Robert Hickson • Jan 15, 2020 •
Outrageous, immoral or downright dangerous. That’s a description of the lifestyle of women “flappers” in the 1920s. Could it apply to science (and scientists) in the 2020s? Actually, you could look back at the past decade and see those, or similar terms, used about some science and scientists. Sometimes justifiably, most times not. Looking ahead ten … Read More
Sarah-Jane O'Connor • Oct 21, 2016 •
A new book on the history and science of 1080 in New Zealand goes beyond simply relaying facts and instead delves deep into science denial and the psyche of those who favour conspiracy over science. Protecting Paradise: 1080 and the fight to save New Zealand’s wildlife, written by Dave Hansford and published by Potton & Burton, covers the … Read More
Victoria Metcalf • May 20, 2016 •
These are exciting times for public science engagement in New Zealand. Last week 44 projects were successful in receiving a total of $2 million in the 2016 funding round for Unlocking Curious Minds. The Unlocking Curious Minds contestable fund in official language: supports innovative projects that will excite and engage New Zealanders, particularly young people (aged 18 years and under), … Read More
Peter Griffin • May 10, 2016 •
The new book Silencing Science, by University of Auckland physicist Professor Shaun Hendy highlights some recent examples of where scientists have been missing in action when the public needed their knowledge and insights the most. I can personally relate to this. During the Fonterra botulism scare, the 2014 Yersinia outbreak and for periods in the wake of … Read More
Peter Griffin • Aug 19, 2014 •
Next week is going to be science-central in Auckland – literally thousands of scientists will be in town for a number of major conferences, many of which are accompanied by public events. World New Zealand Science Week groups together everything from the SCAR Antarctic research conference to the ICSU General Assembly. I’m even hosting my Science Media … Read More
Peter Griffin • Jul 31, 2014 •
Sciblogs Editor’s Picks IAQ – Stick insects: the clone wars Griffin’s Gadgets – the Science in Society strategy Sleep On It – Sleep deprivation and false memories Hot Topic – Adventures in the Anthropocene … Read More
Darcy Cowan • Apr 29, 2013 •
Last week Michael Edmonds asked “Which TV Show Best Demonstrates the Scientific Method?” Various shows where suggested such as CSI and NCIS. Bones made an appearance in the comments as one show that exhibits a fair amount of pseudoscience along with it’s “real” science. House was praised for it’s attention to hypothesis generation and testing. [&hellip … Read More
Ken Perrott • Sep 19, 2011 •
I have discussed the issue of “supernaturalism” and science before but return to it having just read Can Science Test Supernatural Worldviews? by Dr Yonatan I. Fishman. It’s an excellent paper which I recommend you read as it may challenge … Continue reading → … Read More
Ken Perrott • Jul 14, 2011 •
Here’s a chance to win a book from SciBlogs NZ. The book is Anna Sandifords Expert Witness. It describes what forensic science is really like, and shares tales from the forensic front-line in New Zealand and overseas. Go to Code … Continue reading → … Read More
Ken Perrott • Jul 11, 2011 •
Book review: Science vs. Religion: What Scientists Really Think by Elaine Howard Ecklund. Price: US$19.72; NZ$59.97 Hardcover: 240 pages Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 6, 2010) Language: English ISBN-10: 0195392981 ISBN-13: 978-0195392982 This book reports on the recent  Religion … Continue reading → … Read More