In life generally we should be wary of half-truths. I think this can be especially important in science.

TRUTH. Thinking about truth brings to mind oaths such as ‘I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.’

HOME TRUTHS – ouch! Some people need to hear these (including ourselves sometimes) and can benefit from listening to feedback. Some feedback hits home whereas some can be dismissed for good reason.

HALF-TRUTHS. ‘In science and in life we must beware half-truths and misplaced trust.’ See the poem I wrote in 2023. It seems timely to share it again here.

TRANSPARENCY. One person’s idea of truth is not necessarily another person’s view. I think it’s best to know why something is considered as truth. For example, some factors and questions to consider:
Evidence-based findings.
Reproducibility of results using the same method of research/study.
Faith or a religious belief.
A hunch or a gut feeling
Told something is ‘common sense’ or so it may seem.
An opinion can be based on any of the above.

I’m interested in facts and feelings, seeking truths through science or sometimes through writing poetry.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 03/09/2025

Who would have thought the world could turn out the way it has? On a positive note I was inspired to express some feelings in poetic verse.

AM I LIVING IN A SCI-FI FILM? ©

Am I living in a sci-fi film?
And is it only me
Thinking
‘Can this really be reality?’
Surely this surreality
Is not how it’s meant to be.

We have a right to determine how this story goes…

©Julie Charlesworth, 2025

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 03/02/25

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Here’s the Poem in postcard form:

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Hark – the festive season beckons!! However, not everyone will be feeling fully engaged with the festive spirit of the season. The run-up can be triggering sadness and thoughts of loved ones lost, past and present.

From a personal perspective I know that the loved ones I miss would wish to be fondly remembered and yet would also be willing us to have a fun festive time. However sad I may feel at times I don’t begrudge others having fun and I will also be rising to the spirit of special festive occasions.

People will feel all sorts of emotions for many different reasons, and we should be empathetic and respectful.

This year has dealt such cruel blows to many people. In the weeks ahead – let us be kind to everyone – in business as well as in life generally. You never know what someone is going through or what is happening in their lives. These sentiments are expressed my link to ‘Life’s Cruel Blows”.

As with many other people it is also a time when we miss loved ones, we lost many years ago. In my case my parents:

STAY WITH ME©

In a dream
You are here.
I can see, touch, and sense you.
I know it’s a dream
But just for now
Please stay with me a moment.

Life hurts.
I still miss you.

©Julie Charlesworth, 2022

It is time to have fun and be kind – this year has been particularly harsh.

To smiles, joy, and laughter even in difficult times.
‘Glad tidings of comfort and joy’.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 04/12/24

For a change here is something I have written with a bit of a Sci-Fi theme:

THE HIVE MIND ©

There is a message
From the network
It is time to rope you in.

You are needed for the hive.
Why?
It is how we all survive.
But am I still alive?
Sort of…

All together now-
High five to the hive.

You are now connected to the hybrid Hive Mind.

©Julie Charlesworth, 2024

⛓️‍💥🧠⛓️

Through science fiction and verse we can explore possible futures using our imagination and with the power of the human mind.

Imagine this scenario – a bit quirky but makes you think 😉.

On a more serious note, the message is to be wary of possibilities or paths towards voluntary servitude.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 19/11/24

The brain is the most important organ I told myself. Then I realised where this was coming from – it was just a thought 😉. A quizzical thought I’ve expressed in verse:

BRAIN MAIL ©

I pause
And in a daydream
These words come to mind
Simple yet profound –
Take care of yourself
Especially your brain.

A notion
Calm midst commotion
Yet
Sardonic in tone
From one place alone?

Aha 💡
My brain!

Maybe self-serving
Slightly unnerving

Just a thought…
💭🗯️💬

©Julie Charlesworth, 2024

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Makes you think 🤔😉🧠.

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by Dr Julie Charlesworth 12/11/24

Into the here and now – it is Autumn in the UK. This is a season for the senses, and a good time to fill them up!

Autumn:
See it
Touch it
Hear it
Smell it
Taste it

Sense it!

Whilst we try to make sense of this unsettled and turbulent world we live in, why not experience the joy of leaf kicking and walking through carpets of crunchy Autumn leaves.

Go on – you know you want to 😂.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 7/11/24

[I took these photos recently and close to home – in the garden and then looking up the road nearby.]

Is it time for some reality checks? Are people often just following the crowd?

Some thoughts in verse:

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JUMPING ON A BANDWAGON! ©

Jumping on a bandwagon
for Fear Of Missing Out.

Hey ho
FOMO
No show.

Give it some Clout.
Shout
“What’s it all about?”

Well, it was nothing in the end.
A trend with a dead end.
Just people jumping about.

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©Julie Charlesworth, 2024

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by Dr Julie Charlesworth 14/10/24

Work is serious but we don’t have to take ourselves too seriously.

Playtime is not just for the holidays and weekends but for anytime 😂.

[An image I created in a playful moment].

After all we are all kids at heart.

After the weekend is over
After the holidays are done
There is still time and times to be playful
Let’s do it. Bring joy and have fun.

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by Dr Julie Charlesworth 9/9/24

This became increasingly apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic. More people showed they were interested in science. I think this had a good effect on scientific understanding and curiosity generally. Here’s a piece I penned in poetic verse about how the language of science is spreading with a few thoughts to ponder:

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THE LANGUAGE OF SCIENCE IS SPREADING. ©

Science is for everyone!
Chat show hosts are doing it
Businesses are doing it
It seems everyone is doing it…

Speaking the language of science.

‘It’s in our DNA’
‘It’s in my genes’
‘And the DNA test shows…’

There are levels of understanding.
And a good scientist
recognises their own limits.
Other good people
Should do too.
And many people do.

So, is it DNA?
Or deoxyribonucleic acid?
(It can be) either
Or both.
But DNA can be used
to portray a concept.
Or a molecular composition
With a structure and function.
And about which there is still much to learn.

In recent times
New words are becoming
Part of the vocabulary.
R factor, RNA, Antibodies, Antigens.
And there are more words to come.
Politicians, the media, and generally,
It seems everyone is doing it.

Speaking the language of science.

Communication is key.
Speaking a new language
Can be challenging,
And also stimulating.
No-one can know everything.
But spreading understanding is important.
The language of science is spreading.
Go ahead and choose it
But be careful how you use it.

Because…science is for everyone!

©Julie Charlesworth, 2024

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Science, medical, and health communications are important.

Scientific understanding is important because knowledge and understanding help us to make informed decisions – both individually and collectively.
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by Dr Julie Charlesworth 18/03/24

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Time to lighten up for the festive season…

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CHRISTMAS CHEER AND FESTIVE HUGS ©

Hip hip hooray!
Christmas cheer.
It’s that time of year.
Again.

Dropping hints
Shopping stints
Less worry
More merry
Please.

Ding dong bell 🔔
Let all be well!
It’s jingle bells
And cinnamon smells.

Walking on eggshells
Tensions
Apprehensions.

Seasonal Greetings
Family meetings
Some travel afar
Some stay where they are.
Phew!

Fewer silly squabbles,
Wibbles and Wobbles.
Fewer family feuds.
We hope.

Less distance
Less insistence
Less being rude.
A chance to diffuse a family feud.

A chance to savour delightful food.
Savour the festive fervour.
Takes us one step further.
Festive mugs.
Hugs (sans bugs).

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©Julie Charlesworth, 2023

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by Dr Julie Charlesworth 12/12/23

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A few more words and my ‘homemade holiday snaps’ to brighten the days until the New Year:

‘I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.’ Maya Angelou.
😉 😊

A little something to make you smile:

‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle’ or may be suffering a sadness you know nothing about. My heart goes out to everyone who is finding this time of year difficult.

‘Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness’