An indirect origin

This post is about what indirect genetic effects are, and where they came from. It's about an interesting evolutionary process, and a bit of sleuthing into the depths of a library to find a dusty old book. A direct genetic effect is what you think of when the classic "nature vs nurture" debate comes up. … Continue reading An indirect origin →

The incoming global protein shortage

A few years ago I applied for a Policy internship with, funded by NERC. I would've taken a break from my PhD and spent 3 months learning about the role science plays in making policy (which may seem like a joke at the moment, sadly). Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful, but the processes was valuable anyway. … Continue reading The incoming global protein shortage →

High thoughts for lowriders

Is its shape a perfect painting? Is its rumble reminiscent of an orchestra? Does the steering wheel heft in your hand like a perfectly crafted tool? Wait, what? Yes, I am in fact talking about a car. Or cars in general. I came across this quote in the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe: … Continue reading High thoughts for lowriders →

The accepted order of things

We strive, but unfortunately humans are not perfect. Some are further than others, the odd person gets quite close, on a good day, but ultimately we all have our flaws and foibles. For instance, we like to think we are good, rational beings, capable of judging the evidence presented to us and making the most … Continue reading The accepted order of things →

Woah, bear!

Online bear-awareness courses are a bit of a laugh. See a bear? Try to ascertain the species, whether it has seen you or not, and it if is behaving aggressively or defensively. Presumably while praying that you did leave your family pack of Snickers back home. And not in your ruck-sack. Oh dear… At least … Continue reading Woah, bear! →

So, I went to a bullfight

Yes, as the title indicates, I have decided not to beat around the bush, and come out with it. I am travelling around seeing lots of different sports, and while in Spain I felt I had a duty to see “Los Toros”. Because it is controversial, because it straddles sport, art and something else, and … Continue reading So, I went to a bullfight →

Joy Ride

The frenetic football of Morocco done with, I boarded the ferry in Tangier, bound for Tarifa and so Spain. This was to be the 2nd of 3 continents on this trip, and my longest stay in any one country, at 2 weeks. With a great diversity of traditions among the different regions of Spain, I … Continue reading Joy Ride →

Football, football every where, does it make you stop and think?

My adventure into what makes sport so attractive for all humankind (see previous post) began in Africa, in Morocco, and in the busy market city of Marrakech. To be frank, I was a little daunted to be starting here; it would be a big change from the quiet lanes and inlets of Cornwall, my previous … Continue reading Football, football every where, does it make you stop and think? →

Becoming a better science performer

Yeah yeah I know, “science performer” sounds hilarious, but let me explain what I’m talking about. Doing science, or being a scientist, is not just about intelligence or raw brain power. As important is imagination to work out new approaches or see new links, tenacity to see your ideas and projects through to the end … Continue reading Becoming a better science performer →