Formerly known as the British Medical Journal, the
BMJ Christmas issue is out with
critical
additions
to the scientific literature such as a study of doctors’ coffee purchasing
at work (surgeons drink the most, hierarchical position is positively
correlated with high consumption and generosity in paying for others’ coffee)
and the growing frequency of quotes from Bob Dylan songs in the scientific
literature (the study was inspired by a long-running bet among scientists at a
Swedish institute over how many they could sneak in, apparently “The Times They
are a-Changin” is most frequently cited overall). For the last 35 years, BMJ’s last issue of
the year has included novel, sometimes irreverent, often Christmas-themed
articles. Unlike April Fool’s, the articles must meet the same rigorous
scientific standards as the rest of the year.
Prior
issues have included a scientific explanation of why Rudolph’s nose is red
(more blood vessels), debunking a Danish myth that people can get drunk by soaking
their feet in alcohol, and a survey of sword swallowers’ medical issues. My
favorite this year is
Rejection of Rejection –
Overcoming Barriers to Publication. The bane of academic life, leading
scientific journals reject 80% of submissions. The piece includes a form letter
response to a returned article thanking the journal for the rejection, but
adding “Unfortunately we are unable to accept it at this time.” It goes on to
explain that the author, as you might imagine, receives many rejections every
year and is unfortunately unable to accept them all. I think advocates should
expand the concept. We could refuse to accept state budget cuts, the death of
an important bill, or the loss of HUSKY eligibility for parents. This has potential.
