What Happens in the Lab Stays in the Lab
Our labs are science-based mini-societies — so why do we run them in the same arbitrary and bureaucratic way as the rest of the world?
Fetus Don’t Fail Me Now
With his daughter still in the embryonic stage, our columnist wonders if it’s too early to steer her toward a career in science.
[Linked on Slashdot, 6/1/11]
[Linked on DaddyTypes, 6/2/11]
[Linked on BoingBoing, 6/2/11]
[Linked on Mental Floss, 6/3/11]
Forging a Head
Scientific hoaxes — the harmless kind — can be fun, and they can show us how easy it is to stop thinking like a scientist.
Achieving Immortality
How can we ensure that future students will read our names when, many years from now, they open their science textbooks on their iPad 15s?
Most Likely to Secede
No talented child ever says, “I want to pipette repetitively when I grow up.”
[Commented on in Harvard Undergraduate Research Journal, 3/5/11]
Lies, Damned Lies, and Seminars
For all the naive and gullible graduate students out there, here’s a handy guide to what those speakers are really saying.
Electile Dysfunction
Over tea, our columnist considers what the congressional elections might mean for the prospects of science and scientists.
Don’t Worry, I’m (Un)Professional
Our Experimental Error columnist asks,“Who are the people in your fume hood?”
All That Glitters Is All We Remember
Why are we most fascinated by the irrelevant aspects of science?
Don’t Try This at Home
Shouldn’t scientists blow more things up? Introducing the first humor column about being, and becoming, a scientist.