Strong opinion, deep reflection. Stuff to make you think.

Crastina Column, April 2017: “Lamenting the wordiness of learned people” by Olle Bergman

“Text, text, everywhere, Nor any message to get.” Paraphrasing Coleridge, we introduce  this month’s theme: ”short & punchy”. Our column writer is Olle Bergman, Swedish freelance writer and project leader of Crastina.  Exhibit…

Masters of illustration 1: Haeckel and “The Arts Forms of Nature”

Visual arts and science may have very little in common, but when the two connect, a new form of both may be created. One of the most stunning examples of this are the illustrations of Ernst Haeckel, German naturalist. This is the first in…

Short bursts of verse by Celia Berrell of Science Rhymes

What’s your tactic for disseminating science concepts to children and others? For Celia Berrell of Science Rhymes the answer is obvious: “Adding poetry, rap or lyrics to your presentation can engage, entertain and educate!” So put on your…

Science and aesthetics – two complementary views of the world

According to Kyiv-based genetics student Anastasiia Semenova, scientists “still seek and create aesthetic elements in science”. Here she shares some reflections after reading the book To Explain the World: The discovery of modern science…

The Crastina Column, February: The shortest route to the real answer is via the Imaginary.

Scientists and poets are often described as being very far apart in their worldview. Nothing could be further from the truth.  British biologist and poet Joanna Tilsley—whose nom de plume is xYz—explains why the wonder of science and the…

Science for babies, toddlers & kids: a reflection by Thomai Dion, writer of the Think-A-Lot-Tots books

Thomai Dion, who calls herself pharmacist, mom, author, artist and science communicator, believes it is never too early to start learning. Therefore she created the "Think-A-Lot-Tots" collection of educational children's science books. Here…

The Crastina Column, November/December: Great presentation ≠ bad science

How come researchers who are great presenters often are disregarded as bad scientists? Adria LeBoeuf, multi-disciplinary scientist and communications evangelist, thinks there has to be an end to the social punishment of clear and passionate…