Category Archives: science communication

Science art: The Wellcome Image Awards

Did you know that the Wellcome Trust, a London-based charity dedicated to supporting the “brightest minds” in science, the humanities and social sciences, runs an annual competition called the Wellcome Image Awards? No? That’s alright, neither did I. The Wellcome Image Awards showcases the best in science imaging and techniques. With the winners due toContinue reading “Science art: The Wellcome Image Awards”

Science, fantasy and everything in between – A Terry Pratchett world

As timing would have it, I had just finished the Science of Discworld II when I heard that Terry Pratchett had passed away. Pratchett gave us the fantasy series Discworld, a science fantasy world based on quantum theory in Long Earth and Good Omens, a memorable novel written in collaboration with Neil Gaiman. If thatContinue reading “Science, fantasy and everything in between – A Terry Pratchett world”

Leapin’ Lesbian Lizards are here to stay

Ever hear about lesbian lizards from Mexico? Well, they may not actually be lesbians, but there’s a reason for the name. The New Mexican whiptail is a species of lizard with an unusual way of reproducing. Parthenogenesis is a mode of reproduction in which the embryos do not require fertlisation. This process has been studiedContinue reading “Leapin’ Lesbian Lizards are here to stay”

IFLScience – a case of (positive) hype around science

If you haven’t heard of I Fucking Love Science (or IFLS for any sensitive readers out there) then let me give you a quick run down. Established sometime in March 2012 by Elise Andrew, IFLS has accumulated over 18 million Facebook followers and over 120 000 followers on Twitter, which is pretty incredible given the readershipContinue reading “IFLScience – a case of (positive) hype around science”

Selling through science (aka commercial hype)

So, we’ve looked at hype from a variety of sources (including scientists, journals and media), but what about those huge proponents of big promises – the commercial sector? The nutritional supplement industry in the USA, which made $11.5 billion in sales in 2012, is a easy example to make. In May 2014, the American FederalContinue reading “Selling through science (aka commercial hype)”

Arguments in science

From the outside it might appear that all scientists are the same. After all they have all spent a long time in higher education institutions, they all know quite technical things relevant to their field, and they all wear lab coats (right?). But ‘the scientist’ is not an identity that any one person or groupContinue reading “Arguments in science”

Everyone’s an expert on Ebola

Just a short post today to make mention of an article in the Weekend Australia Inquirer section which dealt with Ebola in a surprisingly tasteful manner (if we by pass the title ‘death and danger on the seething front line of Ebola’). Jamie Walker, associate editor of the section, reported on developments in Ebola throughContinue reading “Everyone’s an expert on Ebola”