this post was submitted on 13 Jun 2026
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Science Memes

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[–] Someonelol@lemmy.dbzer0.com 18 points 4 weeks ago (4 children)

I guess those spinning magnetic pills one puts in beakers over a magnetic hot plate in chemistry labs are all an empirical hoax then.

[–] SoleInvictus@lemmy.blahaj.zone 10 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

Those are stir bars.

That they're magnetic is propaganda to push magnetic field bunk to sell more so-called "magnets". Stir bars are moved by phlogiston, which is why the liquid medium is often heated in tandem.

[–] Safeguard@beehaw.org 4 points 4 weeks ago (2 children)

Please tell me you forgot the /s ....

[–] SoleInvictus@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

Haha, 100%. I'm a scientist, I haven't believed in phlogiston in years!

[–] ironycanal@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

Another phlogiston denier in an ivory tower. Tell me then, how does fire work?

[–] SoleInvictus@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 4 weeks ago (1 children)

JFC, how many times do I need to explain the workings of luminiferous aether?

/s

Serious time: we actually did briefly learn about all types of debunked theories in university, but as a component of the historical progression of contemporary theories.

[–] ironycanal@lemmy.dbzer0.com 0 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Oh my god a real luminiferous aether believer. Basically christian theology. How fucking convenient for you, father.

[–] SoleInvictus@lemmy.blahaj.zone 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Hey now, if you can tell me how light travels between two points without being facilitated by an entirely undetectable medium, I'm ALL ears.

[–] ironycanal@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 3 weeks ago

Oh, you had to invent 'light' as a substance that moves. Very cool, very cool. You fucking people will just make up whatever you need to support your inane bullshit, won't you?

[–] theQuickBrownFox@lemmy.today 1 points 4 weeks ago

so you can tell!

[–] fossilesque@mander.xyz 7 points 4 weeks ago

They're my fave bit of lab equipment. That and the Vortex because I must touch it.

[–] Alvaro@lemmy.blahaj.zone 6 points 4 weeks ago

They are protected by the PTFE cover, so the magnet is not in contact with water. Basic chemistry...

[–] nova_ad_vitum@lemmy.ca 2 points 4 weeks ago

I always wanted kitchen cookware with a stirring pill. But it would require using glass or ceramic cookware on the stove. Which can be done to some extent but still feels sketchier than metal.