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.

Tears for lives and an ideal lost

Posted on 30 October 2018 by Steve Caplan

Mindlessly meandering down Dodge Tears flowing like blood oozing from an arterial wound Lies and lunatics, spiraling out of control And all decency unmoored, with no captain at the moral helm  

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Balancing science and the need to be politically active

Posted on 28 October 2018 by Steve Caplan

Many fine articles have been written on the need for scientists to find the right “work-life balance.” Most of the time, the meaning of a work-life balance is equated with identifying a healthy balance between the need to dedicate significant … Continue reading →

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Why women in science cannot achieve equality when the president presides over chants of “LOCK HER UP!”

Posted on 11 October 2018 by Steve Caplan

By nature and training, most biomedical research scientists are reductionists. For those non-scientists who are reading this, what I mean is that organisms and cells are so complex, with so many things going on simultaneously, that it is extremely difficult … Continue reading →

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Sometimes science needs to take a backseat

Posted on 29 September 2018 by Steve Caplan

Science is based on fundamental, objective truth. So sometimes, in support of science, it is necessary to step back and take a moral stand. Here is my letter to Nebraskan Senator Ben Sasse (republican, Judiciary Committee). Since I have no … Continue reading →

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When truth meets “feelings”

Posted on 23 September 2018 by Steve Caplan

And behind the curtain is…?!!! As human beings, we are taught (perhaps except in the era of Trump) about the importance of respecting others, and being sensitive to their views and feelings. Overall, this is a GOOD thing, and while … Continue reading →

Posted in Darwin, education, evolution, religion, Research, science, sensitivities, truth | Comments Off on When truth meets “feelings”

UGG: The Undergraduate Guide for Graduate School

Posted on 19 August 2018 by Steve Caplan

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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Once upon a time there was respect for scientists…

Posted on 12 May 2018 by Steve Caplan

Some families sit together and watch sitcoms, entertainment, or sports. Not my family; we are the classic science geeks. Two parents who both are researchers with a lab to run, one adult child who is a sophomore microbiology/biochemistry student at … Continue reading →

Posted in Charité, education, Erich, Koch, Professor, Research, science, von Behring | Comments Off on Once upon a time there was respect for scientists…

The best experiment

Posted on 5 May 2018 by Steve Caplan

It has been a long winter, but spring is finally here. It’s a beautiful day, starting from breakfast on the deck, watching the birds over the lake. And it’s time for someone who hasn’t done an experiment in a dozen … Continue reading →

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Another school shooting–will anything change?

Posted on 24 February 2018 by Steve Caplan

It is becoming increasingly difficult to keep one’s nose to the grindstone and carry on in America of 2018 as though everything is okay. That’s because it isn’t. I have to be optimistic—and despite Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman’s wariness of … Continue reading →

Posted in assault rifle, Daniel Kahneman, empathy, Florida, gun control, guns, military, narcissist, optimist, president, school shootings | Comments Off on Another school shooting–will anything change?

Even scientists have birthdays

Posted on 24 February 2018 by Steve Caplan

What do you get for a scientist who has everything? Except, perhaps, all the grants and papers he wants….

Posted in Birthdays, grants, humor, manuscripts, peer review, Research, reviews, science, scientists | Comments Off on Even scientists have birthdays