Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Spike Protein | Spike proteins are large, surface-projecting glycoproteins found on enveloped viruses, notably coronaviruses, which form trimmer structures crucial for host cell attachment and entry. Vaccines |
| Statistical Significance | Describing a result that is likely, not due to chance, but rather due to a real process. Scientists define a result as "significant" if it would happen by chance less than 5% of the time (shown as p < 0.05). The more significant a result is the lower its p-value. Statistical significance is an important way for scientists to deal with uncertainty. Science General |
| Statistical Significance | Observation, based on the application of a statistical test, that a relationship probably is not due to pure chance. The probability is stated (e.g., p < 0.05) and the results are said to be statistically significant. Science |
| Storm Surge | An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence of the cyclone. Climate Change Denial |
| Strain | A specific version of an organism. Many agents causing diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, have multiple strains. Vaccines |
| Stratosphere | Region of the atmosphere between the troposphere and mesosphere, having a lower boundary of approximately 8 km at the poles to 15 km at the equator and an upper boundary of approximately 50 km. Climate Change Denial |
| Straw Man | A logical fallacy where someone distorts, exaggerates, or completely misrepresents an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack. By knocking down this fake, weaker version (the "straw man"), they create the illusion of defeating the real point. Antiscience |
| Systematic | Systematic refers to performing tasks according to a careful, organized plan or method. It involves a structured approach that prioritizes thoroughness, precision, and efficiency over acting randomly or on a whim. Science |
| T-Cell | T cells are a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) essential to the adaptive immune system, maturing in the thymus to fight infections, viruses, and cancer. They identify pathogens via surface receptors. Vaccines |
| T-Test | Common statistical data analysis applied to experimental data to test a hypothesis. The t-test computes the ratio between the difference between the group means and the standard error of the difference, a measure of the likelihood the group means could differ purely by chance. Science |