This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Want a little lesson in the life of a scientist? On my plate right now:
Proposal reviews: OVERDUE
Book chapter: OVERDUE
Two revise and resubmits: one OVERDUE, one not (yet)
Manuscript review: SUBMITTED LATE
Proposal revision to mock panel: only a matter of time before OVERDUE
New grant proposals: WAY BEHIND SCHEDULE
Workouts: NOT HAPPENING with husband out of town and sitters unavailable
Emails to me these days: GO INTO A BLACK HOLE UNLESS YOU WRITE A SECOND TIME AND ARE ON FIRE
Kiddo’s Halloween costume: NOT QUITE DONE AND THE CLOCK IS TICKING
Blog post: well, at least I got something done.
A number of deadlines and personal difficulties (like single parenting due to husband travel, being in the derby mini off-season and thus unable to hit anyone, teaching and service ridiculousness) have made this an especially scary Halloween. That list frightens me more than any movie.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Here is a very random list of links I've enjoyed over the last week or so that helps things look up:
Puppies only pick up yawns when they're old enough to understand empathy. Yes, the researchers had to cuddle puppies as part of their protocol.
Male DNA in female brains revisited. A great piece by Ricki Lewis on chimerism, pregnancy, and the historical context of the recent article on fetal tissue in the brain and Alzheimer's. A fabulous, accessible description of neat science!
Nineteen species of fern named for Lady Gaga. Have a tissue handy, for the shot of the grad student discovering a fern and the fantastic PI who wants the naming of this fern to mean something for LGBT equality. Also, get your old green ballet costumes and tissue paper out so you can look like fern reproductive organs for Halloween!
Princess Sofia and why we care about her mother's skin. Dr. Isis's smart perspective on the newest Disney princess.
Housecleaning, then dinner? Silicon Valley perks come home. If my university did these sorts of things for me, they would certainly have my loyalty. This would provide at least some infrastructure and support (mental as well as domestic) for working families.
What is science? A compilation of quotes from some of science's greats over at Brain Pickings.