Skip to main content

Monday Music Video: 80s Hair Band Sings About Cellular Impedance

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


If you all didn't know, my co-host, Carin, had her lovely new addition to her family! Check out Juna Soleil and leave a warm congratulatory message below!

Two weeks ago, I featured an amusing video with a boy band singing about automatic pipettors. From the same production group, CompareNetworks, today we see two videos made for Roche for their xCELLigence System to monitor cellular events. These videos capitalize on the familiarity with the 80s "Hair Band" genre (think Van Halen, Poison, Skid Row, Warrant, Motley Crue, and Def Leppard). I'm much more of an Eagle's fan, in the unlikely case you were wondering. :)

The ability of the video to capture the style of the videos of the 80's (when MTV still played music!) metal power ballad is made possible by the Metal Glam Band, Steel Panthers, who are known for their humorous lyrics and over-the-top stage performances, which you will witness in the videos. The talent is real.


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.


Even if you could care less how cellular impedance is measured, if you've ever watched a metal music video, you will get a giggle from these:

Metal Power Ballad

"Little cells, resting on your plates, tell me how you feel down there, inside

Little cells, I got something to tell you now, so I hope you're listening this time, my loves…."

Metal Rock

And now I'm a fan.

Joanne Manaster is a university level cell and molecular biology lecturer with an insatiable passion for science outreach to all ages. Enjoy her quirky videos at www.joannelovesscience.com, on twitter @sciencegoddess and on her Facebook page at JoanneLovesScience

More by Joanne Manaster