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Southern Fried gives Charlie a ride
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…
Read More “Science blogs and public engagement with science: across the disciplinary divide” »
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Bomaiblat, Bluegrass, and Charlie at Benthic Ecology
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.
Popular Culture, Science
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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Southern Fried and Bluegrass at Benthic Ecology, Charlie tagging along
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” »
Conservation, Science
If you were follwing along on Twitter this weekend, you know that all three of us were at the Benthic Ecology 2010 meeting in Wilmington, NC. Below are some of the more interesting conversations that occurred while livetweeting the event.
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From adventures of charlie
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.
Read More “Why sharks matter: a reply to “sharks are sub-par at best”” »