Sonic hedgehog Memes

Protein researchers rejecting sensible nomenclature based on function in favor of naming their discovery "Sonic Hedgehog" or "Pikachurin." Nothing says scientific gravitas like explaining to grant reviewers that your breakthrough involves a protein named after a blue cartoon rodent that collects rings. The Drosophila guys started this trend and biochemistry never recovered.

The scientific naming wars are BRUTAL! On the left, we have regular biologists looking utterly betrayed while their colleagues (right) are cackling with glee after naming an actual living creature "Sonic Hedgehog." That's right—these lab-coat rebels named a crucial protein after a video game character! The protein is seriously important in embryonic development, which means medical students worldwide must keep straight faces while discussing "Sonic Hedgehog deficiencies" with patients. Taxonomic trolling at its finest! Next time you're naming a new species, remember: with great discovery comes great opportunity for scientific mischief!