#scicomm

Key Takeaways from Improv for Science

This February, Lucas Hatton led us through a two-part improvisational theater, or improv, workshop where we participated in improv games to learn two key skills: active listening and spontaneity. As scientists, these skills are important for every communication opportunity: we must listen and adapt quickly to communicate effectively with a given audience. If you missed the workshop, I highly recommend participating in the future.

 

Nasal Sprays Aren't Just For Allergies

Flu season can be stressful, especially if you’re afraid of needles. But what if you could receive your flu shot as a nasal spray instead? Research shows this noninvasive, intranasal delivery method may be possible in the near future but there are difficulties.

Stem Cell Therapy: The Future of Healthcare?

In recent years, stem cell therapy has garnered a significant amount of attention. Are stem cell based-therapies for regenerative medicine the answer to an aging and ailing population? First, we should discuss what stem cells are, and why researchers want to use them in medicine. Then how could stem cells be used in the future, and what major step the healthcare industry, as a whole, will need to take to use stem cells for therapeutic solutions on a mass scale. 

 

Vaping, according to science

Electronic cigarettes’ popularity has sky-rocketed in the last few years. Often called e-cigs or vapes, these devices hold liquid that is vaporized and inhaled. They simulate the experience of smoking real cigarettes or can be used as a cessation device to help people stop smoking. Whether vaping presents a major health risk is a hotly debated subject. Many people fear that vaping poses just as large of a health concern as smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes. Others argue that vaping is a casual hobby with little to no health risk. 

 

Science Says Alumni Panel

We invited alumni to talk about their careers, experiences, and answer our questions about science communication for our 2019 end-of-the-year event.

 

Dialogues and Discourse Conference

As the world population has grown to 7.7 billion people, and is increasing every day, there are several challenges our global society faces. At our current rate of consumption, we will run out of numerous natural resources. Overpopulation is a problem for the world at large, not just because our quality of life could be affected by running out of resources such as fossil fuels, but due to the lack of the very basic necessities needed for survival.

Diversity in Healthcare: Necessary Changes for Better Medicine

When discussing the most desired advancements in healthcare, a common phrase thrown around is “finding a cure for cancer.” However, it is unlikely there will be a single miracle drug developed to be a global cure-all for such a deadly and ubiquitous disease. Cancer is multi-faceted and varies widely from person-to-person, where in the body it affects the patient, and when it is detected. While there won’t be one solution to “cure cancer” there are several things that the healthcare industry can improve on in order to bring the dream of “curing cancer” closer to a reality.