Hello readers and backers,
I would like to begin by apologizing for the frequent delays. Most of them were unpreventable and many of them were out of our hands, but none of these excuses change the fact that ultimately, the responsibility falls on us, and it is to you, our supporters, that we bear that responsibility. Let me reiterate: we set deadlines that depended on factors outside our control, and we had no business doing so. As a result, we have heard some entirely reasonable concerns from some of you that these delays could extend indefinitely, and ultimately result in this project never seeing completion. I would like to put those fears to rest here and now: we will see this study finished.
Because Science for the Masses is an independent organization, we face challenges most research groups do not–if we need supplies, equipment, assistants or test subjects, we can’t just throw money at the problem or snatch an undergrad from the hall. What we have, however, is something far more useful: an unparalleled passion for our work, and the determination to see it through. This first project we’ve undertaken without the assistance of corporate, governmental or academic funding is a proof of concept in more ways than one. We aim to show that regular people, with full time jobs, families and responsibilities, can still contribute amazing discoveries to the body of human scientific knowledge.
So, without further ado, here as promised are our additions to the project. Something good actually came of this delay: thanks to the close physical proximity of two of our collaborators who are able to share equipment, we were able to add another data point!
Drew Buglione is a software developer with established credentials in the grinder, human augmentation, and quantified self communities. He is currently working concurrently on WiseStream, an iOS app designed to collect environmental and manmade data from sensors common to many smartphones including magnetism, and WiFi signals and translate them into streaming audio. He is also working with Amal Graafstra of Dangerous Things as a programmer for open source implantable devices.
Anita Fowler is an open source activist and experienced body hacker. She is working with Drew to offer alternative educational opportunities to denizens of their hometown aimed at improving scientific literacy and engaging students. By joining our study, Anita is improving our data set both as another test subject in general, and as a female in particular, since all other test subjects are male.
Our tentative start date is 5/1/14, barring any further unforeseen complications. We look forward to supplying our backers with baseline readings of the test subjects’ body fat percentages and ERG recordings in the coming weeks.
Regards,
Peyton Rowlands
Science for the Masses