Google's PageRank Predicts Nobel Prize Winners 101
KentuckyFC writes "The pattern of citations between scientific papers forms a network that has remarkable similarities to the network formed by the web. So why not use Google's PageRank, the world's most effective search algorithm to rank these papers in the same way it ranks websites? That's exactly what a couple of US researchers have done for physics papers published by the American Physical Society since 1893 (abstract). The results make interesting reading because almost all of the top ten papers resulted in (or were linked to) Nobel Prizes for their authors. Which means that studying the up-and-coming entries on the list ought to be a good way of predicting future winners. Better get your bets in before the bookies get wind of this."
Nicola Cabibbo (Score:2, Interesting)
So even in this article Nicola Cabibbo demonstrated to deserve the Nobel Prize:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicola_Cabibbo [wikipedia.org]
Re:More computer model dumb thinking (Score:2, Interesting)
I hope they never award the Nobel Prized based strictly on this. It could be a good way of pointing people in the right direction, but it will also let in a bunch of crap.
The last thing we need is scientists Googlebombing their papers (or creating junk networks to increase page ranks). I bet the Creationists would have a field day with this. "Look, our theories have scientific basis, check out our CiteRank".
Technology is a tool, it should never replace human intelligence.
Re:bets? (Score:4, Interesting)
Can I propose a simpler scheme where your friend just mails me money while being a racist nitwit? As long as that's his idea of a hobby...
Sure, as long as you are willing to send him back several thousand dollars in the event of some highly unlikely event. It's called "gambling" and he loves the it. He's also Indian American and has a great sense of humor.
Perhaps your "racism" comments would be more better directed at the Irish bookie making these offerings to the betting community [speroforum.com]? I think the "Obama Cliche Betting" section has most of what was being offered.
Re:More computer model dumb thinking (Score:3, Interesting)
Let's see, so far, computer models *can* predict the weather and are probably *right* about climate.
But unsurprisingly have failed to accurately manage loan portfolios to higher risk buyers, failed to manage risk books for hedge funds, could not capture currency trading, simply because they are not predictable because they are traded by panic driven, idiots who are swayed by rumour, non existent trends, and computer predictions!
The predictable but complex is predictable, the unpredictable ... is unpredictable! no matter what the overpaid consultant says!