Two scientists have admitted that they have been sneaking Bob Dylan lyrics into their work for the past 17 years.
The two researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, claim they never put lyrics into their peer-reviewed studies, but started a tradition of getting as many Dylan quotes as possible into articles about other peoples’ work, editorials and book introductions.
The Washington Post reports that Eddie Weitzberg and John Lundberg started the trend and then more scientists and researchers began contributing, including an article entitled: “Blood on the tracks: a simple twist of fate.”
Other Dylan-referencing titles include: “Nitric Oxide and Inflammation: The Answer Is Blowing In The Wind,” and “Tangled Up In Blue: Molecular Cardiology In The Postmolecular Era.”
The researchers now say that they have a running bet: whoever can sneak in the most references before retirement will get treated to lunch.
The wager is a nice reminder of the unique Swedish sense of humour but they do want people to pay attention to their research as well. Weitzberg told The Local Sweden newspaper: “I would much rather become famous for my scientific work than for my Bob Dylan quotes. But yes, I am enjoying this!”
