Jennifer Rohn, 43, a cell biologist at University College London, blogs about the culture of science at Mind the Gap (occamstypewriter.org/mindthegap ). She has authored two novels about scientists and launched LabLit.com to examine science in writing. Follow her on Twitter @jennyrohn. Questions and answers have been edited.

Q. How do you balance the sciences and the humanities?

It's actually quite a good balance, because biology is all about intense, multitasking manual labor - sort of like cooking an eight-course meal to a tight deadline. There is a lot of thinking that goes on in the lab, too, but it's very focused to the tasks at hand. By the time I get home, it can be nice to switch on the computer and just sink into the fictional world I'm creating, to tell stories that don't depend on nature to be successful.

Q. Much of your writing deals with the human stories of scientists - including imperfections. Why do you think that's important?

Science is an imperfect craft practiced by imperfect human beings. Until you understand that, you are never going to understand how science works. But the system, as messy as it is, ultimately self-corrects. Today's headline cancer cure might tank next year, and it will be fellow scientists who will do that debunking. But this means that you can never completely trust something as being "true" until it's stood the test of time.

Q. How does your experience as a scientist compare to what you see depicted in popular culture?

Hollywood is miles ahead of everyone else, and has started to depict scientists more accurately. You can see a lot of normal-looking young people of both sexes now, portrayed as sympathetic characters. It's been a long time since I've seen a wild-haired mad boffin at the movies. It makes science look fun and stimulating.

Q. What effect does the lack of scientist characters in literature have on the public's perception of science and scientists?

Fiction is potent. Novels about scientists, and blockbuster films starring them, have the potential to reach millions who wouldn't be caught dead in a science museum. Fiction is a stealth medium; it needs to be used more.