Category Archives: Scientific Life

Mind your language

Posted on October 7, 2009 by Stephen

When it comes to language, I am a lover and a fighter. I’m no great expert but I know what I like and do try to take a bit of care every time I lay out my little handkerchief of … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Scientific Life | 42 Comments

Flags of our Daughters

Posted on September 12, 2009 by Stephen

Flags are potent and emotive symbols for many people but when my daughter plonked her new school-bag on the kitchen counter at the beginning of this week I cracked a wry smile. Love that Union flag? My reaction to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Science & Politics, Scientific Life | 126 Comments

I confess

Posted on March 7, 2009 by Stephen

There is something inherently confessional in a blog, even in a science blog. There is an urge to reveal—do you feel it?—that is normally kept safely in check. Mine is pretty well locked down. And yet I admire those who, … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Scientific Life, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 72 Comments

“Donuts – is there anything they can’t do?”

Posted on November 6, 2008 by Stephen

On Tuesday, following a tip-off from Maxine, Richard noted the passing of the Daresbury Synchrotron in Cheshire, which shut down finally in August. This gave me pause for quiet reflection since I had been a Daresbury user since 1991, cutting … Continue reading →

Posted in Protein Crystallography, Scientific Life | 23 Comments