Author Archives: Steve Caplan

About Steve Caplan

I am a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska where I mentor a group of students, postdoctoral fellows and researchers working on endocytic protein trafficking. My first lablit novel, "Matter Over Mind," is about a biomedical researcher seeking tenure and struggling to overcome the consequences of growing up with a parent suffering from bipolar disorder. Lablit novel #2, "Welcome Home, Sir," published by Anaphora Literary Press, deals with a hypochondriac principal investigator whose service in the army and post-traumatic stress disorder actually prepare him well for academic, but not personal success. Novel #3, "A Degree of Betrayal," is an academic murder mystery. "Saving One" is my most recent novel set at the National Institutes of Health. Now IN PRESS: Today's Curiosity is Tomorrow's Cure: The Case for Basic Biomedical Research (CRC PRESS, 2021). https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B006CSULBW? All views expressed are my own, of course--after all, I hate advertising.

The week in review

Posted on 26 May 2013 by Steve Caplan

I just returned home from a 2 h walk, using my new pedometer app on the iPhone: in all 1:55 minutes with an average pace of 4.7 mph and a total of about 8.7 miles. What I forgot to do … Continue reading →

Posted in dehydration, dissertation, excercise, graduation, papers, Ph.D., Research, science, walk | Comments Off on The week in review

After the storm

Posted on 17 May 2013 by Steve Caplan

So it’s after the storm. I don’t mean a physical storm–of course I am referring to my recent experience in posting some thoughts on Prof. Stephen Hawking’s decision to join the boycott of Israel. From threatening personal emails to being … Continue reading →

Posted in art, BDS, boycott, Israel, Lauritzen Gardens, lego, omaha, Palestine, Palestinians, peace, Research, science, Stephen Hawking, West Bank | Comments Off on After the storm

My Life in Nebraska

Posted on 11 May 2013 by Steve Caplan

Years ago, when I still permitted myself a very tiny slice of time for television, I enjoyed the antics of Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer in the British comedy series, “As Time Goes By.” In particular, I wholly identified with … Continue reading →

Posted in as time goes by, author, Books, libraries, Nebraska, norfolk, novels, promotion, science, self-promotion | Comments Off on My Life in Nebraska

Women of the Wall: fighting inequality and discrimination at every opportunity

Posted on 20 April 2013 by Steve Caplan

Two of the most heated topics that are avidly discussed by OT members in recent blogs are gender equality and anti-Semitism—both worthy of serious consideration—and not mutually exclusive. As those who know me will attest, I am not a big … Continue reading →

Posted in anti-semitism, conservative, discrimination, egalitarianism, gender equality, Jerusalem, Judaism, reform, religion, ultra-orthodox, western wall, women of the wall | Comments Off on Women of the Wall: fighting inequality and discrimination at every opportunity

Hi tech solutions for building demolition/renovation

Posted on 12 April 2013 by Steve Caplan

I just hope they left the right people alone in the correct room!

Posted in come in, gumby, humor, i got me head stuck in the cupboard, open the DOOR and come in, Silliness, sorry | Comments Off on Hi tech solutions for building demolition/renovation

New meanings for protein structures-combining art and science

Posted on 12 April 2013 by Steve Caplan

I have been blogging on and off these past couple years about science and art, art and science. And all of the sudden I came across this phenomenal art form by Ph.D. student, Maja Klevanski, as depicted in a feature … Continue reading →

Posted in art, humor, protein, Research, science, structure | Comments Off on New meanings for protein structures-combining art and science

The scientist as a squirrel

Posted on 4 April 2013 by Steve Caplan

What does one need to obtain grant funding in these tough times? *Overcoming obstacles *Fierce determination *Exceptional creativity and ingenuity *Proof of feasibility *Above all, persistence and resilience In short, behave like this squirrel that entertained us all through dinner.

Posted in creativity, determination, funding, grants, humor, ingenuity, persistence, Research, resilience, science, squirrels | Comments Off on The scientist as a squirrel

Are scientists becoming an endangered species? The way we live–now

Posted on 30 March 2013 by Steve Caplan

What spurred me to put pen-to-paper, if that phrase has any remaining meaning, was reading about the recent proposals at the US National Institutes of Health to again revamp the grant review system. The previous revamp, just several years ago, … Continue reading →

Posted in endangered species, grant review, grants, peer review, Research, reviews, science, scientists, survival, the way we live now | Comments Off on Are scientists becoming an endangered species? The way we live–now

Let My People Go!

Posted on 26 March 2013 by Steve Caplan

This evening being Passover, and me being an admitted anti-socialite Israelite who eschews any connection with organized religion–I find it necessary to search for my own unique way to celebrate. This year, the onset of this holiday, the celebration of … Continue reading →

Posted in epicurus, lab lit, Let My People Go, literary fiction, mystery, Passover, religion, Research, science | Comments Off on Let My People Go!

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

Posted on 10 March 2013 by Steve Caplan

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