How can we scientists find ways to keep doing our research during the COVID19 pandemic even if it has nothing to do with the coronavirus? Also, how should those of us involved in science communication talk about the outbreak? At a more basic level, how can scientists try not to go bonkers during this dark […]
Scientists try not to lose it with their labs shut by the pandemic Read More »
These days when we think of the words “scientific” and “sin”, we might conjure up an image of a stem cell scientist being called a sinner by extremist anti-stem cell activists. As you know, I think that is bogus. In this article that’s not the kind of scientific sin I’m talking about. Rather, I’m talking
Seven sins of scientists: starting with failure to cite Read More »
What are human lab rats? And I don’t mean humans in a clinical trial. I’m one of those people who can accurately be called “lab rats” in the sense of a scientist loving being in the lab doing experiments, analyzing data, and so forth. Ever since I started as a lab technician in 1990, I
Do Human Lab Rats Dream about Science? Read More »
In addition to being a scientist, I’m an amateur photographer and gardener who loves taking nature photos. I really like to get out into the world and capture it on film and some of this happens right in my own back yard. This isn’t so surprising since one of my favorite parts of science is
Nature Photos & Videos Read More »
I was walking my dog Elvis with my daughter Julie on Sunday and as we have in the past, we came across something very science-y. (note you might enjoy my Scientist in the Garden series.) At the dog park where Elvis likes to play and hunt for rodents in the nearby bushes, there were millions
Jumping oak gall swarm surprises Davis neighborhood Read More »
I have a Plumeria plant in my office in my lab and when I came in today (Monday), I found the Plumeria in bloom and giving off a very beautiful scent reminiscent of Hawaii. (update: note you may enjoy my “Scientist in the Garden” series). Wow! Holy cow, how did that happen? Ok, back up.
Tips to get an indoor Plumeria to bloom Read More »
If only humans could master regeneration. It seems like that would open the door to far better health. Maybe to longer life too. We can see how many other creatures innately can regenerate organs. I can see it in the lizards that run around in my garden. Every now and then I see one with
My to-read list this weekend includes a range of papers along with various news & media including a report of two US research groups aiming to get CRISPR baby patents. More on that below. At long last a trip + fun thing to do in NYC Last week I took my first trip in more
Weekly reads: escape to New York, CRISPR baby patents, ISSCR guidelines, pubs Read More »
365 days a year, 24 hours a day stem cells are growing in labs around the world, providing a never-ending stream of data and products, with real hope, good news, and lots of surprises. You can see some past examples of good news in the stem cell and regenerative medicine field highlighted on The Niche here.
Recent stem cell news: vision, brain organoids, & lab meat Read More »
By Heather Main I was a little ashamed of myself that I didn’t know who half of the finalists were in Paul Knoepfler’s Stem Cell Person of the Year Award. I decided to look into it and find out what (or who) I have missed…..Interestingly, 3 of the 7 listed here are not scientists but
Mini-bios on finalists for Stem Cell Person of the Year Read More »