For resources used in this presentation and more, please visit www.comicnurse.com/sciencecomics

Graphic narratives—also known as comics—are increasingly being used to unpack complex concepts and experiences. Despite the stigma of being thought of as juvenile reading matter (and not ‘real reading’ at that), comics actually have a long history of addressing complex topics. Continue reading “A Picture is Worth 1000 Words — Teaching Science With Comics, with MK Czerwiec”

Those who practice science know that research is full of wrong turns, cul-de-sacs, mistaken identities, false findings, errors of fact and judgement, and only the occasional success. Firestein, the author of the highly praised Ignorance, argues that the view that science is infallible originates in an education system that teaches nothing but facts and is proliferated by media who report on discoveries but almost never on process. Continue reading “Failure: Why Science is so Successful”

This repost seems acutely relevant given the recent Islamic State attacks on targets in Paris France. My basic (though wildly oversimplified take is that US military recruiters appeal to young men’s “inner comic book superhero”. US military marketing videos attempt to stimulate, in the hypothalamus, the production of testosterone. In contrast ISIS recruiting vids lean heavily toward th warm and fuzzy in big to entice young jihadi brains to produce oxytocin.

This is part one of C2ST Artist in Residence, Aaron Freeman’s talk with the Field Museum’s Dr. Paula Skye Tallman. Dr. Tallman is a biological anthropologist. I chat with her to follow up on her 1 September presentation at a Speakeasy in Wicker Park, Geek Bar sponsored by members of The Chicago Council on Science and Technology. Dr. Tallman talks about “How Being Poor Can Make You Sick.”

C2ST Artist in Residence Aaron Freeman pretends to interview Stanford University Neurobiology professor Robert Sapolsky on the difference between the brains of Chicago Cubs fans and those of lesser beings. According to Sapolsky part of the difference may have to do with higher sustained levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine.