Making Science Accessible: Fighting the Stereotype

If I asked you to draw a scientist, what would you draw? Something like this?

What does a stereotypical scientist look like in your mind? Like this?

This is perhaps the stereotype you might of perceived as a child or for some still the view held today. Scientists are also perceived as hard-working, eccentric and isolated individuals. Is this really the case?

Scientists play an important role in shaping societies views and their understanding of science today. It would be bold to say that they're even responsible for societies understanding of how the world works.

Technology is rapidly advancing and we are now in a time of exciting scientific discovery. Some of the brightest minds are innovatively trying to solve some of the worlds most challenging problems as you're reading this very sentence!
This means that communication is becoming an increasingly important aspect of primary research. Scientists should not shy away from communicating with the public. But embrace it!

Language is a huge barrier to people accessing science.
Often scientists use scientific jargon to give authority about their work. Jargon is perfectly acceptable to use when communicating research to an audience whom understand the jargon terms. Jargon terms give a concise and accurate way of definition. However, could a concise explanation still be given using the ten hundred most used words?  I challenge you to do this with the most technical thing you can think of: http://splasho.com/upgoer5/

There is the danger in clouding peoples understanding with cutting out the jargon and simplifying science. Particularly in defining scientific terms. For example when I was at school I learnt that the nucleus was the 'control centre' of the cell. But to what extent does that really describe what the nucleus of the cell ACTUALLY does?

I'll admit that it is sometimes easy to forget what is scientific jargon when it is so often used in my vocabulary.
With science rapidly changing everyday. It can be difficult to keep the public up to speed, but it is important to do so. For example, DNA sequencing: the public need to be informed about what DNA sequencing is and what it can and cannot tell us about ourselves.

This is why science needs to be made accessible for all! Science communication plays an important role into how science is represented in the media and the public's understanding of scientific research today.

Gene Patenting: Ownership over Genes

When I first came across the idea of patenting genes. I thought: "What a ridiculous idea, why on earth are scientists doing this??!How can a gene be patented? Especially naturally occurring genes?"

How does this relate to today?
Today's news: the US supreme court ruled that human DNA cannot be patented, but artificially coped DNA can be claimed as intellectual property.

So what is a biological patent some of you might ask: a patent which provides the owner with exclusivity to making,copying,using and selling the invention or discovery in question for a period of time.

The genes in question were the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (which in their mutated forms can least to various cancers). The discovery of these genes (as important as they are/may be) cannot be patented in their natural form. After all what gives someone the right to have a patent over something that occurs naturally?
But what about invention of BRCA variants? Synthetically produced BRCA genes and and modified BRCA genes could potentially become patented (as they are not produced naturally- Complementary BRCA genes could also be patented on these grounds).

 What would be the cost to society had these genes been patented in their natural form?
It would mean that biotechnology companies would have the ball in their court for genetic testing and risk screening. Which would have a huge impact on cancer patients with respect to BRCA genes.

What would a ban of genetic patenting mean to biotechnology companies?
It could affect investment into gene research and gene therapies. The isolation of genes is mainly used in research to develop screening techniques and gene therapy.

This got me thinking about my previous post on the power on information. It made me realise just how much power scientists potentially have. Especially in cutting edge research. Billions of pounds and the welfare of many patients rests on these patents (as patents can increase the costs of treatment).

I understand the need for patents to protect peoples work and to give them ownership. But I can't help think of underlying selfish motives behind many patents in place today. Particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, patents can increase the cost of life saving drugs putting them out of reach to some of the worlds poorest countries. Yet probably the countries which need the medication the most!

Patenting shows how people can have ownership over information. Yes it protects how the information can be used. But does it perhaps restrict its potential?

What do you think about gene patenting? To what extent is it reasonable?

BBC news article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22895161

The Power of Information

 "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but wisdom is not putting it in the fruit bowl".

Today it's mind boggling how much information is accessible at our finger tips. But there is a difference in having information and how you choose to use it. It is all very well studying for a degree and hopefully gaining knowledge. But what are you going to do with that knowledge?

I like to share much of what I learn, especially if it's something I'm fascinated by. Another key point is sharing  knowledge and information. Sharing can inspire and influence other peoples views and generate further questions to be answered. A single question can have a domino effect (Unless you find yourself in a 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?' scenario).

Hopefully I've made my point: sharing information and how you use your finding is important in any kind of research.

So what got me thinking about this?
I was reading the Association of Medical Charities (AMRC) blog. One particular post: How Data saves lives. If researchers had access to patients data, could it help to speed up the research process? It's clear the public want to get involved in research. But lack of communication about the research to the patients is resulting in the lack of public awareness. Would you give your medical details to researchers?

It would be a huge task to open up NHS patient data to researchers. But the question is would the public trust the security of sharing such information? Imagine being able to use your medical information to help move research along! It has already been done in research into bowel cancer treatment-which has made leaps and bounds in recently! This truly emphasises the power of information!

Another ARMC blog post that caught my attention: Clearing the Path to the cure for Type 1
This post excited me! It showed me how researchers are aware of the barriers that are holding back research. The need for more research in type 1 diabetes is being taken to the Government. Awareness is being raised. Scientists are collaborating to give an overall picture of the UK research into Type 1 diabetes.

The only way forward with this research is to raise awareness, work together and SHARE information. Then the challenges could be overcome!

Just think when you next find out a new piece of information.....are you going to keep it to yourself? Share it? What are you going to do with it? Will you change someone's view with it? Change the world perhaps?


Links to the blogs if you're interested.

AMRC- How Data Saves Lives: http://policyblog.amrc.org.uk/2012/07/16/how-data-saves-lives/?blogsub=confirming#blog_subscription-2
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AMRC-Clearing the Path to the cure for Type 1: http://policyblog.amrc.org.uk/2013/06/12/clearing-the-path-to-the-cure-for-type-1/

Something Ticked off the Bucket List

It's one of those things on the bucket list: To start a blog. I am certainly not a natural writer or blogger by any means. But I love to try new things! So here it goes.......

Hello all you lovely people reading this blog!
I hope to excite you about all the wonderful things there is to find out in biosciences and share my thoughts and also my confusions on this matter. Or I may just be sending my words into empty space. Who knows!
I wonder if in a years time I'll look back at this post and cringe at my first attempt at a post.
But nevertheless I am student so I guess this is just going to be another learning curve.

Watch this space