In the last week or so, as I’ve been looking into controversial science, I’ve come across a recurring theme of concern that ‘big’ journals (like Nature and Science) are damaging science. Someone who provides a good synopsis of this problem is Randy Schekman, a cell biologist and Nobel prize winner, who is firmly of the opinionContinue reading “Sexy science: what’s with all the hype?”
Author Archives: Tara
What do marine scientists have against the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week?
Shark Week is a week-long program block on the Discovery Channel that (unsurprisingly) focuses on sharks. Shark Week has run since 1988 with the aim to raise awareness and respect for sharks. So, why do marine scientists have a problem with the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week? Over the years, the week has turned from education to entertainment. This year, the mainContinue reading “What do marine scientists have against the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week?”
Let’s talk about sharks
This week is Shark Week and it just so happens that yesterday I visited Underwater World in Mooloolaba, Queensland to see some of these powerful creatures. We all know about sharks, right? The big horrific creature in Jaws. The predator lying in wait for innocent swimmers. Well, as it turns out, that’s not quite right.Continue reading “Let’s talk about sharks”
Debating the existence of megalodon
Source: http://rt.com/news/165096-super-predator-shark-australia/ “Massive Sea Creature Attacks, Kills And Eats A 3 Meter Long Great White Shark” said headlines on June 9. The stories stemmed from this video, a trailer for a documentary by filmmaker David Riggs which was featured on the Smithsonian Channel. Information from the tracking tag of the three meter shark reportedly showedContinue reading “Debating the existence of megalodon”
Exploring controversial science
If you haven’t heard of Meryl Dorey, then maybe you’ve heard of her lobby group – the Australian (Anti)Vaccination Network. This group is comprised of people who are ”very concerned about the lack of scientifically-based information on the ‘other side’ of the vaccination issue”. Meryl and her colleagues have involved themselves in controversy in New SouthContinue reading “Exploring controversial science”
Science art: TLC | Chemical Romance
This 2010 installation by Laura Alesci (assisted by Dr Aaron M. Socha, Chemist) used CS gas and pepper spray to create a harmless cloud of the TLC molecule and lights. The TLC installation explored the junction of science, art and design. The chemical agents of pepper spray and tear gas were deconstructed and merged toContinue reading “Science art: TLC | Chemical Romance”
Let’s talk about communicating science
On March 18, Professor Ian Chubb (Chief Scientist of Australia since 2011) addressed the National Press Club as part of a two day ‘Science Meets Parliament‘ event. The group that runs this event (Science and Technology Australia) have three very specific aims: to encourage scientific dialogue between industry, government, and the science and technology community, toContinue reading “Let’s talk about communicating science”
It’s all in the story
Have you ever reached the middle of a joke and realised that you’re missing some important information? It happens to everyone (truly, it does) but at the time it’s disheartening. You’ve lost your key message and the attention of your audience. Stories are integral to a brand: they promote connection with your audience and theyContinue reading “It’s all in the story”
Social Media in a Crisis
An excellent article here details the effective way that the start-up company Buffer dealt with a crisis. When hackers interrupted their normal services, Buffer staff used Twitter, Facebook, and their blog to communicate with their users and assure them that appropriate measures were being taken to deal with the problem. By mitigating outrage with anContinue reading “Social Media in a Crisis”
How do we talk about complex issues?
Talking about complex issues requires breaking them down into manageable chunks. It’s all very well to announce that climate change is a problem, that our budget has been increased to $500 billion, or that oil is an unsustainable fuel source, but to generate understanding we need to be able to connect big statements to ourContinue reading “How do we talk about complex issues?”
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