As I turned the knob of the water fountain, I started musing about science blogs. Why should one write for a science blog? Could I not spend my time writing a review or focusing on that manuscript that is long overdue? What difference does it make? Is it worth spending the time and energy decoding and demystifying scientific jargon? Would I be successful in the process, especially laboring over a specialized subject such as immunology? And so, I considered whether or not to write for the Biomedical Odyssey blog. As I closed the knob, a tiny drop of water covered the shiny rim of the tap, holding on to its edges. I witnessed a mundane culmination of “physics in action.” In a split second, the drop of water fell along its natural course, in a reaching yet short trip before unifying itself with its own kind to fill my glass of water. In essence, the last drop to quench my thirst!
Isn’t thirst for knowledge and ecstasy of discovery the quintessence of doing science? I work my fingers to the bone with experiments, striving to replicate results, and communicate via posters, presentations and publications. Writing is an essential, fundamental and integral part of scientific research. Yet, it is very little of what I do to express my ideas both within and outside the realm of my field of research. When I write manuscripts, reports or grants, I am limited by style and format. Occasionally, writing exercises in science should be more fun and joyful. Science blogs provide a platform to do exactly that!
Purists would argue against oversimplification and may suggest that misinformation may edge into scientific blogs. Au contraire, in the process of demystifying and decoding jargon, we may form solid foundations and contour novel ideas. In due process, specializations become more accessible. Isn’t writing for a blog the best way to do it? I imagine it is in this undertaking that much of the learning and exchange of ideas would transpire both within and among peers. Over time, many blogs may sound redundant, but it is certain that they supplement skill development both in content and communication. I believe at the end of the day, interest in science will prevail.
Finally, a drop of water may not be able to separate from others once it is unified, but I boldly imagine that the joy for the drop must be in its journey. The journey starting from the tip of the fountain until it joins the many others at the rim of the glass it contains. I reckon, so would be the exercise of scientific blogging — the joy is in the ride!
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