Worst. Cufflinks. Evah! [link]

Yes, those are taxidermied rodent heads - a mouse and a small rat. [link]

I think the Guinea Pig Hair comb/Head piece is my fave....

Friday Cephalopod: The Great and Serene Floating Brain

From PZ, a horrible example of bad science reporting:

In case you're wondering why so many scientists are distrustful of science journalists, you should take a look at this account from Ben Goldacre. A masters student in psychology gave a talk at a science conference to present her preliminary findings, which, sad to say, were picked up by the Telegraph.

Here's the title of the Telegraph story.

Women who dress provocatively more likely to be raped, claim scientists

Women who drink alcohol, wear short skirts and are outgoing are more likely to be raped, claim scientists at the University of Leicester

Here's the actual title of the press release from the University of Leicester describing the work.

Promiscuous men more likely to rape

There seems to be a significant discrepancy in emphasis, yes?

Goldacre called up the student researcher, and got the straight story: the Telegraph title is factually wrong, they found no statistically significant result corresponding to that claim. And here's the reaction of the investigator:

When I saw the article my heart completely sank, and it made me really angry, given how sensitive this subject is. To be making claims like the Telegraph did, in my name, places all the blame on women, which is not what we were doing at all. I just felt really angry about how wrong they'd got this study.

[link]

From PZ, a horrible example of bad science reporting:

You misspelled "victim-blaming."

what a fucktard. whoever wrote that for the Telegraph should really be fired.

t looking for a fight.

The Great and Serene Floating Brain

S/he really does look remarkably chill.

I've met a few people who work as science reporters, and they say that almost nobody at the science desks actually has any science background.

looking for a fight

OMG, me too. Today can fuck RIGHT off.

joins forces with Amy.

I am trying to focus my rage onto the papers on my desk sop that something productive results from the day, but I am not sure it is going to work.

So far my rage has resulted in smoking more cigarettes and calling my mother to rant. Yay.