Monthly Archives: March 2013

On biological modelling

#5 Thylakoid

Posted in biological modelling, chloroplast, Nonsense, Science-less Sunday, thylakoid | Comments Off on On biological modelling

Hypocrisy (Again)

Here is a transcript of an interview with several Dutch boys. I have made a few changes for reasons that will become clear. Boy 2: I’m happy about bitches being murdered. I am being really honest.

Posted in antisemitism, Danny Finkelstein, David Ward, Engage Antisemitism, Israel, Jenny Tonge, Jewish conspiracy, Lord Ahmed, Michael White, Politicrox, Protocols of the Elders of Zion, richard dawkins, Ronnie Fraser, Science Is Vital, the Guardian, UCU | Comments Off on Hypocrisy (Again)

It’s Time to Resist the Pressure

As part of my university’s preparation for the transition to open access, there is a project being run out of the University Library to look at how academics approach publishing. (Fellow OT blogger Stephen Curry has written much on the topic … Continue reading

Posted in h factor, impact factor, promotion, Research, Science Culture, scientific misconduct | Comments Off on It’s Time to Resist the Pressure

Impact factors — RCUK provides a chance to act

If I had more time, this post would be shorter. But it explains how we have an opportunity to get UK research councils to help break the corrosive dependence of researchers on impact factors. Please at least skim all the … Continue reading

Posted in Academic publishing, impact factor, Open Access, RCUK | Comments Off on Impact factors — RCUK provides a chance to act

Age

Time was when I could drink eight pints of Tetleys and several double vodkas and turn up, more or less intact, for a 9-o’clock biochemistry lecture. But those days are gone. Yesterday, while I took Mrs Crox and the younger … Continue reading

Posted in age, chthulhu, depression, Domesticrox, excuse me madam but does this bus go to the station, Silliness, stiffkey red lion, the birth of venus, wherry | Comments Off on Age

RBO Work

Lots of things going on, but nothing substantial enough for a stand-alone post. So here are some bullets! Having read numerous articles about how bad it is for you to sit all day, even if you’re very active at other … Continue reading

Posted in career, communication, drunkenness, exercise, genomics, original research, personal, photos, science, Silliness, technology | Comments Off on RBO Work

Parental pride–and a lesson in resilience by a brilliant scientist

When I answered my phone this past week, I found myself frequently saying, “Caplan’s Cabbies.” My partner being out of town leaves me ‘in the driver’s seat,’ literally and figuratively, regarding all of the extracurricular activities of my children. As … Continue reading

Posted in ALS, black holes, Caplan's Cabbies, depression, education, overcome, physics, Research, science, speech, Stephen Hawking | Comments Off on Parental pride–and a lesson in resilience by a brilliant scientist

The pressure of high-impact

High impact papers, h-indexes and pedigree. These are all things I have been forced to think about lately. I have recently completed two grant applications. For each of them, I had to write the cringe-worthy section on myself and how … Continue reading

Posted in h index, high impact publications, REF | Comments Off on The pressure of high-impact

On Biological Modelling

#4 Nuclear Pore (internal) (oily spaghetti model)

Posted in biological modelling, Nonsense, nuclear pore, nuclear trafficking, Science-less Sunday, spaghetti, trafficking | Comments Off on On Biological Modelling

Saying What You Mean to Say

Some years ago I came across a psychology paper which suggested that letters of reference are subtly (or even not-so-subtly) gendered. I had never thought about it before, but it made me think much harder about the adjectives and roles … Continue reading

Posted in Equality, gender, job applications, reference letter, Science Culture | Comments Off on Saying What You Mean to Say