Naturally Speaking

Episode 17 – Social Media and Science Communication

https://naturallyspeaking.blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/episode-17-social-media-and-science-communication.mp3

In the latest instalment in our Survivor’s Guide to Academia, we discuss how researchers can use social media to connect with other scientists, and more importantly, the general public. Shaun Killen asks James Grecian, Jim Caryl, and Jamie Gallagher about their experiences with using social media, the various platforms that are available, and how the aspiring social media mogul can get started. We also chat about some common mistakes when first venturing on-line, and ways that using social media can help your time budget instead of hindering it.

There are also a range of additional resources for finding out more about the basics of social media in academics:

There are also some high profile and useful social media phenoms that are worth checking out:

And, of course, Jamie Gallagher’s famous periodic table.

Intro and outro music sampled from:

“The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

https://naturallyspeaking.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/gender-and-equality-podcast_oct2014.mp3

In this episode, we feature a Q&A discussion that followed a recent screening of the 1975 film Jaws held at the Glasgow film theatre as part of the 2014 Glasgow Science Festival. Dr David Bailey, Dr Deborah McNeill and Dr Shaun Killen are the experts answering the questions and exploring the relative risk of shark attacks, the impact of overfishing and the realities of being a marine biologist! This event was sponsored by the British Ecological Society.

Not to add a spoiler, but I think we can conclude that it is safe to go in the water…

Episode 15- The Science of Jaws

https://naturallyspeaking.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/jaws-glasgow-science-fest_episode15.mp3

In this episode of Naturally Speaking, the two James’ chat about communicating science into policy with colleagues from across the Institute. Asking: how do you link research with fisheries management? How does science inform rabies policy in the developing world? And how do we get scientific findings to policy makers?

With us to discuss these topics are: Sophie Elliott, David Bailey, Rodney Beard, Lisa Boden and Katie Hampson

Episode 14 – Linking science and policy

https://naturallyspeaking.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/episode-14-linking-science-with-policy.mp3

This episode marks the first in a series in which we discuss the science behind some of our favourite science fiction movies. Why start with Jurassic Park? Well, it’s loaded with sciencey concepts, but this year is also 20 years (!) since it was first released and so we thought it would be a good time to check back on how it holds up.

Joining the chat in this episode are Rod Page, Barbara Mable, Kirstyn Brunker, Julie Nati, , James Buckely, Darryl McLennan, and Shaun Killen.

Episode 13 – The Science of Jurassic Park

https://naturallyspeaking.blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/episode-13-the-science-of-jurrasic-park.mp3

(Feature image of a T-Rex at Universal Studios “Jurassic Park”. Scott Kinmartin [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr.)

In this Research Roundup episode we summarise three recent research papers published by Institute members. First we discuss Maureen Bain’s recent work examining the extent to which bacteria may pass through the shells of the chicken eggs we use for food. We then chat about Colin Selman’s recent paper showing that dietary antioxidant supplements may actually decrease lifespan in some animal populations. We then finish up by reviewing Tim Burton’s research examining maternal effects on early growth trajectories in Atlantic salmon.

We also touch on whether or not the titles of academic papers have become too “spoilerific”, patent a foolproof device for measuring E. coli levels in grocery store eggs, and propose that living with your parents until your middle age might actually be an optimal life-history strategy.

Episode 12 – Research Roundup: Bacteria in Chicken Eggs, Antioxidants and Lifespan, and Maternal Effects on Growth in Salmon

https://naturallyspeaking.blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/episode-12-research-roundup-bacteria-in-chicken-eggs-antioxidants-and-lifespan-and-maternal-effects-on-growth-in-salmon.mp3

Papers Discussed:

MM Bain, K McDade, R Burchmore, A Law, PW Wilson, M Schmutz, R Preisinger, IC Dunn. 2013. Enhancing the egg’s natural defence against bacterial penetration by increasing cuticle deposition. Animal Genetics. 44:661-668

C Selman, JS McLaren, AR Collins, GG Duthie, JR Speakman. 2013.  Deleterious consequences of antioxidant supplementation on lifespan in a wild-derived mammal. Biology letters 9 (4)

Tim Burton, S. McKelvey, D. C. Stewart, J. D. Armstrong, and N. B. Metcalfe 2013. Early maternal experience shapes offspring performance in the wild. Ecology 94:618–626. http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/12-0462.1