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Updated: 8 years 20 weeks ago

[Perspective] How safe are nanomaterials?

Thu, 10/22/2015 - 23:00

Engineered nanomaterials are widely used in consumer products such as cosmetics, paints, fabrics, and electronics. Because of their small size (diameter <100 nm), they often have unusual properties. Once released into the human body or the environment, they are also fiendishly difficult to find again. In 2006, Nel et al. described possible mechanisms by which engineered nanomaterials interact with biological entities and the toxicological responses that may be triggered (1). Despite much research since then, mechanistic understanding remains limited. Evidence for acute toxicity from nanomaterials at realistic doses is limited; there also is no simple correlation between toxic responses and nanoparticle size or other predictable pattern of toxicity. For answers to emerge, the nanosafety community must embrace recent technical advances and build consensus on testing methodologies. Authors: Eugenia Valsami-Jones, Iseult Lynch

Categories: Journal Articles

[Book Review] The dark side of the universe

Thu, 10/22/2015 - 23:00

"Oh, no, not again, another outlandish proposal for the extinction of dinosaurs," thought geologist Jan Smit and astrophysicist Renske Smit when they first heard the title of Lisa Randall's new book, Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs. Much to their relief, the book proved instead to be a scientifically sound and interesting journey through the cosmos, exploring what we know about dark matter and what more we are poised to learn as new and better equipment becomes available. Peppered with rich metaphors and personal anecdotes, the book tackles topics including the Big Bang, cosmic inflation, and the formation of galaxies with aplomb. Authors: Jan Smit, Renske Smit

Categories: Journal Articles

[Book Review] The storytelling scientist

Thu, 10/22/2015 - 23:00

In Randy Olson's new book, Houston, We Have a Narrative, he boldly states that the single biggest problem facing science today is "narrative deficiency." "Science is a narrative process," he argues, "…therefore science needs a story." He outlines how bad storytelling and exaggerated claims negatively affect the scientific enterprise and describes the difficulty that scientists often experience as they struggle to effectively communicate their data. Reviewer Rafael Luna outlines several strategies for crafting better scientific stories, but cautions readers to approach the process with caution and precision. "Remember," he advises, "that a narrative is only as good as the data on which it is based." Author: Rafael E. Luna

Categories: Journal Articles