#academia

[transmutationisms]

i have like zero sympathy for professors structurally speaking and a lot more for students but just as a matter of rhetorical efficacy i do wish more students understood that a lot of the dysfunction of university teaching is the result of university policy and ultimately the result of universities being businesses / landlords first and foremost. like some professors are also just huge fucking assholes for sure but, simply replacing them with people who Care A Lot About Teaching won't actually do jackshit to make the classroom experience better so long as the institution itself has a bottom line it's serving by being, materially, a granter of pieces of paper that exist to be class barriers. however (and here is where sympathy for students also becomes limited) most students find these facts incredibly hard to recognise or to reconcile with their own political demands (such as they are) because they view themselves as temporarily embarrassed degree holders & are often primarily motivated by their own sense of being 'deserving' of the kinds of upper management / petit-bourgeois professional positions that these degrees are marketed as granting them.

[academic-vampire]

𝔱𝔞𝔨𝔢 𝔞 𝔟𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔨

[mahoganyamore]

to give and share all my love

[chilloutdude05]

It's incredibly aggravating to have a poetic mind and no accurate way to express my thoughts

[academic-vampire]

𝔪𝔢𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰 𝔣𝔞𝔡𝔢

[mahoganyamore]

the purest, most sincere love

[studyblrofarinika]

[18.11.2024] Nine days until I have to print and turn in my BA thesis.

The last couple of days have been good. I start my days kinda slowly but when it gets dark I become really productive. On Friday and Saturday I decided to stay up until 1 am because I was so focused. Last night I was too sleepy so I stopped writing at about 11 pm but today I woke up at 8, went out to buy fresh bread, ate breakfast and started working right away. It’s currently 2 pm, I’ve just eaten dinner while watching an episode of friends with my boyfriend. I’ve done quite a lot today but still I plan to do a lot more. Wish me luck!

[werewolves-took-my-knees]

I feel like this is more my current style but less effort?? I wanna change it

@academia-lucifer 🎞

[frenchiepal]

18.11.24 since someone (me) decided to put five presentations within the span of two weeks, life has been stressful (╥﹏╥) and it's so freaking cold outside ❄️

🎧 - enough by ateez

[elenothar]

*pokes head in*

Life has been busy, but if anyone has time to fill out a short (ten questions, eight of which are multiple choice, the rest skippable if you don't want to write out anything) survey for some academic research into audience reception of Chinese television soundtracks, I'd be very appreciative. It's completely anonymous, you don't even need to put in an email address.

[eclipsellium]

actually studying in the library for once 😊 and yes, i did spend five minutes drawing those gorgeous field lines instead of being productive

[sheharpsalong]

I think for conversations like this it's also useful to point out that for more than 20 years, scientists have known there is more diversity WITHIN the categories we've made to define biological females and biological males than BETWEEN the two categories. (See work including Blackless et al, 2000 and Pound and Price, 2013 for more!)

This follows what we know about population variation in general and particularly in genetics, in which "research results consistently demonstrate that about 85 percent of all human genetic variation exists within human populations, whereas about only 15 percent of variation exists between populations" (NCBI, 2007).

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20363/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20research%20results%20consistently,between%20populations%20(Figure%204).

Blackless, Melanie, Anthony Charuvastra, Amanda Derryck, Anne Fausto-Sterling, Karl Lauzanne, and Ellen Lee. 2000. “How Sexually Dimorphic Are We? Review and Synthesis.” American Journal of Human Biology 12: 151–66.

Pound, Nicholas, and Michael E. Price. 2013. “Human Sex Differences: Distributions Overlap but the Tails Sometimes Tell a Tale.” Psychological Inquiry 24(3): 224–30.

“As a biologist, the terms biological woman and man don’t make any sense to me” okay then you’re an idiot and a terrible biologist. I swear to god, morons like you only become biologists just so you can hold it over others, when in reality, if biology deniers like you can become biologists, then being one really doesn’t mean much anyway. But this probably just gave an autogynophile like you a boner to read, anyway.

Oh fun! Haven't gotten one of these in a while. Disregarding the fact that you somehow think the qualification for being a biologist entirely hinges on defining womanhood, I do need to ask some clarification. I know I'm feeding the trolls here, but here we go: does your definition of "biological woman" mean:

Sociological woman? Eh, context dependent, I'm not fully out of the closet, but oftentimes, I am and present femme. So let's call that one 50/50.

Psychological woman? Because I am one.

Neurological woman? Because I am one [1].

Physical woman? My soft tissue redistribution is handling that well.

Hormonal woman? My blood tests are within cis female ranges.

Transcriptional woman? As a signalling molecule, the downstream effects of estrogen have broad transcriptional effects, completely changing the profile of gene expression and functional genomics of my cells. [2]

Genetic woman? I mean, see my above point- as far as my genes that are actually active, I have all of the same transcripts being produced, controlling which genes are expressed.

Karyotypic woman? I actually have a few signs pre-HRT that might point to a non-XY chromosome pair, but I haven't had a karyotype. We'll put that down as unknown. And hell, even if its XY, there's plenty of cis women who are karyotypically XY, with suppressed sry or complete androgen insensitivity. Interestingly enough, a completely androgen insesitive woman can go her whole life without knowing- and functionally, is very similar to a trans woman, actually. Fancy that. [3]

Reproductive woman? I can't produce an egg cell, but neither can significant fractions of cis women. Also, this is all gonna change soon, which is fun. [4]

There's also a lot of understudied aspects to the biology of HRT and even pre-HRT that are emerging, largely demonstrating widespread cellular and genetic remodeling of trans individuals undergoing hormone therapy. The field is a bit behind due to constant political pressure to revoke funding, but a lot of the results are extremely exciting in both testosterone and estrogen hormone therapies. I'm sure that, as a self professed biology As someone who presumably has a lot of expertise in biology, I'm assuming that you're aware of all of this cutting edge research, and are keeping up with modern papers, including but not limited to these cool findings:

Trans men on HRT exhibit significant genetic and transcriptional changes that make them biochemically male. [5][6]. It's a good hypothesis that the same happens with estrogen treatment, but those studies don't exist yet- I'm sure you're reserving judgment until more publications exist, of course.

Trans men on HRT develop male cell types and tissues. [7]

Trans women experience muscular and blood cell changes that align with cis women moreso than cis men [8]

And many, many more! This is an exciting, underserved, and groundbreaking field of research, and I'm sure you're keeping up with the latest in scientific journals about it.

I'm sure, of course, that you understand that it becomes impossible to draw a distinct line anywhere in here, and that words like "woman" are shorthand for the myriad of traits that invisibly synthesize in our mind and in society to represent a concept? I'm sure you understand that science is fundamentally descriptive, not prescriptive? I'm sure that you understand that these findings, while really cool and interesting, actually don't mean jack shit about what the word "woman" means or not?

As someone who is the ultimate decider in what a biologist is, I'm sure you know that bioessentiallism is a childish mindset that completely ignores and disregards the constantly changing, dynamic nature of biological systems, something that extends well beyond biological sex and its relation to gender.

I'm sure that also, that you understand that beyond just this, that the role of science in society is to advise how to achieve our moral principles, not create moral principles in themselves. And I'm sure that understanding means you know that trans affirming healthcare and supportive societal treatment leads to reduced mortality and increased happiness for everyone, right?

So great to talk to someone who is surely a scientist on this. You are a biologist, if you're talking like this, I assume? I assume you're not going to spit complete misreadings of scientific language from the background sections of these papers that only reveal you've never read a scientific paper in your life if you're thinking this way? I assume you have experience interpreting data like this?

Also, imagining my genitalia while writing this? Ew. Please stop projecting your fetishes into my inbox.

Works cited:

Kurth F, Gaser C, Sánchez FJ, Luders E. Brain Sex in Transgender Women Is Shifted towards Gender Identity. J Clin Med. 2022 Mar 13;11(6):1582. doi: 10.3390/jcm11061582. PMID: 35329908; PMCID: PMC8955456.

Fuentes N, Silveyra P. Estrogen receptor signaling mechanisms. Adv Protein Chem Struct Biol. 2019;116:135-170. doi: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2019.01.001. Epub 2019 Feb 4. PMID: 31036290; PMCID: PMC6533072.

Gottlieb B, Trifiro MA. Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome. 1999 Mar 24 [Updated 2017 May 11]. In: Adam MP, Feldman J, Mirzaa GM, et al., editors. GeneReviews® [Internet]. Seattle (WA): University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1429/

Murakami, K., Hamazaki, N., Hamada, N. et al. Generation of functional oocytes from male mice in vitro. Nature 615, 900–906 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05834-x

Pallotti F, Senofonte G, Konstantinidou F, Di Chiano S, Faja F, Rizzo F, Cargnelutti F, Krausz C, Paoli D, Lenzi A, Stuppia L, Gatta V, Lombardo F. Epigenetic Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment: A Pilot Study of the ESR2 Promoter's Methylation in AFAB People. Biomedicines. 2022 Feb 16;10(2):459. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10020459. PMID: 35203670; PMCID: PMC8962414.

Florian Raths, Mehran Karimzadeh, Nathan Ing, Andrew Martinez, Yoona Yang, Ying Qu, Tian-Yu Lee, Brianna Mulligan, Suzanne Devkota, Wayne T. Tilley, Theresa E. Hickey, Bo Wang, Armando E. Giuliano, Shikha Bose, Hani Goodarzi, Edward C. Ray, Xiaojiang Cui, Simon R.V. Knott, The molecular consequences of androgen activity in the human breast, Cell Genomics, Volume 3, Issue 3, 2023, 100272, ISSN 2666-979X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100272. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666979X23000320)

Xu R, Diamond DA, Borer JG, Estrada C, Yu R, Anderson WJ, Vargas SO. Prostatic metaplasia of the vagina in transmasculine individuals. World J Urol. 2022 Mar;40(3):849-855. doi: 10.1007/s00345-021-03907-y. Epub 2022 Jan 16. PMID: 35034167.

Harper J, O'Donnell E, Sorouri Khorashad B, McDermott H, Witcomb GL. How does hormone transition in transgender women change body composition, muscle strength and haemoglobin? Systematic review with a focus on the implications for sport participation. Br J Sports Med. 2021 Aug;55(15):865-872. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103106. Epub 2021 Mar 1. PMID: 33648944; PMCID: PMC8311086.

[catboybiologist]

Half formed thought. I know of a lot of trans people in fields adjacent to molecular/lab bio, including other forms of bio, but precious few to almost none within it. Julia Serrano, of course, and Ben Barres are both icons. But I feel like a lot of passion and talent for biology is funneled into other fields- scicomm, environmental science and ecology, etc- and away from molecular/cell/dev bio/genetics. And the obvious fault is the "basic biology" rhetoric about genetics that's beat into so many people's heads so early on. By the time a trans person is picking a college major, even, I think any passion they have for the subject would rightfully have died via its misinterpretation.

I don't have a fantastic idea of how to fully counter it. Advocacy, communication, and representation are important, of course. But it's harder when there are already so many preconceived notions in the general population.

[thyming]

💭

[nenelonomh]

pretty privilege in academia

'pretty privilege' is the idea that people who are perceived as more attractive often receive more opportunities, attention, and rewards compared to those who are considered less attractive. this concept is not limited to social settings but also especially extends to (in) academic environments.

in academia, research has shown that physically attractive students tend to receive higher grades because they are perceived as more intelligent, even when their actual performance does not differ significantly from their less attractive peers. this bias can affect everything from classroom interactions to evaluations and recommendations, potentially influencing a student's academic trajectory.

the underlying reason for this phenomenon is the "physical attractiveness stereotype," which assumes that attractive individuals possess positive qualities such as intelligence, sociability, and competence. it leads to preferential treatment and better opportunities for those who are deemed attractive.

it's important to be aware of this bias and strive to treat everyone fairly, regardless of their appearance. while we can't always control how others perceive us, we can make a conscious effort to judge people based on their abilities and contributions rather than their looks.

now, there is no benefit in ignoring it - because it simply will always exist. instead, you can choose to take advantage of it.

why people take advantage of pretty privilege:

increased opportunities: leveraging your attractiveness can open doors to more opportunities that might not be as easily accessible otherwise.

positive perceptions: attractive individuals are often perceived more favorably, which can lead to better treatment and more support from your peers and instructors.

enhanced confidence: knowing that you are perceived positively can boost your confidence, making you more likely to engage and participate actively in academic settings.

competitive edge: in highly competitive environments, any advantage can make a significant difference. taking advantage of pretty privilege can provide an edge over others.

but you should never only rely on your appearance to get you further in life - it is only to play the same game.

if you're interested in enhancing your appearance, here are some tips to help you feel more confident and attractive. it's important to remember that beauty is subjective and varies from person to person, and self-confidence plays a significant role in how others perceive you.

skincare: have a daily routine (cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin. remember to use products suited to your skin type.) and apply sunscreen daily.

hair care: regularly maintain your hair, keeping it clean, well-trimmed, and styled in a way that suits your face shape and personal style. use conditioner and hair masks to keep your hair healthy and shiny.

oral hygiene: brush and floss your teeth daily to maintain a bright smile and fresh breath. visit the dentist regularly.

dress well: wear clothes that fit well and flatter your body shape. choose outfits that reflect your personal style and make you feel confident. dress appropriately for different occasions.

accessories: use accessories like jewelry, watches, and scarves to add a touch of elegance and build your outfits. ensure accessories complement your overall look without overpowering it.

physical health: engage in regular physical activity to stay fit and healthy. exercise can improve your posture and boost your confidence. eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support your health and appearance. drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

attitude: a genuine smile can make you appear more approachable and attractive. maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use confident body language.

social skills: improve your communication skills to connect better with others. show genuine interest in others and practice empathy in your interactions. charisma and behavior can make or break appearing attractive.

remember! enhancing your appearance should be about making yourself feel good and confident, rather than solely seeking external validation. what you find attractive and enjoy should come before what other people like.

read this for more information: Pretty Privilege | Applied Social Psychology (ASP)

i hope this was helpful! ❤️nene