That Discover Magazine article is terribly written. The sigma value of the Higgs observation(s) has gone from 3.8 to ~4.9, with at least one independent observation suggesting 5.9.
http://motls.blogspot.com/2012/02/higgs-...sigma.html
http://understandinguncertainty.org/expl...id-they-do
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-19076355
Essentially, with repeat experiments and observation, certainty regarding the Higgs has grown to the point of statistical certainty it exists. In other words, by continuing to do science, the people at CERN have not only verified their earlier discovery, but strengthened the evidence for it many times over.
And, yes, scientists get paid to do science. Just like clergy get paid to spew bullshit. The difference is that scientists post their methodology and results to be challenged by others because it is only through rigor that scientific discoveries are accepted. Bullshit is weeded out of science. It may take time (a lot of experiments and the data they produce are labor intensive), but it's weeded out.
http://motls.blogspot.com/2012/02/higgs-...sigma.html
http://understandinguncertainty.org/expl...id-they-do
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-19076355
Essentially, with repeat experiments and observation, certainty regarding the Higgs has grown to the point of statistical certainty it exists. In other words, by continuing to do science, the people at CERN have not only verified their earlier discovery, but strengthened the evidence for it many times over.
And, yes, scientists get paid to do science. Just like clergy get paid to spew bullshit. The difference is that scientists post their methodology and results to be challenged by others because it is only through rigor that scientific discoveries are accepted. Bullshit is weeded out of science. It may take time (a lot of experiments and the data they produce are labor intensive), but it's weeded out.
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
