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.

Going against the grain—or rather corn

Posted on 3 January 2015 by Steve Caplan

For better or for worse, US College athletics are an integral part of US society. However, maintaining a spirit of good sportsmanship should be an essential part of any athletic program. College sports have a huge impact on US universities; … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, academics, coach, college sports, Cornhuskers, education, Football, Nebraska, profane language, sports, Universities | Comments Off on Going against the grain—or rather corn

Empathy, stereotypes and Merry Christmas

Posted on 25 December 2014 by Steve Caplan

Around this time of year, I find myself in public places like grocery stores constantly be wished “Merry Christmas.” This, of course, does not at all bother me (although being Jewish I recognize the significance of the holiday, I do … Continue reading →

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On moving on from The Lancet’s egregious error

Posted on 14 December 2014 by Steve Caplan

In the midst of the terrible summer war between the Hamas movement in Gaza and Israel, The Lancet published a rabidly anti-Israel letter entitled “An Open Letter for the People of Gaza” that accused Israel of intentional genocide and Israeli … Continue reading →

Posted in "open letter to the people of Gaza, academic boycott, anti-semitism, Dr. Horton, genocide, Israel, Israelis, Manduca, Medicine, Palestinians, Research, rockets, science, terror, The Lancet, war | Comments Off on On moving on from The Lancet’s egregious error

Science in films: Decoding Annie Parker

Posted on 28 November 2014 by Steve Caplan

It’s been a long time since I’ve actually seen a film in a theatre; the appeal of lying in bed in front of a high-resolution laptop screen when I’m too tired to think, write or even read is too great. … Continue reading →

Posted in Annie Parker, BRCA1, breast cancer, Decoding Annie Parker, gene inheritance, geneticist, Helen Hunt, lab lit, Mary-Claire King, ovarian cancer, Research, science | Comments Off on Science in films: Decoding Annie Parker

“The Whipping Man”–don’t miss it!

Posted on 12 November 2014 by Steve Caplan

Over two years ago, I blogged in this space about “A Secular Passover” and discussed, among other issues, American Jews of the confederate south around the time of the civil war. Caleb (Andy Prescott), John (Luther Simon) and Simon (Carl … Continue reading →

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Unconscious gender bias? What do I picture when I think of a scientist?

Posted on 26 October 2014 by Steve Caplan

Recent years have seen a lot of discussion on the blogosphere on gender bias in science. There is no question that awareness is always the first step in heading for a solution. Do I have an unconscious bias against women … Continue reading →

Posted in arts, conscious bias, education, female, feminism, gender bias, gender equality, identity, liberal arts, male, minorities, Ph.D., PI, Research, science, scientist, scientists, Unconscious bias, Women in science | Comments Off on Unconscious gender bias? What do I picture when I think of a scientist?

“Dogged Science”

Posted on 26 October 2014 by Steve Caplan

No, this is not posed or photoshopped. But it is apparent that Ginger is somewhat less enthusiastic about calculations in single molecule imaging than I am.

Posted in competing interests, dogs, dSTORM, Ginger, humor, Labrador Retriever, Research, science, single molecule imaging, vizsla | Comments Off on “Dogged Science”

On Columbus’ Origins

Posted on 15 October 2014 by Steve Caplan

Having celebrated this week what is known here in the US as Columbus Day, a federal holiday, I thought it might be interesting to share (rather than review) a novel that I just finished reading — timely enough — about … Continue reading →

Posted in 1492, America, author, Christopher, Codex 632, Colon, Columbus, Columbus Day, Conversos, dos Santos, Genoa, Jewish, Kabbala, navigation, novel, Portugese, Portugese Jew, science, Spain | Comments Off on On Columbus’ Origins

Icons, cell biology and comfort zones

Posted on 5 October 2014 by Steve Caplan

I recently returned from a week in Paris in which I attended a great meeting hosted by the French Society for Cell Biology (SBCF) called “Building the Cell,” at the Pasteur Institute and from another seminar invitation at the Curie … Continue reading →

Posted in cell biology, Curie Institute, Eiffel Tower, France, Paris, Pasteur Institute, Research, science, scientific meeting, seminar, travel | Comments Off on Icons, cell biology and comfort zones

Unacceptable (science) education

Posted on 20 September 2014 by Steve Caplan

For some time now I have been a proponent of including researchers – for example, those with a Ph.D. – in teaching science to high school students. While I have no doubt that the inclusion of a motivated and talented … Continue reading →

Posted in advanced microscopy, advanced placement, biology, creative teaching, education, Golgi, high school, microbody, organelles, Ph.D. degree, Research, science, secondary school, super-resolution microscopy, Teaching, the cell | Comments Off on Unacceptable (science) education