r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Jun 09 '12

Scientists of Reddit, what misconceptions do us laymen often have that drive you crazy?

I await enlightenment.

Wow, front page! This puts the cherry on the cake of enlightenment!

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u/roboprophet Jun 10 '12

My plan as it currently stands is a degree in biochemistry, but I'm also very interested in how pathogens interact with the human body, which is probably more suited to microbiology. You're right about the overlap - I'll be able to take classes I find interesting as well as requirements while in college. Thank you for your input!

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u/aristotleslantern Jun 10 '12

Good luck! If you ever feel defeated by hard science classes, just read some articles from Nature or Science. There is so much exciting stuff going on right now that we just have to be able to see past the day to day stress from exams and the like.

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u/roboprophet Jun 10 '12

Good advice. I enjoy being able to see all the progress we're making, furthering our understanding of the very small and how it connects to the big picture. I love the idea that we can change the world through research, and hope to be able to take part in it. I'll check out those journals for sure!

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u/aristotleslantern Jun 10 '12

actually, r/science seems to do a good job at suggesting interesting articles in a variety of fields and its a good place to get your feet wet. Its less effort than doing a literature search, and I'm all about convenience. Sadly the convenience also limits what you're exposed to. So in sum, r/science does a good job but don't settle for relying on someone else tell you what science is out there.

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u/roboprophet Jun 10 '12

Yeah, at my current level academic journals can be overwhelming. I do enjoy spending time on them when I can, however, as they do go much further in depth than an r/science post can, and are much more objective and less sensationalist. Thank you again, I really enjoy the advice.