I was recently reading a PNAS paper entitled “Bringing values and deliberation to science communication” by Thomas Dietz from Michigan State [thanks to Ashley for sending this along]. The basic premise of the article is that robust and useful communication of science is required for that information to be used correctly in making personal decisions asContinue reading “communicating science: values vs. data”
Author Archives: Andrew Lyon
pathological science
I was recently re-reading the transcript of Irving Langmuir‘s classic Pathological Science lecture from 1953 (download the PDF) and thought I might drop a post on here about it. For most physical scientists, I imagine that the talk is well known. There are extensive websites on the subject, as well as the obligatory Wikipedia page,Continue reading “pathological science”
some thoughts on the ECM
Just a quick post to note that a new review article from the group, “Colloid-matrix assemblies in regenerative medicine”, appeared online today in Current Opinion in Colloid and Interface Science. The paper is essentially a short discussion of the extracellular matrix, its properties, and how one might recapitulate its function by using colloidal particles as modifiers.Continue reading “some thoughts on the ECM”
congrats to Grant!
When it rains, it pours – another group member is moving on. Yesterday saw Grant Hendrickson give an outstanding presentation of a small slice of his research on the occasion of his Ph.D. defense. During his time in the group, Grant worked on an incredible array of topics, including microlenses, emulsions (Pickering and traditional), resistiveContinue reading “congrats to Grant!”
congrats to Jeff!
Last month, Jeff Gaulding successfully (and brilliantly) defended his dissertation. His talk was an outstanding tour through the different synthetic approaches he has taken in order to increase the versatility and functionality of hydrogel microparticles. With today being his last day at GT, we all wish him luck as he moves on to greener pastures.Continue reading “congrats to Jeff!”
violating the “codex of science”?
I just finished reading this editorial from Thomas Lüscher, published in European Heart Journal, for which he serves as Editor-In-Chief. For most folks who happen upon my website, the main details of this article may not be of particular interest, as the apparent driver for writing it comes from two recent notable cases of fraud and/orContinue reading “violating the “codex of science”?”
makin’ raspberries
A new paper from the group came out today in ACS Macro Letters entitled “Packed Colloidal Phases Mediate the Synthesis of Raspberry-Structured Microgel Heteroaggregates“. The paper basically describes how you can take advantage of the “self-healing” properties of packed microgel assemblies to decorate other colloidal particles with microgels. Basically, a “hard” particle like a poly(styrene)Continue reading “makin’ raspberries”
whither higher “ed”?
I am a graduate of Rutgers University (B.A., RC ’92). Like many Rutgers alumni, I am beset by a range of emotions in light of the recent events surrounding the basketball program. To be blunt, President Barchi and AD Pernetti should follow Mike Rice out the door. They have no business leading young men andContinue reading “whither higher “ed”?”
two new papers from opposite ends of the group
This is just a quick post describing some new work that is now available online. First up, we have Development of Self-Assembling Mixed Protein Micelles with Temperature-Modulated Avidities that is online at Advanced Healthcare Materials. This is another collaborative effort between my group and Tom Barker’s, with his former student Allyson Soon being the lead author.Continue reading “two new papers from opposite ends of the group”
designer blood clots
Just thought I would put up a short post linking to a new press release on our work. Tom Barker’s group has taken the lead on our rapidly growing hemostasis/artificial platelet project, and he spent the day today presenting and talking to the press about the work at the AAAS meeting. While Tom’s group hasContinue reading “designer blood clots”
this is science. get it together, people
One week ago, the website Science Fraud ceased operations under mounting legal pressure. The folks over at Retraction Watch have done a nice job of documenting these events here and here. I was also pointed in the direction of this OP/ED by Bill Frezza in Forbes that was published today that makes the case forContinue reading “this is science. get it together, people”
a little bragging
Sorry for using this space for off-topic stuff again, but I wanted to take this opportunity to brag about two of my nieces, who are seeing some of their work published. First, a paper from Erica Prochaska’s work at UPenn has appeared in The Journal of Pediatrics. The paper, “Using the Androgen Excess–PCOS Society CriteriaContinue reading “a little bragging”
new issue of Colloid and Polymer Science
A new issue of Colloid and Polymer Science (volume 291, issue 1) hit the newsstands this week, and this issue is noteworthy for its focus on Functional Polymeric Microspheres. The issue was guest-edited by Haruma Kawaguchi and Masayoshi Okubo, and they did a great job of getting people from a wide span of areas to contribute.Continue reading “new issue of Colloid and Polymer Science”
cancer – prevention vs. treatment
I thought I would share an interesting presentation by Craig Thompson, President and CEO of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. If you have 30 minutes to spare, it is worth a look. For some time now, we have known that tumors have a much higher glucose demand than healthy tissues. However, this fact rarelyContinue reading “cancer – prevention vs. treatment”
another diversion
I thought I would share a post on climate change that caught my eye: Why Climate Change Denial is Just Hot Air This showed up in Slate today, and is itself just a short writeup on this post: Why Climate Deniers Have No Scientific Credibility – In One Pie Chart
Lyon Research Group 