Blogs

Another new blogger joined the Nature Network family over the past week. Carlyn Zwarenstein hails from Ontario, Canada and will focus on the role of amateurs in her blog Pay Attention: Citizen Science in the Age of Extinction.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Rohn describes a new-found exasperation with the scientific literature:

Of course I soon learned that many printed things are wrong – and this was years before the internet taught everyone to take everything written publicly with a grain of salt. Still, I had a healthy respect for what I read in scientific papers, taking everything at face value unless I had a valid reason to believe otherwise.

But that’s all over now. I can’t decide if it’s a blessing or a curse, but suddenly I’m having problems believing a single word I read in the scientific literature.

Find out why, by reading on.

Elsewhere, James Hendler returns to blogging after a lengthy hiatus with a very readable account of recent progress in developing a semantic web. Stephen Curry presents a video diary of his lab’s weekend jaunt to the local synchrotron. Tom Webb launches a discussion on how the perceived impact of scientific research is taken into account by research councils, and suggests some improvements. And Eric-Wubbo Lameijer continues his excellent series on training and talent development in the sciences.

Forums

Nature Network contains a growing number of local forums and hubs. Our three main hubs are London, overseen by Matt Brown; Boston, now under the auspices of Tinker Ready; and New York, with postings from Chris Wiggins and new recruit Jonathan Zwart. Local forums can also be found for Cambridge, Toronto, San francisco, India, Colorado and a new forum for Australia and New Zealand.

And another reminder that Science Online London 2010 will take place at the British Library on 3-4 September. The conference brings together all those interested in scientific communication and collaboration online. The conference now has a Nature Network forum where you can suggest sessions and speakers, and ask questions.

Elsewhere

Over at the Guardian, Alok Jha wants to hear about your favourite science blogs. Nature Network is currently somewhat under-represented, so get commenting.

And finally…

Eva Amsen has found a new pet: a soft cow, laden with biotech adverts. You can help name the exploited bovine by taking part in her poll.