Sure there have been a handful of badass scientists: Dr. Octavius, Dr. Strangelove, Dr. Frankenstein. It seems, however, that these days it’s getting more and more perilous to hustle in the laboratory, with recent reports of UC Santa Cruz scientists being threatened via pamphlets left in a coffeehouse.

According to police, the pamphlets were emblazoned with the words “Animal abusers everywhere beware; we know where you live; we know where you work; we will never back down until you end your abuse.” In addition to vilifying scientists who use fruit flies, mice, and other animals in their experiments, the pamphlets also included researchers' names and addresses. Investigation of the pamphlets is being conducted by the FBI, who have most likely been using the pamphlets as fruit fly swatters.

If you’re wondering why the militant leaflet mongers have yet to identify themselves, my best guess is that they learned from fellow animal rights protestors that vandalized a UC Berkeley professor’s home earlier this month and were chased from the premises by a neighbor with a garden hose. I suggest the installation of security sprinklers at the home of each threatened professor.

UPDATE: The protesters' actions are escalating, as two UC Santa Cruz researchers found themselves and their families the targets of firebombs early yesterday.