Code for life

Filing research papers and web browsing: Zotero, Zotfile and Vivaldi

Grant Jacobs • Jan 18, 2017

Three free tools for filing research papers and browsing the web. If you’re in research—be it scientific work, writing a book, or similar—you’ll be spending a lot of time gathering material on-line and filing it. There are a lot of tools out there, and everyone has their favourites. Let me introduce three I use … Read More

Is GM corn really different to non-GM corn?

Grant Jacobs • Dec 31, 2016

‘Substantially equivalent’ is the term used by regulatory bodies as part of confirming a GM crop is safe for consumption. Earlier work claims GM corn is ‘substantially equivalent’ to non-GM corn. Earlier this month a study was published in Scientific Reports claiming genetically modified corn is not substantially equivalent to non-GM corn, “Our molecular profiling results show that NK603 and its isogenic control … Read More

In a demon-haunted world

Grant Jacobs • Dec 22, 2016

20 years ago today a brilliant science communicator died. Over the last few months I’ve been seeing Carl Sagan’s words in my tiny corner of the internet, particularly his warnings of where we’d go if we ignorance and pseudo-science reigns. Sagan was a scientist, an author and a presenter. He was a huge figure … Read More

Book review: Adventures in the Anthropocene

Grant Jacobs • Jul 06, 2016

Adventures in the Anthropocene Gaia Vince Vintage 2014. ISBN 9780099572497. 390 pages of body text, excluding illustrations, end notes and index. Adventures in the Anthropocene is an investigative travelogue of responses to the challenges posed by human alterations to our plant, including climate change. Her book offers … Read More

Strolling the solar system at St Kilda

Grant Jacobs • Jul 05, 2016

St. Kilda Beach is a little south of Melbourne, Australia. You can see the city skyline, or watch those paddling or sailing. Or you could walk the solar system. Once set up as a temporary exhibit, the planets are now in brass. Starting at the Sun, each planet is the correct relative size and distance apart. Read More

Wollongong University—feeble excuses for not naming Wilyman anti-vax thesis examiners

Grant Jacobs • Mar 14, 2016

Late last year Australia’s Wollongong University awarded a Ph.D. thesis for what could be described as a barely veiled anti-vaccine conspiracy. Wollongong University’s feeble excuse for not naming the examiners of Wilyman’s anti-vaccine thesis is laughable. Good for entertainment, though.* Ken McLeod alerted readers of Helen Petousis Harris’ blog that The Australian has reported that,** … Read More

Sweet chromosomes

Grant Jacobs • Mar 05, 2016

Sweet chromosomes to sweeten your weekend – Human karyotype in sweets by Rhiannon Morris ‏(twitter @RheeMor), shared with permission. Karyotype of person with Down Syndrome – note the extra chromosome 21 (See Footnote 1 for more). Karyotypes are the collection of chromosomes in our cells, laid out in order. They can … Read More

Regulation of Natural Health Products consultation

Grant Jacobs • Mar 04, 2016

Below are some loose thoughts on a first reading of the consultation document for the Regulation of Natural Health Products consultation. I don’t intend this post to be an article, as I usually would write here. It is meant to air a few thoughts I have on reading this document to invite comment. Suggestions … Read More

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Public talks on genetics and Antarctic science in New Zealand in March

Grant Jacobs • Feb 25, 2016

Book yourself into one of these public talks about different aspects of genetics in March — or catch some Antarctic science and learn more about what people study down on the ice. Genetics at the New Zealand Festival Geneticist and science presenter, Adam Rutherford is appearing in the New Zealand Festival as part of their Writer’s Week in … Read More

What kind of scientist are you?

Grant Jacobs • Feb 12, 2016

What kind of scientist you are at heart, or want to be? Compare yourself to the chart below based on a study by the Science Council who found there were are 10 main types of science and technology jobs. Share in the comments below – perhaps also tell us how it compares with your current job. Read More

About Code for life

Code for Life is the blog of Dr Grant Jacobs who has wide-ranging interests in science-related subjects, especially genetics, bioinformatics and science communication. To learn more about Code for Life (topics, copyright, comments, writing), see About Code for Life Twitter: @BioinfoTools

The views expressed on this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the owners of SciBlogs.co.nz, the Science Media Centre or the Royal Society of New Zealand.

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