Monthly Archives: August 2018

Thinking about Everyone’s Health

My last post dealt with an almost trivial – although symptomatic – issue of everyday sexism. This one deals with something of rather larger magnitude, but one that is much lower beneath the radar than it warrants: health, and health … Continue reading

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In which we enjoy: unique recycled goods from Upside-Down

I rarely engage in product endorsement, but I’d like to tell you about a company I’m just crazy about. (They aren’t giving me any money or discounts to write this review.) Upside-Down is a Romanian company which recycles urban materials, … Continue reading

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To fail is to learn

After leaving school I worked in a library for a year and was in the music and drama section for six months. Towards the end of that time I was trusted enough that they let me prepare some orders for … Continue reading

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Come Fly with Me!

This week the Guardian ran a story which reeked of the Everyday Sexism Laura Bates has charted so excellently. The story referred to the airline TUI which had printed out badges to give to children boarding its flights. On one … Continue reading

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In which I plug: Cat Zero! (Punchline: it’s a great holiday read)

Are you heading off for some well-needed rest? Then do considering packing a copy of Cat Zero, my latest lab lit novel – in which a feminist virologist joins forces with a sexist mathematician to solve a cat plague that … Continue reading

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What is open science?

The question Wikipedia suggests that open science began in the 17th century, with the start of the academic journal. Some say that open science started in 1957 with the establishment of the World Data Center system, for International Geophysical Year. … Continue reading

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In which I preserve

I often think about how ancient survival strategies are probably still encoded somewhere deep in our chromosomes, cryptic and dormant but with the potential to be roused by the faintest of stimuli. For me, recent unrest in the world has … Continue reading

Posted in Domestic bliss, Gardening, Joshua, staring into the abyss, The ageing process, work-life balance | Comments Off on In which I preserve

Cat Zero – book review

This lablit novel is set in a research institute in north London. The story is centred on a virology research lab and its work. An old lady dies. A cat dies. More cats die – could it be suspicious? Artie … Continue reading

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The Typical Image

In any bit of publicity, imagery is hugely important. What should you choose to illustrate your story? What does a typical audience look like? As a microscopist, I know all about the challenges of finding a ‘typical image’.

Posted in electron microscopy, Equality, gender balance, publicity material | Comments Off on The Typical Image

UGG: The Undergraduate Guide for Graduate School

It’s been a fast-paced and hectic summer, but I am pleased to have finally completed and published a new e-book/e-manual titled: UGG: the Undergraduate Guide for Graduate School*   Sensing that many graduate students enter biomedical research graduate programs without … Continue reading

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