Opinion
Why diversity matters: an interview with Dr Alex Ramadan
Georgia Shave speaks with Dr Alex Ramadan, a postdoctoral research scientist at the University of Oxford Physics department about the impact of including marginalised people in Physics.
Why genetic research is too white
Ever since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, genetic research has developed in leaps and bounds. However, despite genomics being at the forefront of the scientific field, it faces one major flaw; genetic research is too white.
The robot apocalypse and how we can stop it
While the possibilities of technological advancements grow, the gap between achievable and regulated widens. Many tech giants compete for leadership in robotic advancement and powerful artificial intelligence (AI) generation.
Human genome editing: unlimited potential or ethical concern?
Genome editing holds the promise of revolutionizing the future of humanity from its very core, by altering the genetic instructions that define us. It is estimated that 10,000 disorders arise from single gene mutations. All these “monogenic” diseases could be eradicated by preventing those genes from being inherited. Nevertheless, this unlimited potential comes with safety…
Biotech in design: Does the relationship between science & creativity need to change?
By Emilia Schmid Creative design is the foundation of science. To be a successful scientist, visionary ideas, innovative experimental designs and imaginative alternative hypotheses are all essentials: Creativity is required in order to make scientific breakthroughs. Hindering creativity through cultural norms will have a strong impact on technological and scientific progress, thereby hindering the progress…
Restoration: A Medieval Understanding of ‘Science’
Title image by Lizzie Daly By Sea Yun Pius Joung As one enters the quadrangle of our beloved Bodleian, one can’t help but notice the grandeur of it all—the ancient windows; the scent of old books; the archways leading into mysterious rooms such as the schola moralis philosophiae, the schola astronomiae et rhetoricae, or the schola…
How important is diversity in STEM?
By Georgia Shave People working in science get to decide what is important, and how it gets researched. These decisions determine what society views as truth in science. When there is a lack of diversity in the people deciding what counts as truth, we are only getting a partial scientific perspective. Having only a partial…
IQ is meaningless—here’s why
Deepra Sinha I was sixteen when I took an IQ test. It was the result of an offhand comment from my parents, expressing that it would be cool if I were a member of Mensa. That remark led me to take the free IQ test available on the Mensa website; when I scored 100% on…
Fighting the ‘Infodemic’ – changing people’s personal truths
Jack Blowers A recent report from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate has revealed 31 million people follow anti-vaxxer groups on Facebook and a further 17 million are subscribed to equivalent YouTube channels – whose videos are likely viewed and shared by many more. Currently, despite the apparent success of the UK vaccination program, there…
Of mice and women: the gender bias in science
Sian Wilcox March marks Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women. We hear of fantastic women from history and the present day, and the huge impact they have had in advancing our society. An ever-present theme to these stories, however, is that of constant barriers and setbacks that these women continue…