Cheap plastics usually end up in landfills. This post offers simple suggestions on how we can decrease our use of cheap plastic crap and save us some money, too.
Author: Layla Katiraee
Layla is a human molecular geneticist working as a development scientist in DNA sequencing, and a mother of one.
Should I have my child genetically tested?
In this post, we review the basics of genetic testing. There’s a growing number of services that offer testing for children. Many parents are curious about the accuracy of these tests, privacy, and more.
Added hormones in poultry, pork, beef, and dairy
In our latest post, Layla reviews the use added hormones in poultry, pork, beef, and dairy. Are these safe? Why are they banned in certain countries? Do they cause early puberty? This post answers all these questions, and more.
HPV and the HPV Vaccine
In this post, we’ll review the science about HPV, recommendations about this vaccination, the controversies, and my personal plans on vaccinating my family.
Why do kids get so many shots?
I’m an ardent believer in the relative safety and efficacy of vaccines, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy having to take my kid to the doctor for shots. I’m relieved that my child is now in school and the bulk of vaccinations are behind us. When he was an infant, we carefully timed his feedings … Continue reading Why do kids get so many shots?
My kid wants to start skateboarding. Help!!
My kid got his first bike when he was 3. A two wheeler with training wheels. We taught him what to do, helped him balance, encouraged him, and by the time he was four, the training wheels were off. When he was five, we got him a scooter, and there wasn’t much to teach him: … Continue reading My kid wants to start skateboarding. Help!!
The Impossible Quest for a Vegan Burger in a Doublemeat-Lovin’ World
A plant-based burger that has the taste and texture of a real burger. These “meats” could help reduce our meat intake, benefiting both our health and the environment. But most veggie burgers lack the fatty flavor of meat. They’re too spongy, dry, grainy—actually, there aren’t enough adjectives to describe the many ways it just doesn’t … Continue reading The Impossible Quest for a Vegan Burger in a Doublemeat-Lovin’ World
Gun Safety and Children: Risks and Responsibilities of Gun Ownership
We are a diverse group of women with diverse views, as outlined in our first blog post. Gun control is no exception. Our experience and perspectives range from desiring a complete ban on all weapons to having served in the armed forces and enjoying visits to the firing range. However, we encourage evidence based-parenting, seek … Continue reading Gun Safety and Children: Risks and Responsibilities of Gun Ownership
Goody Bags: Why Do We Keep Giving Them Despite Their Environmental Footprint?
Open my son's drawer of toys and at the very bottom, you'll find fistfuls of whistles, bracelets, keychains, and small plastic figurines that we've collected over the years from goody bags given away at birthday parties. They're branded with Paw Patrol, Hot Wheel, Shimmer & Shine, and a bunch of other Nickelodeon characters that have … Continue reading Goody Bags: Why Do We Keep Giving Them Despite Their Environmental Footprint?
Ask SciMoms: What’s the environmental impact of beef?
This is the first post in a new segment we're naming "Ask SciMoms". Every month, we'll pick a few questions we've received and answer them. If you have a submission, you can send it to us by our social media channels or by emailing questions@scimoms.com. In our first post, we answer a question related to … Continue reading Ask SciMoms: What’s the environmental impact of beef?