How did you start liking science?
I don't really like science. I want to know what makes you like it #scientist #science
3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Back in 1966, when I was just a 9-year-old lad, my understanding of science took a giant leap forward. A few key events played a significant role in this. My loving Greek grandma gifted me a Hutchinson's Encyclopedia when I turned 9, and that same year, I moved to the coastal town of Mooloolaba to live with my mom's parents. My grandpa ran the local boat slip, where he worked on the prawn trawlers of our quaint little town. I often found myself munching on oysters at low tide on the Mooloolah River, which significantly boosted my intake of biological zinc, a nutrient crucial for boys nearing puberty.
Here's a study that talks about the benefits of zinc supplementation in undernourished schoolboys in Iran, including increased growth and other positive effects: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002916523324158
Zinc plays a vital role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, especially in males. It's also crucial for the growth of the cerebellum and nerve function. Moreover, zinc is essential for immunity and fertility. Can you imagine sperm without tails? That's what happens to men who don't get enough zinc.
Zinc is a key component in DNA creation, cell growth, protein building, tissue repair, and supporting a robust immune system. Since it aids in cell growth and multiplication, sufficient zinc is necessary during periods of rapid growth, such as childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy.
May God bless you abundantly,
James.
Herman’s Answer
I like science, I think a lot of it is because I am very curious and like to know how things work. However, that is not to say that I like all kinds of science. I think it varies from person to person. Some people just don't like science, its as simple as that. For me, I don't like history :)
Best,
Herman
Greg’s Answer
I've personally been interested in science (especially astronomy) since at least age 5, when I first saw a book with a drawing of the planets. For other types of science, I've become interested as I've heard or read or watched TV about them; for example, archaelogy and paleontology (and in general the history of life on this planet, Earth's geological changes, the prehistory of humanity--both evolutionary and migratory--etc.) are topics that have become more interesting since college. (Why is Yosemite Valley so dramatic? Why is one town on the San Andreas Fault not subject to earthquakes? There was a TV series on Discovery Channel or Science Channel that focused on such things, and the answers were absolutely fascinating.)
So some of it is simply exposure to the right teacher or book or magazine or whatnot. Someone else's enthusiasm can be infectious, because they can highlight the specific details that they find so interesting, and those may not be things you've considered before. Medical science might be interesting because it allows you to help people and save lives. Materials science might be interesting because of the cool things you can create with it--for example, "invisibility" devices using metamaterials, transparent window coverings that act as solar cells, concrete that can heal itself when cracks occur, 3D-printed metals that are stronger and lighter than those made by casting or other traditional methods, etc.
Perhaps a bigger question is why you want to start liking science? Or are you just asking out of curiosity? Different people's brains are wired differently and/or have different chemistries, so some people just natively prefer numbers and science and building things, while others prefer words and images and creative pursuits, and still others prefer social interactions. There are jobs suitable to all three types, though admittedly they don't all pay equally well or exist in the same quantities. But that's another whole story. :-)
Greg recommends the following next steps: