Scientists Slip Bob Dylan Quotes Into Articles

Swedish professors enjoy mixing medicine and Dylan
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 28, 2014 1:25 PM CDT
Scientists Slip Bob Dylan Quotes Into Papers
In this Jan. 12, 2012 file photo, Bob Dylan performs in Los Angeles. One of the most popular songs of all time, Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone," could bring $1 million to $2 million at auction.   (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

Think medical research and Bob Dylan are a natural combination? Five Swedish scientists would agree, and have even started a contest to see who can stuff the most Dylan words into articles before they call it a career, the Local reports. It started 17 years ago when two professors, Eddie Weitzberg and John Jundberg, wrote an article about intestinal gases titled "Nitric Oxide and inflammation: The answer is blowing in the wind" (the last three words being a Dylan song title). "We both really liked Bob Dylan and we thought the quotes really fitted nicely with what we were trying to achieve with the title," says Weitzberg. They later titled another paper "The times they are a'changing."

Eventually a librarian noticed an article by another pair of professors titled "Blood on the tracks: a simple twist of fate," and introduced the four Dylan lovers. Now joined by a fifth prof, they've agreed to the quote contest (but never in serious scientific papers—only articles, editorials, and other pieces of writing). First prize is a free lunch, and perhaps a little unwanted attention: "I would much rather become famous for my scientific work than for my Bob Dylan quotes," says Weitzberg. "But yes, I am enjoying this!" In related news, Spin reports that an "all-star team" of musicians has recorded another set of "lost" Dylan lyrics in "When I Get My Hands on You." (Read more about lost Dylan recordings.)

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