• Vaccines- Part 2

    “With this vaccine, we shall cure the disease!” “Er… actually, vaccines don’t ‘cure’ things, they are preventative-” “With just a single dose, everyone will be immune to the virus!” “Sooooo, it may take more than one dose depending on the nature of the virus-” “We will become invincible!” *“Actually, with...

  • Vaccines- Part 1

    “I got the vaccine!” “Awesome! That’s amazing! I’m still waiting to get my dose!” “Yeah! I can’t wait until I get superpowers!” “…Wait, what?” “You know: the RNA vaccine goes in, changes your DNA, and then there’s a chance you could get a super gene!” “It… doesn’t do that.” “BEHOLD!...

  • If You Eat A Mermaid...

    ”If you eat a mermaid, is it cannibalism?” ”Doesn’t it depend on which part you ate?” ”What? No! Just because you ate the part that ‘looked fishy’ doesn’t mean you didn’t eat a mermaid! You have to determine if eating any portion of the mermaid is cannibalistic!” ”Then the next...

  • Viruses- Part 3

    “OH NO! They’ve been bitten by the infected! What do we do?!” “Relax. The incubation time for viruses is at least a day or two, most longer. We’ve got time.” “But we could be next!” “Okay… Have you been bitten?” “No?” “Did you remove your facemask? Forget to wash your...

  • Viruses- Part 2

    Normally, this is where I put a funny little dialogue intro. But, as we are in the midst of a pandemic as I write this, I think it would be pertinent to clarify some things before we start (not only as writing tips, but also as a public service announcement):...

  • How to Talk Science

    “I utilized the Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis to isolate the polypeptide of interest, which I then scrutinized with the protein immunoblot protocol…” “Dude, what are you talking about?” “…I ran an SDS Gel to separate our conglomeration of proteins and then I examined the protein using antibodies-” “I...

  • Viruses- Part 1

    “Are viruses, in your opinion, alive?” The question hung in the air. The lab tech leaned back in her chair, chewed the end of her pen pensively, and then asked, “How do we mean ‘alive?’ Do we mean literally? Metaphorically?” The visitor squinted in confusion. “Literally, I suppose?” “Well,” The...

  • How to Write a Scientist- Part 1

    “Dr. Doe, we need you to examine this patient! They are sick with a new virus, and you’re their only hope.” “What in the heck am I supposed to do for them? I’ve never touched a patient before.” “But you’re a doctor! It’s in your title!” “Yeah, but not that...