Early embryonic hearts are the first functioning organ in embryos, playing a critical role in development, but don’t resemble the mature four-chambered organ we might imagine. Some anti-abortion legislation hinges on the term ‘fetal heartbeat’ to describe early cardiac activity when neither a fetus nor a chambered heart exist.
Continue ReadingA short story on how a PhD student found the value of science communication.
Continue ReadingVaccine rumors have a story to tell and it might be time to listen.
Continue ReadingAlternative meats are here to stay! Can they satisfy our demand for more meat, save the planet, and our health? Meating the Demand: For More “Meat” Alternative meat options once…
Continue ReadingAlex Stutzman of UNC-CH (unexpectedly and unintentionally) became the founder of #BlackinGenetics on Twitter, which took over the week of August 17-23rd, 2020. The SWAC Executive Board Interviewed Alex, a…
Continue ReadingSarah McAunulty founded Skype a Scientist and uses science communication to get people excited about squid and science!
Continue ReadingOne of the most controversial aspects of biomedical research is the use of animals to benefit humans. Scientists use animals to test new treatments for human diseases and to understand…
Continue ReadingAuto-Bio-Graphy = Self-Life-Writing or how your body and life look as told through choreography. This is what Wayne McGregor imagined as he began working on Autobiography with the McGregor Company Dancers. The…
Continue ReadingCancer is an immensely complex disease to treat. The number of mutations and combinations of mutations that can lead to its development make each “cure” more of a patch to…
Continue Reading“Use a picture. It’s worth a thousand words.” This timeless expression first appeared in a 1911 Syracuse Post Standard newspaper article. If you ask Mohamad Elgendi, he’ll say it’s more…
Continue ReadingI did not know graduate depression was a thing almost a decade ago when I studied for my Master’s degree. I experienced a period of depression symptoms but I did…
Continue ReadingDuring my last year of graduate study in physics, I attended the 2015 ComSciCon Triangle workshop and learned that I could make a career out of science writing. So I…
Continue ReadingSocial media has become a ubiquitous part of our lives, completely changing the way we share information and connect with others. As scientists, we would be remiss to not combine…
Continue ReadingRecently, the federal budget for the fiscal year (FY) 2019 (beginning October 1st, 2018) was released. Shockingly, the initial plan called for brutal cuts to basic research funding agencies—slashing the…
Continue ReadingThey can be eaten raw, made into countless stews and sauces, and add a tasty addition to nearly any dish. Tomatoes are practically indispensable in any modern kitchen and are…
Continue ReadingWell the holiday season is upon us. Our calendars and days are now filled with shopping, travel, and social gatherings with friends, family, and loved ones. As the temperature outside…
Continue ReadingEarlier this year, the U.S. government released the Climate Science Special Report. This document describes the state of the Earth’s climate, specifically focusing on the U.S. If you are someone…
Continue ReadingYou probably don’t usually think of particle physics and the Great Pyramid of Giza as having much in common. In some ways, the two seem diametrically opposed: the Giza Pyramid…
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