I’ve got a piece in the Jan/Feb issue of Discover about the science behind osculation (the scientific term for kissing). A favorite example:
7. Being close enough to kiss helps our noses assess compatibility. In a landmark study, evolutionary biologist Claus Wedekind of the University of Lausanne in Switzerland reported that women prefer the scents of men whose immunity-coding genes are different from their own. Mixing genes that way may produce offspring with stronger immune systems.
The piece touches on the history, endocrinology, and chemistry of this popular pastime. You can read all 20 in the latest print issue and I’ll link to the full piece when it becomes available online…
As I announced last week, I’ll be moderating a Congressional briefing co-organized by Discover Magazine and L’Oréal USA on Women in Science. Here’s a glimpse at the press release out today:
L’Oréal USA Convenes Congressional Briefing on Issues Affecting Women in Science
New Research Reveals Gender-Based Barriers Driving Female Scientists from the Field
Congressional briefing explores the issues and opportunities
The congressional briefing, For Women in Science: 21st Century Policy & Politics, sponsored by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, will be held on Sept. 23, 2010, in Washington, D.C. A panel of distinguished experts will explore whether state and federal public policy are promoting or hindering the advancement of female scientists; how the broader application of Title IX has influenced women pursuing science education and careers; and whether the emphasis on gender diversity in the workplace has become mainstream in scientific disciplines. The briefing will also consider the opportunities for government, the private sector and academia to address the barriers facing women in scientific disciplines.
“The contributions of female scientists are critical to U.S. advancements in science and economic growth,” said Frédéric Rozé, President and Chief Executive Officer of L’Oréal USA. “By convening this congressional briefing, L’Oréal USA hopes to renew national dialogue about breaking barriers and forging new paths for women in science.”
The congressional briefing will feature the following panelists:
- Russlynn Ali, Assistant Secretary, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
- Dr. Shirley Malcom, Head of Education and Human Resources, American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Pr. Joan Steitz, Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University
- Pr. Sara Seager, Ellen Swallow Richards Professor of Planetary Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Sheril Kirshenbaum, Author of Unscientific America and Science Blogger for Discovermagazine.com (Moderator)
New research offers compelling insights
The panel will also address results from the newly-released survey of 1,300 female and male scientists, conducted by AAAS and commissioned by L’Oréal USA, on the barriers women encounter in pursuit of scientific careers. Survey respondents included male and female scientists who hold doctoral degrees and are registered users of Science online, including members of AAAS. The national research revealed significant new insights on the extent to which barriers affect men and women differently and the best means to overcome these obstacles.
- Female scientists face unique, gender-based barriers in career advancement
- 61 percent of female scientists who participated in the study have personally struggled balancing life and career
- More than half of female respondents (52 percent) have experienced gender bias
- More than one in three female scientists who participated in the survey (37 percent) faced barriers in having/raising children
- Half of all female respondents (50 percent) cited challenges with child care support as a major barrier for individuals working in the science field
Read more at Forbes…
I’m delighted to announce a Congressional briefing I’ll be moderating in three weeks that’s been co-organized by Discover Magazine and L’Oréal USA on a topic I care deeply about: Women in Science
For Women in Science: 21st Century Policy & Politics will explore issues and opportunities for the advancement of women in science, as well as the public policies that work to address them. Our panel is sponsored by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) will take place Sept. 23 on Capitol Hill. Look at the speakers:
- Russlynn Ali, Assistant Secretary, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
- Dr. Shirley Malcom, Head of Education and Human Resources, American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- Pr. Joan Steitz, Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University
- Pr. Sara Seager, Ellen Swallow Richards, Professor of Planetary Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Sheril Kirshenbaum, Research Associate at University of Texas at Austin’s Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, Author, and Blogger for Discovermagazine.com (Moderator)
We’ll discuss state and federal public policies that may be promoting or hindering the advancement of female scientists, Title IX and how it has influenced women pursuing science education and careers, and gender diversity in the workplace. We will also explore opportunities for government, the private sector and academia to address the barriers facing women in scientific disciplines.
You can bet I’ll have a lot more to say as the date approaches and will share further details soon. In the mean time, I encourage those interested in the DC area to mark your calendars for this timely event!
The Intersection is now easier than ever to access from anywhere. As of today the entire Discover site has been mobile-optimized meaning it looks pretty snazzy on whatever device you’ve got. Carl agrees.
Check out the view from my iPhone:
