Overwhelmed? Take a Break With Our 5 Favorite Science Comics

We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine. So, as we ease (or, if you have your first cold of the season like I do, sniffle) ourselves back into our regular post-holiday routines, why not take a little time to appreciate the humor in science and in the lab? Addgene is after all a place that encourages people to take some time out every once in a while – just read Melina Fan’s post on lunch. Why should our new blog be any different?

If you still need an extra push, there’s evidence that laughter really can be good for you. A search on PubMed for the word “laughter” turns up a few fun and very recent bits of evidence. (What can I say, we are scientists). Researchers in Taiwan showed that a laughter program significantly decreased immunological markers of stress in adolescents. It also put those young people in a better mood. Laughter itself can sometimes even count as demanding exercise, and, of course, it’s a way to connect with other people. (We don't need evidence for that one, do we?)

OK, so, now that we’ve convinced you that laughter really is a great use of your time even as that lab bench is calling, let me share my top five new favorite science comic sites with you.

 Top 5 science comics:

  1)   “Piled Higher and Deeper” by Jorge Cham

  2)   “Boxplot” by Maki Naro

  3)   “Bird and Moon” by Rosemary Mosco

  4)   “Unearthed Comics” by Sara Zimmerman

  5)   “Beatrice the Biologist” by Katie McKissick

Sara Zimmerman, Unearthed Comics

Feeling any better yet? If not, just remember that the next holiday break is just a few weeks away. Is your favorite science comic not on our list? Let us know by sharing it with us in the comments.