The Power of Metaphor in Scientific Discourse

Metaphorical language is deeply embedded in the life sciences, shaping how concepts are communicated and understood. From genetic blueprints to molecular gates, these metaphors influence scientific reasoning at all levels.

Our latest article examines the role of metaphor in science, with a focus on its application to the sodium channel fast inactivation mechanism—offering insights for readers without a linguistics background.

This highly interdisciplinary work with Peter Hull at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg is a result from the worldwide sodium channel conference in Grindelwald 2024, for which we are currently actively planning the next edition in 2026: https://sodiumchannelseminars.org/Sodium-Channel-Conference-2026/

Read our article here: https://rupress.org/jgp/article/157/4/e202413683/277991/Using-metaphorical-considerations-to-benefit

The picture shows three objects. From left to right: a ball with a tether attached to it, a suitcase with a hinge, and a person placing a wedge under a door.

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