Category Archives: social media

Science Ethics Redux

Henrietta Lacks is back in the news. Lacks’ story captured headlines after Rebecca Skloot’s 2010 book revealed the dying mother had her cells removed for science—without her permission. Doctors at Johns Hopkins hospital had tried unsuccessfully to keep alive human … Continue reading

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Spam, Spam Spam

I am as well cheerful to share my familiarity. That’s what the message says. When I created my blog the designer—Melissa Shavlik—set up the communication so I would hear from readers.

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Going Viral

Interesting how our language has changed. Today going viral is a good thing. But imagine 30 years ago when a strange virus struck gay men in cities like San Francisco. Going viral meant something frightening.

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I Can’t Understand Your Story

Telling your story has always been important. Imagine your elders camped by a fire telling stories. Indian Country holds stories dear.

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My Life as a Talk-Show Host

Truth is I live much of my life as a pretend talk-show host. I admit to being a smidge off-center. Like the Seinfeld episode when Kramer’s living room transforms into the Merv Griffin set, I imagine my couch welcomes guests … Continue reading

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Poor Science Supports Media Effects

Most of us think we’re experts on media. And one reason is we believe seeing is believing. Take violence, for example. Parents, teachers, psychologists, physicians—loads of folks–assume that what we see on television and in movies influences us.

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When Indians are Forgotten

Folk singer Woody Guthrie’s memory is being honored in 2012, marking his 100th birthday. Guthrie has a Northwest connection. In 1941 the balladeer drove his Pontiac from New York to Oregon so he could write songs of praise for the … Continue reading

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Break the Rules

Students and scientists gathered in Seattle last week to talk about how to succeed in their careers—not only as scientists—but as American Indians and Hispanic individuals. So I was honored to speak about science communication that impacts Indian tribes and … Continue reading

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Enter Tonto

Social media are all a-twitter over the casting of Johnny Depp as Tonto in the reimagined film, The Lone Ranger, set for release next year. And my pals aren’t sure how to respond: it’s easy to make fun of blue-eyed … Continue reading

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Can We Engage Indians in Science?

Recently I was asked to give a talk at a conference for serious science writers and bloggers who wondered what it would take to engage more American Indians in science communication. In traditional native circles, science isn’t separated from other … Continue reading

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