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Rosie Alderson, PhD
Rosie Alderson, PhD

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Who I am and what I like to write about (plus a disclaimer for my stories — yawn!)

Ah, I see you have stumbled upon my profile page — lovely to meet you! I am not (as the picture above might suggest) a miniature woman with plastic hair. I am, in fact, a real human (see my profile picture if you’d like proof). I do have freckles and…

Science

3 min read

Who I am and what I like to write about (plus a disclaimer for my stories — yawn!)
Who I am and what I like to write about (plus a disclaimer for my stories — yawn!)

Published in Everyday Science

·May 4

Why Do Zebras Have Stripes?

Hint: it’s not just so they look super cool — We finally did it. We got on a plane and flew somewhere tropical: a land of swaying palm trees, delicious tropical fruit, stunning beaches and warm smiles. My husband and I finally took our belated holiday to Mauritius — all the travel anxiety post covid was worth it — we…

Science

3 min read

Why Do Zebras Have Stripes?
Why Do Zebras Have Stripes?

Published in Science Soufflé

·Mar 2

Did You Know That Certain Foods Can Make Your Sweat Extra Stinky?

No, you’re not imagining it — alcohol can make you smell bad — It’s been a while since I wrote, I know. Have I suddenly lost my love of science or cooking? Or both? No, heaven forbid. Exciting life-stuff has been distracting me, but here I am, back at my desk, mulling over science and foody-type things whilst my cat lolls in a…

Food

5 min read

Did You Know That Certain Foods Can Make Your Sweat Extra Stinky?
Did You Know That Certain Foods Can Make Your Sweat Extra Stinky?

Published in Everyday Science

·Feb 5

Why Aren’t Sunsets Blue?

We can thank our atmosphere for those beautiful colours — I had started my week well: I dragged myself out of bed pretty early, and, as is my habit, I started writing first thing (coffee in hand of course). As my favourite ‘writing playlist’ gently played, I felt a real sense of peace and inspiration, and that wasn’t just the…

Science

4 min read

Why Aren’t Sunsets Blue?
Why Aren’t Sunsets Blue?

Published in Science Soufflé

·Jan 28

Why Mustard Makes You So, Well, Flustered

Mustard spice is meant to deter hungry animals; doesn’t seem to be doing a great job with us humans, does it? — How do you like your hotdogs? Tomato sauce? Onions? Either way, one thing is universal — hot dogs need mustard. Admittedly, I’m a Brit, so what the heck do I know, right? I don’t even eat hot dogs very often. But, if I did, I’d have them with lashings of…

Science

3 min read

Why Mustard Makes You So, Well, Flustered
Why Mustard Makes You So, Well, Flustered

Published in Everyday Science

·Jan 26

Yup, It’s True, Space Smells Like Steak

But, unfortunately, the moon doesn’t smell like cheese — I’m a huge space nerd. But, I’m not an astronomer, or even a physicist, only a ‘lowly’ biochemist that knows more about protein molecules than is healthy. When I wrench myself away from those proteins, I think about space. When we get a clear night, my short-sighted eyes squint through…

Science

5 min read

Yup, It’s True, Space Smells Like Steak
Yup, It’s True, Space Smells Like Steak

Published in Everyday Science

·Jan 21

Here’s Why Cloning Yourself Isn’t So Weird, After All

It’s not just sci-fi: plants do it, starfish do it and even those pesky aphids are doing it. — What would do if you could clone yourself, easily and simply, right in the comfort of your very own home, or the garden, or you know, wherever? Personally, I’d delegate. I’d have one clone to do my taxes, and at least one clone to bring me coffee and endless rounds…

Science

4 min read

Here’s Why Cloning Yourself Isn’t So Weird, After All
Here’s Why Cloning Yourself Isn’t So Weird, After All

Published in Science Soufflé

·Jan 20

Here’s Why You Should Care about Smoke Points

Which oil or fat is best to use when cooking? — How much thought do you put into your oil’s smoke point before cooking? If you’re like me, probably not a lot. Somewhere in my brain I’ve always known that fats like butter have a relatively low smoke point and to be careful when using them. …

Science

4 min read

Here’s Why You Should Care about Smoke Points
Here’s Why You Should Care about Smoke Points

Published in Everyday Science

·Jan 18

How Do Plants Know When It’s Spring?

The absence of a nervous system doesn’t stop these guys from always being on time — Is it just me, or can you feel the very first whispers of spring? Every year it happens, around this time, when the eagerly awaited season seems to creep in. Of course, according to the meteorological calendar, springtime for the UK is way off — by at least a month. …

Science

3 min read

How Do Plants Know When It’s Spring?
How Do Plants Know When It’s Spring?

Published in Everyday Science

·Jan 14

See Static? You’re Seeing The Last Remnants of The Big Bang

The origin of the universe is right before your eyes — In the early 90s, we had an old black and white TV — you know, the kind with two ‘bunny ear’ antennae. At that time, we had four channels and, if you turned the dial a certain way, you’d see static, like a blizzard, hurling snowflakes at the glass screen. …

Science

4 min read

See Static? You’re Seeing The Last Remnants of The Big Bang
See Static? You’re Seeing The Last Remnants of The Big Bang
Rosie Alderson, PhD

Rosie Alderson, PhD

(Hungry) Science Nerd: educator, writer and general foodie.

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