Scientists Sneak Bob Dylan Lyrics into Their Writing
The Bob Dylan Lyric Contest
Swedish scientists from Karolinska Institutet are engaged in a unique contest: to see who can sneak the most Bob Dylan references into their scientific writing. The contest began organically in 1997 when a team of researchers published a paper titled “Nitric oxide and inflammation: The answer is blowing in the wind.” Unaware of this earlier effort, another Karolinska scientist published “Tangled Up in Blue: Molecular Cardiology in the Postmolecular Era” in 1998. The trend continued in 2003 with the publication of “Blood on the Tracks: A Simple Twist of Fate?”
Once the scientists became aware of each other’s shared fondness for the folk singer, the contest blossomed. The five researchers are now racing to see who can incorporate the most Dylan references into their papers before retirement. The winner will receive a free lunch.
The Rules of the Contest
To avoid any potential backlash, the scientists have agreed not to include Dylan allusions in their serious scientific research papers. However, they are free to use Dylan lyrics in other written materials, such as reviews, editorials, and books.
The Benefits of Incorporating Bob Dylan Lyrics
According to one of the scientists involved in the contest, the goal is not simply to add a touch of whimsy to their writing. Rather, they believe that Dylan’s lyrics can actually enhance the quality of their work.
“It’s important that the quote is linked to the scientific content, that it reinforces the message and raises the quality of the article as such, not the reverse,” said the scientist.
How to Participate in the Contest
The contest is open to all scientists who are interested in participating. However, it is important to keep in mind that the lyrics should be used sparingly and in a way that complements the scientific content.
Examples of Bob Dylan Lyrics in Scientific Writing
Here are a few examples of how Bob Dylan lyrics have been used in scientific writing:
- In a review of a study on the effects of music on the brain, the author wrote, “The results of this study suggest that music can ‘knock on heaven’s door’ and improve cognitive function.”
- In an editorial on the importance of scientific research, the author wrote, “We need to ‘follow the river’ of knowledge and continue to explore the unknown.”
- In a book about the history of science, the author wrote, “The scientific revolution was a ‘tangled up in blue’ affair, with many different factors contributing to its development.”
Conclusion
The use of Bob Dylan lyrics in scientific writing is a creative and engaging way to communicate complex scientific concepts. By using Dylan’s lyrics to illustrate their points, scientists can make their writing more accessible and enjoyable for readers.
