1. From this week’s crop of new tattoos: Abraham writes: “I got mine in grad school (PhD materials science and applied physics, 2004 Cal). The tatoo is a convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) image of 6-4 Ti alloy (hexagonal, or beta phase) one of the first ‘super alloys’. Being light-weight, high-strength, and corrosion resistant, I felt it was appropriate to put on my back, to keep it strong.”

2. We are now actually inspiring people to get new science tattoos. Janet Stemwedel, my estimable fellow scienceblogger, send the following request:

Continue reading “Science Tattoo Friday: Someone Needs Your Ideas!” →

This is a new and fascinating map. It shows how next spring is probably going to come early here in New England, as it has come earlier and earlier for the past few decades. But in Florida it will probably come late. Both changes stem from the same source: our carbon addiction. I explain why in my first foray in a new column for Wired.com called Dissection. The column, on all manner of science, will come out every other Friday. Let me know what you think, there or here.

Greenup of the Planet Is Not Black-and-White

Continue reading “Springtime Will Be Complicated” →

A couple weeks ago I mentioned that I’ll be teaching a workshop in January at Yale about science writing. The response has been fantastic, with 90 people signed up at my last count. What makes the response particularly interesting is that a couple subjects of my own articles (like this) will be coming. So I may get them to talk a little about what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the media machine.

Several readers have expressed dismay that they couldn’t come. I’m happy to report that at least part of the workshop will be recorded and turned into a podcast that will be available for free at the Yale Itunes site. I’ll let you know when it’s ready.

Continue reading “Workshop Update: New Time, New Podcast” →