Nano Girl

Could an aspirin a day could dramatically cut your cancer risk?

Michelle Dickinson • Aug 07, 2014

In an incredibly detailed review of 200 studies published between 2009 and 2012, the results showed that the benefits of taking an aspirin every day for cancer prevention far outweigh the risks. The research published in the Annals of Oncology showed some very impressive results when it came to cancers, especially those in the digestive […] … Read More

Where do you fit on the scientific Kardashian Index?

Michelle Dickinson • Aug 06, 2014

I’m a scientist who also owns a twitter account and was very interested in this paper by Professor Neil Hall from the University of Liverpool about scientists and Twitter and a new metric that he calls the Kardashian index. Basically it provides an equation so that you can compare the number of followers you have […] … Read More

Sniffing out explosives with nanotechnology

Michelle Dickinson • Aug 03, 2014

There is a new nose about town and it’s sniffing out explosives molecules better than anything we have had before.  On Radio Live this morning I chatted to Mark Sainsbury about the new nanotechnology sensor and why it could help improve the air travel screening process.  You can listen to the interview here: The novel […] … Read More

Nano is the new black…….Vantablack

Michelle Dickinson • Aug 02, 2014

Trying to make the blackest material known to man may not seem like an important issue until you see how much light interferes with our telescopes and prevents us from seeing distant stars and learning more about the world outside of Earth. Talking to Mark Sainsbury on Radio Live, I chat about Vantablack, how it… … Read More

How to build a superhero in 5 easy steps

Michelle Dickinson • Jul 18, 2014

I was honoured to give my second TEDx talk at TEDx Wanaka this year and decided to combine the principles of nanotechnology, engineering and lessons from life. My 5 steps are: Step 1 – Believe in your Dreams (and surround yourself with others who believe in you too) Step 2 – If you believe in… … Read More

Science, sexism and the media.

Michelle Dickinson • Jul 17, 2014

So lets start at the beginning, I’m an engineer and a scientist and I’m passionate about communicating science and trying to get others to be passionate about it too. I think that understanding science is really important, no matter who you are or what your education level is.  Each one of us needs to make… … Read More

Can you increase your hitchhiking success using science?

Michelle Dickinson • Jun 05, 2014

Hitchhiking, it’s cheap, a great way to meet new people and a staple for many young students adventuring around the world during their summer holidays.  Although the obvious dangers of getting into a car with a complete stranger should be mentioned, I’ll admit I’ve taken the chance many times and been lucky in only having… … Read More