Science blogs and public engagement with science: across the disciplinary divide

Posted on By Bluegrass Blue Crab 3 Comments on Science blogs and public engagement with science: across the disciplinary divide
Uncategorized

Debate over a communications study investigating science blogs and public engagement has recently engaged some of the research subjects and their friends to review the paper, which they’re totally entitled to do. Except that they, as traditional natural scientists, may not have the tools at hand to do justice to such a review. Dr. Isis’ response to the article may have been a bit dramatic but not entirely off the mark.  The study was well-grounded within social studies of science theory, but perhaps not executed or written like a seasoned researcher, which I suspect the author’s not.  So, beyond the fold, my social science perspective on the paper…

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Sharks and CITES

Posted on By David Shiffman 1 Comment on Sharks and CITES
Conservation, Science

The  15th meeting of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as CITES, has begun, and representatives of 175 countries are meeting in Doha, Qatar. CITES rules have the power to make international trade of plant and animal species illegal, which has enormous significance for their conservation. 8 shark species have been proposed for CITES protection under appendix II- oceanic whitetip sharks, porbeagle sharks, spiny dogfish (commonly used for fish and chips in the UK), dusky sharks, three species of hammerheads (great, smooth, and scalloped), and my study animal the sandbar shark.

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The Cove, Dolphins, and Mercury

Posted on By Bluegrass Blue Crab 6 Comments on The Cove, Dolphins, and Mercury
Popular Culture, Science

thanks to www.savebay.info

The Cove has recently collected a long list of awards including most notably an Oscar for best documentary.  These well-deserved accolades reward the filmmakers for risky and groundbreaking filming in a highly protected cove in Japan where a dolphin fishery thrives, both to feed the aquarium trade and citizens wishing to enjoy a dolphin dinner.  However, I caution viewers, as with most works of art that rely heavily on scientific information, that you should use the movie as inspiration but turn to the scientific literature for accurate information, especially in terms of mercury concerns within the dolphins. Mercury poisoning is scary, but it is only one amongst a long and growing list of toxicological concern.  Its effects are relatively well-understood and known to be primarily of concern for pregnant women and small children.

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10 things I hate about sharks

Posted on By Andrew Thaler 7 Comments on 10 things I hate about sharks
Science

Although vertebrates, sharks have cartilaginous skeletons. Why can’t they make up their minds? Sharks don’t fly anymore. Seriously, there used to be flying sharks. Flying Sharks. You can’t make this stuff up. Shark fins have no flavor. None. I mean what’s the point? Dermatologists get confused. Teeth for skin? What’s up with that? Sharks aren’t … Read More “10 things I hate about sharks” »

Why sharks matter: a reply to “sharks are sub-par at best”

Posted on By David Shiffman 45 Comments on Why sharks matter: a reply to “sharks are sub-par at best”
Science

Recently, Andrew attempted to correct several commonly-held misconceptions about sharks. He raises some good points, but I disagree with his conclusions. I believe that sharks are incredible animals, but I think it is far more relevant that sharks are important animals.

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