Author Archives: rpg

X. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PARTS SEAL AT THESE LOCATIONS I am fascinated by the English language, especially its inherent ambiguities. This email, from staff in our media kitchen, serves to illustrate: hi everyone, there will be delays in autoclaving … Continue reading →

This patch must be applied to all H. sapiens version 1.0 immediately.

I’m a big fan of Mole . And I have to say that wriggling out of reviewing manuscripts is as reprehensible as wriggling out of jury service. If we take any pride in our vocation (or society), we have to … Continue reading →

There is an interesting discussion over at lablit.com about the use of metaphor, or rather analogy in science. Just under two years ago I gave a talk to my group about some work I’d been involved with in Cambridge (where … Continue reading →

Apparently “These laser beams are now so powerful they can shine up to five kilometres.” Well, no, actually. They are “so powerful” that they can shine for infinity. As can the least powerful laser, if there’s nothing in the way. … Continue reading →

(It is Friday in horologically advanced regions of the world) I’ve just seen this paper abstract, posted on another forum. The speed of sound was measured in solutions of sucrose (0-70 wt/vol%), glycerol (0-30 wt/vol%) and orange juice (0-40 solids … Continue reading →

I know, I know, I said I wouldn’t enter this debate. But Steve Matheson gets it so right I feel that I would be remiss if I didn’t link there . His last point is so well made that I’m … Continue reading →

Why is most of the literature so damnably boring? What is it that makes us get as far as “The cardiac isoform has an additional N-terminal domain that is postulated to provide a greater level of . . . zzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ”? … Continue reading →

From an email this morning: Yesterday we found a white-tailed spider on level 6 and a female red-back spider on level 2. It is possible these spiders are seeking refuge from the redevelopment outside. Both these spiders can give nasty … Continue reading →

On the way to Redfern Station this evening I caught a snippet of conversation that went something like this: “Yes, they’ve been over-Westernized—” and my first thought was “What did you do, leave it in primary antibody too long?” I … Continue reading →