Inside the Lab
Designer Babies Aren't Coming Anytime Soon
Genetically engineered babies raise a host of disturbing, science fiction-worthy ethical questions, but we have a more mundane and much more urgent issue to consider: safety.
Why Precision Medicine Will Not Create a Medical Revolution
Medicine, with few exceptions, grows by evolution, not revolution. And geneticists working on complex diseases have a long, difficult road ahead.
How Trustworthy Is Published Science?
There's some evidence of a reproducibility problem. But the more recent emphasis on exact replication of experiments may be misguided.
How Scientists Contribute to Bad Science Reporting
By not taking university press officers and research press releases seriously, scientists are often complicit in the media falsehoods they so often deride.
Why Scientists Hate Their Journals
The publishers seem to care more about their image and financial bottom line than their core scientific functions.
'Shirtstorm' and Sexism in Science
Following the recent T-shirt controversy, it's clear that sexism in science persists. But the forces driving the gender gap are still being debated.
Why Scientists Make Promises They Can’t Keep
A research proposal that is totally upfront about the uncertainty of the scientific process and its potential benefits might never pass governmental muster.
Speaking Eyebrow: Your Face Is Saying More Than You Think
Our involuntary gestures take on different "accents" depending on our cultural background.