Typical woman scientist

science Friday, February 17, 2012. Post by David Bradley

There’s a stock photo getting a lot of attention from scientists at the moment. They are irritated by the stereotyping. The photo in question purportedly evokes “lab work” and is available at a range of resolutions from 425×282 pixels (1 credit) all the way up to 5616x3744px, the XXXL size, which will cost you a whacking 23 credits.

Anyway, the “scientist” illustrated in the stock photo is wearing goggles, no problem there. She has her latex safety gloves, check. She even has her hair tied back in a neat pony tail so as to avoid dangling her tresses in an errant Bunsen burner flame. But, take a look. Aside from the obviously nonsensical gunk in her flat-bottomed flask…isn’t there something missing from the photograph?

Oh yes…she’s not wearing a labcoat, or indeed, anything covering her shoulders, arms or upper chest. Perhaps she’s entirely naked, which I am not sure complies with lab safety regulations. I’ve spent the last three hours scouring the iStockPhoto site on your behalf to check that they are not breaking other lab rules by showing wholly naked scientists. I hope you appreciate my efforts…

http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-13771784-lab-work.php

David Bradley

February 17th, 2012 at 10:38 am

Inspired by this photo, does anyone think there might be a market for chick lab lit?

The Bunsen flames scorched the fetid laboratory air and Charlene peered into the flask distractedly, perspiration glistening on her shoulders just as Dirk walked sulkily into the lab, a 12-inch length of flexible tubing…

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