June 2009

Confluence: Where communication, coupling and control collide

by Andrew Maynard June 26, 2009

Part 7 of a series on rethinking science and technology for the 21st century Yesterday, I listened to respected economists discussing geoengineering; gave a Skype interview on nanotechnology from the comfort of my own home; and watched as reactions to Michael Jackson’s death spread through virtual web-based communities.  Twenty years ago, when Jackson was at [...]

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Science influence on Twitter – June update

by Andrew Maynard June 23, 2009

Back in April I posted data on three indicators of “influence” for ~400 science-focused Twitter users – based on David Bradley’s list of “Scientific Twitter Friends.” Intrigued to see how these Tweeps’ influence evolves over time, I will be updating these data periodically. In this first update (aided and abetted by @ruthseeley – thanks Ruth!), [...]

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Would you use mental ability-enhancing drugs? Take the (anonymous) poll:

by Andrew Maynard June 19, 2009

Poll closed 26 June – see the results below.  I’ll be writing on this in a week or so Would you – or do you – use drugs like Ritalin, donepezil or modafinil to improve your mental ability? I’m interested in getting a sense of current use and attitudes, and would love as many people [...]

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Nanotechnology: Ensuring success through safety

by Andrew Maynard June 16, 2009

This month’s issue of the magazine Science & Technology takes a closer look at some of the controversies, dilemmas and decisions that will impact on the future development of the science and technology of working at the nanoscale.  Amongst the commentaries is a short piece I wrote about the importance of safety in underpinning successful [...]

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Geoengineering: Are we grown up enough to handle it?

by Andrew Maynard June 14, 2009

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to unite global warming “denialists” on both sides of the aisle, it’s geoengineering – the intentional planet-wide manipulation of the environment.  At least, you might be left with that impression after reading the comments following a thoughtful piece in Monday’s Wall Street Journal by Jamais Cascio. Cascio describes himself [...]

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To tweet or not to tweet – social media and the scientific meeting

by Andrew Maynard June 3, 2009

Should live tweeting and blogging from scientific meetings be controlled? Back in May, Daniel MacArthur – a researcher and blogger – wrote a number of on-the-spot blogs on the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Biology of Genomes meeting.  By all accounts a number of people were tweeting and blogging from the meeting.  But Daniel had [...]

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Vote for science

by Andrew Maynard June 2, 2009

At least, vote for your favorite science blog post!  Voting is now open on the the 171 (yes – 171!) blog posts nominated for this year’s Quark award for science – being run by 3 Quarks Daily…

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Nanoscale control: Leveraging biology

by Andrew Maynard June 1, 2009

Part 6 of a series on rethinking science and technology for the 21st century The story so far: We are facing an unprecedented confluence of three factors that are forcing us to rethink how we develop and use science and technology to the benefit of society.  Coupling between our action’s and the Earth’s re-actions is [...]

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