This is scientific Americans sixty seconds science. I am Ie Welkinson. Got a minute? All rise. The twitter court public opinion is now in session and the next case on the dock will reach a quick verdict because public opinion solidifies rapidly on twitter. That's according to a study in the journal Chaos.

  Researchers collected almost six million twits during a six-month period. They sorted the twits for negative or positive sentiments, then focused on three top related to electronics. At first opinions fluctuated with one side gaining a sided advantage. This advantage grew gradually and then quickly leveled off, leaving one opinion in the stable and dominant position, but without an overwhelming consensus. And once public opinion is established, it's unlikely to change. Only those who se a large number of dissenting opinions among the people they follow on twitter will consider re-examining the opponent viewpoint. These results may offer a valuable lesson for companies, candidates and anyone in spotlight. If you plan to sway the jury, be sure to make your case early, because once public opinions stabilizes, the jury is dismissed.