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On science blogs this week: Life on Man

Gut feeling about the first papers from the Human Microbiome Project. Bacteria, fungi, etc.: Discovering the 90% of Us that is Them. Genetic manipulation of the mitochondrion: On the slippery slope to human genetic engineering? The Bonobo Genome Project is published. Next stop, World Peace?

From ScienceWriters: Filing time reminders for freelancers

When tax time rolls around, most filers receive refunds. Just because you receive one for tax year 2011, doesn’t mean your return passed muster and you can forget about an audit. All it means is that IRS computers checked arithmetic and other basic items. From the Spring 2012 ScienceWriters.

An Idea Grant at Work: Introducing The New Science Writers’ Handbook

NASW is pleased to bring you an update from one of our Idea Grant recipients. In 2011, the SciLance Writing Group, LLC received a $43,000 grant to develop a handbook for freelance writers. In a very short time, this committed group of writers recruited contributors, developed a draft, and secured a publishing contract. We are deeply proud of this group and happy that we could fund their enthusiasm, creativity, and initiative to produce a resource that benefits the science writing community.

Update: If you would just listen to the facts…

Divisions occur when scientific findings have a direct relevance to things that affect us every day, or findings that could make significant changes in our everyday lives. As far as I know, The Heartland Institute has not posted any billboards comparing people who believe in black holes or the law of gravity with Unabomber Ted Kaczynski. We accept these things because we can do so without making any changes in our daily routines.

If you would just listen to the facts…

Climate change deniers' problem is not ignorance. As an increasing body of peer-reviewed studies shows, people form their views based not only on the information they have, but also on their vested interests, their desire to fit in with their families and communities, the degree to which they trust the source of information, and how this information fits in with their values and established world views.

What makes a good science communications plan at a university?

Where may I find information on what a good science communications plan ( or program) for a University involves? For a University-relations unit of a science-and-tech-heavy Center.

On science blogs this week: Zombies

Debunking the Zombie Apocalypse. No, parasites are not turning people into zombie cannibals. Dazzling Transit of Venus photos. In the RNA World, iron may have made RNA on steroids. Devising an elevator speech on scientific ignorance. Sexual division of labor — aka sexism — in neuroscience.

On science blogs this week: Cycles

Transit of Venus next week, last chance until 2117! Astronomy is a dangerous profession. Measuring the solar system and exoplanet atmospheres. Chronobiology: Circadian rhythm roundup. Bioethics of amputation. Consensus on hormone therapy for menopause. How to write a book: Advice from 5 people who have done it.

From ScienceWriters: Social media for the science PIO

Social media takes many forms with Facebook and Twitter being the eight-hundred-pound gorillas in the room. But there’s also LinkedIn, Google+, YouTube, Crowdrise, Quora, Pinterest, and many others. It’s worth exploring a few to see which are the best ways to reach your particular audience. From the Spring 2012 ScienceWriters.

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