This might be the most realistic depiction of an academic conference I’ve ever read. (the last two graphs): Indeed, beyond accumulating DNA and virtual skulls,

This might be the most realistic depiction of an academic conference I’ve ever read. (the last two graphs): Indeed, beyond accumulating DNA and virtual skulls, Larson’s greatest skill is in gathering collaborators. In 2013, he rounded up as many dog researchers as he could and flew them to Aberdeen, so he could get them talking. “I won’t say there was no tension,” he says. “You go into a room with someone who has written something that sort of implies you aren’t doing very good science … there will be tension. But it went away very quickly. And, frankly: alcohol. “Everyone was like: You know what? If I’m completely wrong and I have to eat crow on this, I don’t give a shit. I just want to know.”