I've written several entries over the past year or so about my interest in science outreach—sharing my enthusiasm for science through hands-on activities to engage with different groups of people beyond the university campus where I work. (See "Informal Science," "Sharing Science: Teaching and Learning About Communication," and "Scientists in Our Neighborhoods" for more.) This fall, I've … Continue reading Fostering community, through curiosity and connection
When plants make headlines
It's been a while since my last blog post. I've had a busy month: launching a new semester with students, learning about a new sport with one of my kids, enjoying the last of the warm days outdoors, finding some local apples... and discovering the world of competitive baking on TV. But I've kept my … Continue reading When plants make headlines
Insects of summer
Insect adventures A couple of days ago, my son spotted an insect riding along on our car's windshield shortly after I had started driving. A very pretty green grasshopper had found its way aboard while I was parked near some grass and trees. I hoped it would be alarmed enough by the wind to jump … Continue reading Insects of summer
Tiny science update: Clouds and microbes
In one of my very first blog posts on this site ("Raindrops keep falling on our heads…and on the microbes") I shared some science news I had seen about microorganisms and clouds. Scientists across different disciplines are trying to learn about the relationship between the planet's water cycles and the growth of tiny organisms (such … Continue reading Tiny science update: Clouds and microbes
Scientist fiction
I've always enjoyed reading fiction books. Once I find genres or authors I like, I tend to stick with them for a while until I discover something new. As a child, I read (and re-read) many popular series of the time (the "Little House" books, everything by Judy Blume, etc.). As a teen, I discovered … Continue reading Scientist fiction
Climate and weather: Is this the new normal?
Over the past week or so, I saw headline after headline reporting on extremes: heat waves in the Arctic, in England, in Japan. Wildfires in California and across Europe, including the Arctic circle. Drought in Australia. Extreme summer weather conditions around the world have suddenly become high-profile news, and none of it is encouraging. It made … Continue reading Climate and weather: Is this the new normal?
Stories of heredity: “She Has Her Mother’s Laugh”
The title refers to a book I just finished reading. I'll tell you more in a moment. But first, I need to report "breaking news." Last night, while scrolling through my social media feeds, a cutesy entry from the pop culture website Buzzfeed showed up: "32 People That Look So Much Like Their Parent You'll … Continue reading Stories of heredity: “She Has Her Mother’s Laugh”
The perils of plastic
Did you see the news recently about the whale that died in Thailand because it had a stomach full of plastic bags and other trash—more than 17 pounds' worth? How about about increasingly vocal efforts to remove plastic drinking straws from the list of common dining accessories? Plastic news really caught my eye that past couple … Continue reading The perils of plastic
A story about…science?
This week, I finished reading The Woman Who Smashed Codes, by Jason Fagone. It chronicles the life and contributions—mostly behind the scenes—of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, arguably one of the most important cryptography specialists working in the United States during the first half of the 20th century. She and her husband William created useful methods and … Continue reading A story about…science?
The under-appreciated lives of plants
Did you hear the news? If you've got romaine lettuce on hand in the United States, and you don't know where it came from (such as a local farm), you are being urged by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to throw it out. A batch of romaine lettuce from Yuma, Arizona has been contaminated … Continue reading The under-appreciated lives of plants
