Critical differences between the human immune system and that of other primates, such as chimpanzees and rhesus macaques, lead to humans being more susceptible to a number of infectious agents including HIV and malaria. Now, the first genome-wide functional comparison in chimps, macaques and humans reveals changes in immune system gene expression that could explain…
A paper in the Indian Journal of Pathology and Microbiology describes a simple screening tool (evaluated by Samuel Kariuki) for detecting a mutation in Salmonella enterica that confers resistance to standard treatment options. The point mutation Ser 83–>Tyr or Ser 83–>Phe (TCC–>TAC or TTC, respectively) can be identified using the restriction enzyme SSiI, which recognizes…
The First Law of Thermodymamics: Heat is work and work is heat … The Second Law of Thermodymamics: Heat cannot of itself pass from one body to a hotter body Heat won’t pass from a cooler to a hotter You can try it if you like but you far better notter ‘Cos the cold in…
Last week I raised the issue of a retraction epidemic, pointing to an editorial in Nature and wondering about the question of publicity for retractions, an issue brought to my attention by Ivan Oransky.
The NSF just announced a new initiative to help women tackle obstacles in their science careers. It’s focused on providing PhD students with inspiration and motivation, based on success stories of other women that have done it. Good stuff, right? But that’s only my own interpretation. I’m not actually sure if this is what the…
Cameron Neylon is a Senior Scientist in Biomolecular Sciences at the ISIS Neutron Scattering facility at the Science and Technology Facilities Council. He has more than a passing interest in “Open Research” and is well-known for advocating the benefits for science of open access, both in terms of data and publications. Download ‘Reusing data’ (5.7MB)…
When we come down with flu, we do everything we can to get rid of the virus and get better. But when we come down with mind viruses—or ideas that harm us rather than help us—we often just accept them as “how things are,” doing nothing to counter their damaging effects. There’s one mind virus,…
Although it was by far the most visible thing we did, the Science is Vital rally was never intended to be the only event. It was, more than anything, a publicity stunt designed to rally support and to send a message to the Treasury that we were serious. There was, as you might expect from…
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. —Margaret Mead There comes a time when you have to say, “Enough.” Draw a line in the sand—this far, and no further. To stand up for what you hold dear. That’s all…
if you make a discovery, there’s no other way to gain the confidence that you can make a discovery Martin Raff (read his profile at The Scientist) gives advice to young scientists. He says that it’s important to do something great early in your career, to boost confidence; which means placing yourself in a position…
