Bad science journalism how-to

Linked above is a great break-down of how to write a bad piece of science journalism. Wish I'd written it, that's all I can say!

Questionably sane?

I can't resist giving a free plug to my friend Nathan's new podcast, Questionably Sane. It doesn't have too much to do with science but I think it's funny (although it does come with a coarse language warning).

The most recent two episodes (3 & 4) poke fun at political correctness, which I think will appeal to scientists and others among my quiet readers.

[edit: link now updated to the most recent podcast site.]

Scientific writing revolution

Well, I always wanted to write a story in the form of a scientific paper, but this is way better.

How to write a scientific paper

17 January 2007

by Gregory Benford

A tongue-in-cheek guide to turning scientific jargon into a riveting read.

By Bea Realist
Department of Arcane Abstrusities, University of California, Irvine

References
1. 'Professorial Pathology' by E. U. Rieka, A. B. Surd and I. M. Pedant, Journ. Academic Backstabbing Vol 3, 1980.
2. Explaining Asimov (Twelve Volumes) by The National Academy of Sciences, 1981.

Abstract
A new formulation of the traditional academic paper is considered. The way scholars really read scientific papers is discussed. This paper itself is written in the new method herein proposed. Studies among the author's friends indicate that reading time for most scientific literature can be reduced three-fold by use of this method. For some papers, reading time approaches zero.

Read more...

Harry Potter and medical ethics

This is just too cute not to post... click the link for the full article.

ABSTRACT

With the restoration of You-Know-Who to full corporeal form, the practice of the dark arts may lead to multitudes being charmed, befuddled and confounded. At present, muggle ethics dictate that aid may be rendered in a life-or limb-threatening situation, but the margins are blurred when neither is at stake. Muggle and wizard healers, fearful of being labelled ambulance chasers, may shy away from approaching those who remain blissfully unaware of their illnesses. We describe 4 case studies in which we intervened as muggle healers, to salutary effect. The afflicted were healed or helped, without bringing the weight of the Ministries of Magic or Magical Healing upon us. We advocate a spirit of cooperation between muggle and magical folk, mindful of the strengths that the healing arts from each community have to offer. As long as the intent is beneficent, healers or even the wizard or muggle on the street may intervene and render aid to the afflicted.