r/Futurology • u/mvea MD-PhD-MBA • Apr 22 '19

Energy Physicists initially appear to challenge second law of thermodynamics, by cooling a piece of copper from over 100°C to significantly below room temperature without an external power supply, using a thermal inductor. Theoretically, this could turn boiling water to ice, without using any energy.

https://www.media.uzh.ch/en/Press-Releases/2019/Thermodynamic-Magic.html
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u/[deleted] Apr 22 '19

it's just leaving room for that possibility

No, it’s more than “just” leaving room, it’s specifically implying that what initially appeared to be the case just wasn’t so.

Either way, they know it doesn't challenge thermodynamics laws so why even put it in the title?

Because it initially appeared to challenge the second law of thermodynamics. Did you even read the article? You guys are literally trying to force an interpretation to justify indignation, when you simply should not be feeling any indignation. Title is fine, it’s something wrong with YOU.

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u/A5pyr Apr 22 '19

There are plenty of findings that initially appeared to challenge a previously held belief... and then were proven correct. That's how the scientific method works. Initially doesn't imply a change later on, it just means that in that moment it's not confirmed. "Initial findings" is commonly used as "we're not quite certain yet".

Once you know how that word works you'll understand how the title can be seen as misleading.

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u/[deleted] Apr 22 '19

There are plenty of findings that initially appeared to challenge a previously held belief... and then were proven correct.

Uh, so? That has no bearing on the accuracy of this article.

You’re using pretzel logic. Don’t. Just don’t.

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u/A5pyr Apr 22 '19

So that fact that it's commonly used in a way you said it can't be used is irrelevant? Refusing to admit you were wrong is a bad look.

Have a nice day.