Grant Jacobs • Nov 01, 2013 •
In this TED lecture Laura Snyder introduces the origins of the term ‘scientist’ (hint: for that don’t know, it’s surprising modern), the Philosophical Breakfast Cub and ‘modern’ science, closing with an appeal to science communication. Among other things, it’s interesting to learn that the Royal Association dropped questions after presentations as being ungentlemanly! This will be … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Feb 06, 2013 •
Epigenetics is a term that is increasingly being heard of outside of molecular biology or genetics. One of my interests is how gene regulation works, how the molecules that control genes do their thing. You can think of epigenetics as gene regulation through controlling the availability of genes to be used or not. While … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Dec 04, 2012 •
Earlier today I received this comment from TED.com editor Emily McMagnus: Just dropping a note here, because this has been such a wonderful thread and community, to say: SIGH! Have you seen the latest outcropping of woo on TEDx? http://daurmith.tumblr.com/post/37026658753/an-angry-letter-after-tedxvalenciawomen It’s not possible for anyone to be more upset about this … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Sep 20, 2012 •
In an earlier article, Do TED lectures need better vetting?, I pointed to recurring ‘slips’ in TED(x) events where unsound material were being presented and asked if better vetting of speakers and their material might be needed, especially for the independent local/regional TEDx events. TED editor Emily McMagnus joined the discussion and invited suggestions. I’ve … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Apr 06, 2012 •
Weekend video - for general readers. This TEDxCambridge lecture by Professor George Church* offers an informal look at progress in genomics and personalised medicine. While very informal compared to some TED lectures, but it does give glimpses of where genomics and personalised medicine might be headed in a series of quick snapshots.** … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Apr 02, 2012 •
OPINION: TED lectures are advertised as being for ‘ideas worth spreading’. A few of the local/regional TEDx offer what I would describe as at best questionable topics or speakers. Here I point at a few examples and offer some thoughts. TED lectures are rightfully famous for presenting engaging talks by people from many … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Oct 01, 2011 •
Having seen a run of posts on various ’bad science’ on sciblogs.co.nz–that’s us!–and being wildly short on free time –free time-what is that??–let me offer readers Britain’s Ben Goldacre giving a TED lecture, Battling Bad Science. Ben is the author of the well-known Bad Science blog, and writes the Bad Science column at The Guardian. Read More
Grant Jacobs • Jun 10, 2011 •
Jack Horner had two dreams, to be a palaeontologist and to have a pet dinosaur. He’s been the first for his lifetime. He’s still working on the second: Other articles on Code for life: Doggie ERVs Should children be sent home from school if they are not vaccinated? Keeping … Read More
Grant Jacobs • May 18, 2011 •
Optogenetics lets researchers directly examine the brain through controlling neurons in the brain by inserting genes for particular photoreceptors, proteins that respond to light, into neurons. But let Ed Boyden explain it.* He gives an excellent presentation, with great visuals: … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Apr 30, 2011 •
Batteries. They power countless portable devices, start cars and drive electric vehicles. Yet they’re not particularly efficient. In research labs more efficient batteries are being developed. Viruses. They infect cells to cause disease. We’re forever battling them, trying to find better ways to rid ourselves of them. Yet in research labs around the world … Read More