Tag: Behind the Buzz

Podcast: DEET, Mesquite, and Mutant Mosquitoes

Podcast: DEET, Mesquite, and Mutant Mosquitoes

Why do some mosquitoes bite us? How do mosquitoes spread disease? What can we do to prevent getting “eaten alive?” Scientists Matt DeGennaro, Lindy McBride, and Emily Dennis from the Vosshall Lab of Neurogenetics and Behavior at Rockefeller discuss their latest research on Aedes aegypti — […]

5 Steps to Separate Science from Hype, No PhD Required

5 Steps to Separate Science from Hype, No PhD Required

By Gabrielle Rabinowitz and Emily Jane Dennis   “Does flossing decrease my risk of heart disease?” No, but is it good for you? Yes. “Does aluminum cause Alzheimers?” Nope. “Should I start following the Paleo Diet?” Probably not & paleolithic people probably didn’t either. As scientists, we’re […]

A 3 Billion Dollar Mistake: Why the American government should think twice about a Brain Activity Map (BAM)

A 3 Billion Dollar Mistake: Why the American government should think twice about a Brain Activity Map (BAM)

Update: The United States government has released more information about the specifics of their brain mapping project, now called the BRAIN Initiative. I break down the details and discuss the pros and cons here.   By Gabrielle Rabinowitz, @GabrielleRab In the 2013 State of the […]

Sensationalism in Science, Part II

Sensationalism in Science, Part II

By Gabrielle Rabinowitz, @GabrielleRab In Part I of this post I explained the harm that can result from over-hyped science reporting. But what if scientists’ own enthusiasm for their work is what sparks the hype? As Rob O’ Sullivan of Dar-winning pointed out in a […]

Sensationalism in Science, Part I

Sensationalism in Science, Part I

By Gabrielle Rabinowitz “NASA Discovers Alien Life”  “Doctors Talk to Vegetative Patient Through Brain Scans”  “Sleep Apnea Tied to Increased Cancer Risk” The world according to popular science headlines is a pretty crazy place. Miraculous cures and surprising causes for all of our ailments can […]