Category Archives: Native Science

Nibbled to Death by Ducks

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

One of my colleagues said working in university administration is like being nibbled to death by ducks. And this week a world leader said if you’re popular in your job, you’re probably not doing a good job. Result: some poor … Continue reading →

Posted in health, journalism, Native Science, science, science communication | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Maggots for Medicine

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Maggots—the offspring of flies—are making their way to the modern medicine chest, according to this month’s Scientific American. The wee young of flies—larvae—munch on dead skin, cleaning bacteria from wounds. Science writer Carrie Arnold notes the FDA approved medical use … Continue reading →

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Going Viral

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Interesting how our language has changed. Today going viral is a good thing. But imagine 30 years ago when a strange virus struck gay men in cities like San Francisco. Going viral meant something frightening.

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I Can’t Understand Your Story

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Telling your story has always been important. Imagine your elders camped by a fire telling stories. Indian Country holds stories dear.

Posted in american indian, framing, Native Science, science, science communication, social media, writing | Tagged | 2 Comments

Defining Race

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

The conversation turned to race. My talk Wednesday at the Newberry focussed on Native and scientific perspectives, particularly over Kennewick Man–the 9300-year-old skeleton discovered in the Columbia River. During the question and answer session one guest asked if Kennewick Man … Continue reading →

Posted in american indian, authenticity, ethics, framing, human origin, Indian, journalism, Kennewick Man, native american, Native Science, news bias, repatriation, science, science communication, Uncategorized, writing | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Fire in the Brain

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

One life-changing moment arrived when my poor grades in science resulted in a letter home to my parents. As I confessed in a post penned weeks ago, my parents waved away my argument that girls don’t need science or math. … Continue reading →

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Science Censored

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Imagine you could cure a disease but the government refused to allow you to study the data. That’s what happened at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) according to the latest issue of Scientific American. The CDC … Continue reading →

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Science of Mixed Messages

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Received a thoughtful comment from a reader about the mixed messages we receive in light of Nike’s campaign to promote Oscar Pistorius as a weapon, warrior and “bullet in the chamber.” The campaign hit a concrete wall when Pistorius’ girlfriend … Continue reading →

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Bullet in the Chamber

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Some poor sod is having a bad PR day. Turns out Nike’s advertising campaign featuring Oscar Pistorius likens the athlete to a bullet in the chamber. Problem is Pistorius has been accused of releasing four real bullets from the chamber … Continue reading →

Posted in authenticity, censorship, ethics, journalism, Native Science, news bias, science, science communication, writing | Tagged , | 1 Comment

My Life as a Talk-Show Host

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Truth is I live much of my life as a pretend talk-show host. I admit to being a smidge off-center. Like the Seinfeld episode when Kramer’s living room transforms into the Merv Griffin set, I imagine my couch welcomes guests … Continue reading →

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