costs money. That’s why I and the journalists here at Scientific American hope you’ll join our community.

When you subscribe, you are supporting staff and freelance journalists who are passionate about telling science stories that are true, important and compelling. Our editors and reporters are often experts in their fields, which means they understand the nuances of big discoveries and can untangle the breakthroughs from the hype. With a subscription, you are also supporting rigorous fact-checking to ensure the words we publish are precise and accurate. And you’re supporting original illustrations, graphics and photos that bring you closer to an advanced laboratory, an ice sheet in Antarctica or a space mission in orbit. You’re helping us craft other types of high-quality journalism as well: Our newsletters are carefully written, edited and curated by staffers you have or will come to know and love. Our Science Quickly podcast is based on original reporting, collaboration with editors and scientists and exacting production.

Subscriptions keep this engine running so we can continue to deliver thoughtful, rigorous and independent science journalism to you. In an era of viral misinformation, this work is crucial. If you value what we do, I hope you’ll consider joining us as a subscriber

Thank you,

Jeanna Bryner, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe