ACDC: What’s in the name?
Having a distinct name like Eleftherios gives you a lot of advantages. People never ask you to spell your name, and they remember it without much trouble.
Ha! If only!
Eleftherios Diamandis and graduate students from the ACDC lab in tribute mode
When I make restaurant reservations, I simplify things by going with the name Elvis. Nobody has ever asked me to spell it, and I get a smile in return. When people ask me for the name of my research laboratory, I reply, “the ACDC lab.”
The usual response is, “I’ve heard that name before. Is it a band from the ’70s?”
But of course it is. And the follow-up question is always, “Does your lab’s name have anything to do with the band?”
Well, it does and it doesn’t. The name was chosen many years ago for two reasons: to celebrate one of my all-time favorite rock bands, AC/DC, and to outline the scope of my research laboratory – ACDC stands for Advanced Centre for Detection of Cancer.
I have tried repeatedly to reach out to AC/DC and let them know about the research laboratory that shares their name and is devoted to fighting cancer, but with no success. In fact, not only is the lab named after them, but to celebrate the music of AC/DC, we formed a rock band within the lab with me representing Angus Young (lead guitarist and music composer) and my graduate students playing the other members. We created a poster and shot a video of the AC/DC song “ Chase the Ace.”
Until recently, I thought naming a research lab after a rock band was rather unique. That changed when, in 2014, I met my friend and fellow physician and scientist Steven Boyages from Australia. Boyages revealed that he’d created a digital communications company and named it “Red Zeppelin” to celebrate the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. The name is meant to connote inspiration, and capture the imagination and innovation of the band.
Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?
Become a member to receive the print edition four times a year and the digital edition weekly.
Learn moreGet the latest from ASBMB Today
Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.
Latest in Opinions
Opinions highlights or most popular articles
Can we make grad school more welcoming for all?
The students and faculty at most of the institutions training the next generation of STEM professionals do not reflect the country’s diversifying demographics, leaving a gap in experience and cultural understanding.
I am not a fake. I am authentically me
Camellia Moses Okpodu explains why she believes the term “imposter syndrome” is inaccurate and should be replaced.
Where do we search for the fundamental stuff of life?
Recent books by Thomas Cech and Sara Imari Walker offer two perspectives on where to look for the basic properties that define living things.
Scientists around the world report millions of new discoveries every year
Science is a collaborative endeavor, and international teams have contributed to a huge rise in scientific output.
Who decides when a grad student graduates?
Ph.D. programs often don’t have a set timeline. Students continue with their research until their thesis is done, which is where variability comes into play.
Redefining ‘what’s possible’ at the annual meeting
The ASBMB Annual Meeting is “a high-impact event — a worthwhile investment for all who are dedicated to advancing the field of biochemistry and molecular biology and their careers.”