Column: Ask A Science Geek

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

This is a blog column where the science geeks of IGI explain sciency sounding things in simple terms.

Contributors: Mooby The Golden Sock (if you'd like to be a contributor, ask Mooby.)

This column can be found under Categories --> Ask A Science Geek.

Post here with any topic requests, comments, or feedback!

[Snakesandsuns]

I think a nice sort explanation of Abiogenesis and some of its variations would be nice. It would be even more keen if it explained how it was different from evolution. I mean your probably going to be asked this anyways, might as well get it out of the way at the start, right?

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

Sure, I can do that one!

[Lillium]

What about talking about space and about how our changing perspective on space has changed the face of religious beliefs?

Or, just talk about how the Earth is not flat. 

But: do something astronomy related, is the point of my post.

[Tish]

Explain how I can convince a new friend that Adam and Eve didn't just get plonked on the earth to start the human race?

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

Explain how I can convince a new friend that Adam and Eve didn't just get plonked on the earth to start the human race?

How would I do that from a science perspective?  It appears that your friend is outright rejecting a scientific explanation rather than misunderstanding science.

Lillium, I'm not familiar enough with astronomy to just pick a random topic.  Is there something specific you want me to look up and write on?

[Lillium]

Your emphasis is in biology/ medicine/ philosophy, right?

Do you know about biology as it pertains to astronomy?

https://astrobiology.nasa.gov/

^Astrobiology

I think would be a cool topic.

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

Nope, I know nothing about it.  But I can learn.

JM might be able to provide good content for some of this stuffs.

[kevin]

can i do the science of backing up long combination vehicles into narrow parking places?

on second thought, i suppose it's mostly an art.

never mind

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

Abiogenesis article posted.

[Maggie the Opinionated]

can i do the science of backing up long combination vehicles into narrow parking places?

on second thought, i suppose it's mostly an art.

never mind

Aha! So you do feel the subtle but compelling wish to write for the blog! What is stopping you from asking to be admitted to the Editor's Lounge? We serve refreshments!

[Lillium]

can i do the science of backing up long combination vehicles into narrow parking places?

on second thought, i suppose it's mostly an art.

never mind

Aha! So you do feel the subtle but compelling wish to write for the blog! What is stopping you from asking to be admitted to the Editor's Lounge? We serve refreshments!

Besides, women are there!

You could chill with the ladies and the fellas.   



  Or not.

[Maggie the Opinionated]

Abiogenesis article posted.

Excellent contribution! I understood every word. Was there a good discussion on the forum that you could link it to?

[Augusto]

I would love reading socialism vs comunism and also an article explaining language.

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

I could do something with those, but they're not really science.  Linguistics maybe would fit; communism and socialism definitely wouldn't.

Maybe I'll do them as standalone posts at some point.

[Maggie the Opinionated]

Actually, didn't we have a lively thread about vaccines? That would be a great subject to write about and you could link back to the thread on the forum.

Your abiogenesis thingy is w(racking)? up the hits on our blog!

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

Sure, what do you want to know about vaccines?

[Maggie the Opinionated]

Unless I dreamed it, it seems to me that you made a post, perhaps several, talking about the pros and cons, the possibility of bad outcomes, etc. If this doesn;'t ring a bell, when I get home I will try to find the thread and the posts that I thought were so helpful. But it is a subject that some people are really passionate about. We could get hate  comments!

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

There was a thread where we talked about whether people should get the flu shot.

Vaccines are a huge topic, and I could write pages on how they work, the different types, the history of vaccines, herd immunity, etc.  I need a specific question that I can answer in ~400 words. 

[Mr. Blackwell]

Is there or is there not a connection between vaccines containing thimerosal and the rise in autism spectrum disorders in the U.S.?

[Maggie the Opinionated]

^ That is exactly the sort of issue I had in mind! Thanks Mr. B!

[Mr. Blackwell]

yup

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

Is there or is there not a connection between vaccines containing thimerosal and the rise in autism spectrum disorders in the U.S.?

Click to find out!

[Mr. Blackwell]

Thank you. Darn fine writing skills you have!

[Lillium]

What are some common misconceptions about vaccines (e.g. they can cause autism) and why people normally choose not to get them for religious reasons?

I did a couple research papers on them for my degree.  Nothing as in depth as a doctor would do though.

[leese]

As an adult,  for what illnesses should I think about getting a booster shot? I get a tetanus every so often when I get a cut and can't remember the last one. Why do vaccines wear off? We've been having a Whooping cough resurgence up here. A friend my age caught it. I don't want it.

[Maggie the Opinionated]

^That's a good question too!

[Lillium]

If you've had chicken pox, check into getting a shingles vaccine (make sure you consult your doctor first).

[Mooby the Golden Sock]

Answer to leese's question on adult vaccine schedules.

[Maggie the Opinionated]

OK let's get away from doctor stuff for awhile or you will be getting questions about our bunions. Instead, maybe your next column could tackle the scientific method-- what it is; what it is not.

Lets formulate this as a question:

Dear Science Geek:

What is the scientific method? Can I use it to get a date?