July 29, 2014

10 Social Media Accounts Every Life Science Professional Should Follow

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Social media not only connects us with the people we know, it exposes us to near limitless amounts of information, conversations and ideas. This is especially true for those in the life sciences, where the rapid pace of discovery creates an industry landscape that’s constantly changing form.

But with so many people and discussions on multiple social channels, it can be difficult to know who’s worth following and what groups demand your attention.

Whether you’re a social media novice or a LinkedIn Top 100 Influencer, we’ve compiled the most important social accounts to keep you up-to-date on the ever-evolving world of life science.

Twitter

Live Science (@LiveScience): From medical technology to biology to climate change’s effect on the American lobster, no subject is left uncovered in Live Science’s perpetual stream of news tweets.

Adam Feuerstein (@adamfeuerstein): Senior biotech/pharmaceutical columnist for online financial news publication, The Street. If there’s a biotechnology business deal about to be finalized, he’s the first to know about it. Readers beware: his unfiltered tweets are not always for the faint of heart.

Lisa Jarvis (@lisamjarvis): Senior biotech and pharmaceutical reporter for Chemical & Engineering News. Rarely is life science reporting done with so much personality, enthusiasm and wit (obviously).

Carl Zimmer (@carlzimmer): Award-winning science writer, New York Times columnist, contributor to popular radio shows such as Radiolab, Fresh Air and This American Life, lecturer…the list goes on. Hands down, some of the smartest science tweets on Twitter.

Life Science Professionals: A forum for life science professionals with discussions on topics such as upcoming industry conferences, technology, and news.

Life Science Executive Exchange: When over 25,000 life science professionals come together in one place, good things happen. Add to a global conversation of life science topics with members from all areas of the sciences.

Life Science Network: As its name would suggest, a place for life science professionals who wish to network, communicate, share ideas and connect with others. Regional groups exist across the U.S. and parts of Europe. Plus, their regular “UNWIND” events give you a chance to meet nearby members face-to-face.

YouTube

Speaking of Chemistry: A must-watch for lovers and learners of chemistry, this insightful channel delivers timely news stories on anything and everything related to chemistry and chemical professionals.

Scientific American: Is spring fever real? What’s vertigo? And why does tapping beer bottles create foam? Answers to these questions and more, as well as captivating web chats with some of modern science’s biggest names are featured on Scientific American’s YouTube channel.

It’s Okay to Be Smart: Energetic host, Joe Hanson, uses the principles of science to reignite our innate curiosity in…well, everything. Whether it’s tackling big issues — such as the search for intelligent life beyond earth — or simple questions — like why things sound scary — the PBS-powered channel reminds us that science, at its core, is just plain cool.

The Twitter pages, LinkedIn groups and YouTube channels listed here are only the beginning. Just as the scientific process itself, a journey into the realm of science-related social media can often result in the surprising and the unexpected. What will you discover on your next login?