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”
Tag Archives: science communication
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”
Talking about experts
An expert is qualified to give opinions based on their in depth involvement, but it doesn’t make them the last word on a subject. It just gives their opinion more weight than someone without their specific knowledge.
Science art: Picturing the future with climate change just got easier
With the UN Climate Summit approaching, there’s going to be a lot of talk about climate change. So this seems like a good moment to let images speak for themselves. Below, you will find a small gallery of images from UK artists Robert Graves and Didier Madoc-Jones depicting the potential impact of climate change onContinue reading “Science art: Picturing the future with climate change just got easier”
Science with a bang: Making explosive claims about Mt. Fuji
A month ago, international headlines said that Japan’s iconic volcano – Mt Fuji – was in a critical state. The headlines originated with this a press release and interviews with the lead author from a study on seismic activities in Japan’s crust, Doctor Frolent Brenguier. Dr. Brenguier made some very interesting statements about Mt. Fuji.Continue reading “Science with a bang: Making explosive claims about Mt. Fuji”
Sexy science: what’s with all the hype?
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?”
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”
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”
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