Science terms that don't sound so scientific

It is pretty apparent that every profession has its own set of jargon; science and medicine being no different. And I will admit, I do occasionally have fun throwing around phrases like VO2max, gluconeogenesis, lymphocytopenia, and respiratory exchange ratio. But I have noticed that there are some scientific phrases that, well, don't really sound all that scientific. These below all happen to come from astronomy:

Big Bang
Theory of Everything
Dark Matter
Black Hole
Red Giant
Redshift
Brown Dwarf

In the astronomers' defense though, at least they are using terms that actually directly tell you what they are talking about. Maybe this is because astronomers are more "down to earth?" (rimshot)

I know, I know, bad pun! But I couldn't resist!

I'll bet my other scientist friends out there can think of some science terms that don't sound so science-ish (if so, leave me a comment!). A good follow-up post might be "Science terms that would make good band names."

I made the committment. . .

to run the Carrboro 10K on October 2nd. I just pressed the send button for the registration site. It will be my first road race since April 2008. I had been going back and forth about whether I wanted to do it, because part of me has been wanting to run a race for a while, but the other part of me wasn't sure because I don't want to post a bad time (I mean, if I'm going to pay an entry fee, I want it to be worth it). However, I started increasing my mileage again a few weeks ago and added tempo runs back in, and what do you know, it has been going better than I expected. I last ran this particular race 3 years ago, so I'd love to improve my time and set a new 10K PR. We'll see how it goes; if anything, it will be a lot of fun to be amidst the racing atmosphere, go for a nice run with a bunch of other runners, and chow down on post-race goodies afterwards.

PhD comprehensive exam-Part 2; DONE

Today, I turned in my grant which comprises Part 2 of my comps. I am sure my committee will rip it to shreds, but I really don't care right now. I'm just glad I don't have to think about it anymore, as it has been stewing at the back of my mind for the last month.

I'm supposed to get some general feedback on my grant and my written test next Friday so that I can start preparing for my oral exam. In the meantime, schoolwork keeps rolling along.

Good luck 2nd years!

Tomorrow, the 2nd year exercise physiology masters students in my department are taking their written comprehensive exam. I'm sure they will kick butt.

As for me, I will be stuck in PhD comps limbo until after my oral exam next month. I am starting to wonder if there is life after comps. I think it might be called "dissertation."