Tag: writing

“Why don’t you write science blogs?” quipped Andrey.

I turned the knob of the fountain, reaching for a glass of water. With limited inkling, I started thinking about science blogs. Why should one write science blogs? Could I not spend my time writing a review or focus on that manuscript that is long overdue? Aren’t there other science blogs, what difference does it make? Will it not be one of the millions that are already out there? Is it all worth spending the time and energy in decoding and demystifying scientific jargon? Wouldn’t I complicate more in the process, especially labouring a specialized subject such as Immunology? And so I questioned my case to write blogs. 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 it had its natural course of fall, 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? We work our fingers to the bone with experiments, replicate results, and communicate via posters, presentations and publications. Writing is an essential, fundamental and an integral part of scientific research. Yet, it is very little that we do to express our ideas both within and outside the realm of our field of research without perspicacity. When we write manuscripts, reports or grants we are limited by style and format. Occasionally writing exercise in science should be more fun and joyful. Science blogs provide a platform to do exactly that! If our every endeavour aims at achievements and accolades, and perceive time as constraints then there is no joy in doing science and its expression becomes burdensome.

Purists would argue against over simplification and may suggest that misinformation may edge into scientific blogs. Au contraire, in the process of demystifying and decoding jargons we may form solid foundations and contour novel ideas. In due process, specializations become more accessible. Isn’t writing blog the best way to do it? I imagine, it is in this undertaking that most of the learning and exchange of ideas would transpire both within and among peers. Overtime, many blogs may sound redundant but it is certain that they act as a supplement in development of skills, both in content and communication. I would tie up that interest in science would prevail at the end of the day.

Finally, a drop of water may not be able to separate from others once it is unified, but 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!”

Thanks Andrey, “I have started my journey!”