Thick Books and Thin Films
Before you pick up that next thriller novel, remember that scientists are not exactly as they are often portrayed.
How to Write Like a Scientist
Why do we require scientists to write badly? Anyway, here’s how.
I’ve Got Your Impact Factor Right Here
The Journal of Negative Results is only the beginning.
[Discussed on Reddit Biology, 2/24/12]
The Top 10 Worst Things About Working in a Lab
Lab work left you feeling dissatisfied? Our Experimental Error columnist feels your pain.
Truly Alternative Careers
Looking for something really different? Consider a career in alchemy, Lysenkoism, diluvial geology — or invent your own!
What Scientists Can Be Grateful for on Thanksgiving
When you carve the turkey, don’t forget to thank science.
[Linked on 3 Quarks Daily, 11/25/11]
[Linked on AnthroIllinois, 11/25/11]
The Real Revenge of the Nerds
CNN.com
Growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, I saw nerds portrayed on television all the time. Steve Urkel on “Family Matters.” Martin Prince on “The Simpsons.” Minkus on “Boy Meets World.” Sponge on “Salute Your Shorts.” Paul Pfeiffer on “The Wonder Years.” A whole gaggle of supporting nerd characters filled Bayside High on “Saved By the Bell.”
OMG, So Many Science Careers
If you like grant writing, writing grants, and obtaining grants via writing, you may enjoy life as an academic scientist.
Nobel Gas
It’s time to reclaim the Nobel Prize for the common scientist, for those who have long considered the award beyond their grasp.
This Is Only a (Giant, Scary, Career-Determining) Test
As we are training to become fully fledged scientists, we ourselves are the test subjects.
The Gray Pride Parade
Walk through the corridors of many scientific institutions and you’ll see the results of decisions made by the hiring committee of 1962.
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?
So What’s the Allure of Princeton University Reunions?
Patch.com
Adam Ruben ’01 explains what draws him back to campus year after year.
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.