Welcome to Science Social, The Scientist's new monthly newsletter dedicated to the life sciences community, featuring stories that go beyond the bench. Each month, we’ll cover the social aspects of academia, spotlight diverse scientific career paths, showcase hobbies that spark curiosity, and tackle the issues that matter most to scientists today. Explore community updates, test your trivia knowledge, and enjoy behind-the-stories insights from our editors.
How Speculative Fiction Expands Scientific Horizons
By Danielle Gerhard, PhD
Reference: © iStock, Swillklitch
Speculative fiction is more than just entertainment—it’s a powerful tool for science communication. By weaving scientific concepts into compelling narratives, characters, and imagery, storytelling makes complex ideas more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. At the same time, engaging with these stories can challenge scientists to engage in thought experiments about the potential social ramifications of their research. In today’s featured story, scientists who write speculative fiction in their free time weigh in on the benefits of speculative storytelling.
Severance versus Science: The Neuroscience of Split-Brain Syndrome
By Hannah Thomasy, PhD
Reference: Modified from © iStock.com, lielos, Mihaela Rosu; Designed by ERin Lemieux
While the Severance procedure is fictional, some scientists argue that surgical separation of the left and right hemispheres really can create two minds in one brain.
TS Statement on US Policies
The Trump administration’s science policies are poised to undermine basic research. In these uncertain times, we want to assert our stance and assure our readers that The Scientist remains proudly independent and steadfast in our dedication to scientists. Our commitment to supporting science and the scientific community has always been, and will always be, our core guiding principle.
Trivia Time
We stumped you last month—only 48 percent of you got the science award trivia right! Time for a redemption: What year was germline transmission first accomplished in mice?
A. 1974
B. 1976
C. 1981
D. 1990
Top Stories of the Month
- Immune Amnesia: How the Texas Measles Outbreak Could Promote the Spread of Other Infectious Diseases
- DNA Helps Identify Croatian Nun in Sainthood Quest
- Viruses That Mimic Human Proteins May Be More Common than Previously Thought
- US Universities Reduce PhD Admissions in Response to Federal Funding Cuts
Peer Profile Program Returns
Science moves forward when scientists support one another. Submissions are now open for our 2025 Peer Profile Program. Nominate an outstanding researcher whose work and dedication deserve to be highlighted, and we may feature them on our website!
Nominate Your Peer
Community Updates
- Postdoctoral researchers shared how recent federal actions have impacted their research in a survey from the National Postdoctoral Association.
- Attention early-career neurobiologists: Submit an essay about your outstanding research for a chance to win the Eppendorf & Science Prize.
- Follow the STAT Madness for the top innovation or discovery of 2024. The Finals begin April 2nd.
- High school students in the US or US territories can highlight the science in their lives in the National Eye Institute’s Eye on the Future Teen Video contest.
Thanks for getting social with us! We’ll be back next month with new stories, updates, and trivia. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts on this newsletter and what you would like to see more of!
