Originally posted on BBC News online, August 30th 2013 Being poor can sap a person's mental resources, research published in the journal Science suggests. The work, by an international team, demonstrates how poverty takes its toll on cognitive function, leaving…
News, August 21st 2013 Scientists have taken a tentative step towards creating a cure for the most common form of sleeping sickness. The gambiense strain of the trypanosoma parasite is resistant to proteins the immune system produces to fight the…
Feature, July 1st 2013 Patenting human genetic sequences has been going on for decades, and has allowed biotech companies all over the world to monopolise the market for genetic testing. But, for better or worse, a the recent ruling of…
Feature, June 7th 2013 The generally accepted scientific method goes something like this: a group of scientists get together and come up with a theory, they make predictions based on this theory, and then set up an experiment to test…
Book review, August 9th 2013 Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal Mary Roach Oneworld Publications (2013) Only a lucky few have had their arms squeezed by the stomach of a cow. Mary Roach is one of them. She didn’t just…
Book review, July 29th 2013 Frankenstein’s Cat: Cuddling Up to Biotech’s Brave New Beasts Emily Anthes Oneworld Publications (2013) Dolphins with prosthetic tails, spy beetles armed with robots, resurrected pets from frozen DNA… You name it, they’re doing it. Scientists…
Magazine feature, May 24th 2013 When I met Fran Scott and picked small wooden splinters from her jumper, I could tell she wasn’t your ordinary science communicator. She develops scientific demonstration for various outlets including TV, radio and books. Simply…
Feature, May 16th 2013 Humans might be the dominant species on land, but we’ve fared less well underwater, partly due to our inability to see clearly. This meant a world of adventure was inaccessible to us until the invention of…
Review, March 25th 2013 “In the beginning the universe was created. This has made a lot of people angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.” From The Hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy, by Douglas Adams. A celebration of…
Review, October 16th 2012 This October marks the 21st birthday of the science communication masters at Imperial College, London. And what better way to celebrate that inviting students, old and new, to network, discuss and learn about engaging young people with…