One of the things we are most proud of Scientific american It is because we have helped train some of the best science writers, graphic artists and multimedia producers in the industry. Our editors often teach courses, guest lectures, give lectures on journalism at scientific conferences or universities, and commission early professional scientists and writers to write free articles. We also hosted researchers and interns who worked with us full-time during the summer. We have two outstanding writers this summer. Maddie Bender received a scholarship from the Mass Media Project of the American Association for the Advancement of Science after receiving a master’s degree in public health focusing on the epidemiology of microbial diseases. After majoring in biology as an undergraduate, Tess Joosse came to us through the Graduate Science Writing Program of the University of California, Santa Cruz (some of our employees participated in the program). Both of them have their own opinions on this issue. We are now restarting the year-round internship program for early professional writers, so you will see new names every three to four months.
Some other changes: You may have noticed that our “recommendation” section has increased from one page to two pages, and we are making longer reviews of books you might like. We have added two pages to the “Progress” section and have a regular “Science in Images” feature to add extra beauty and awe in each issue.
Our special package on autoimmune diseases this month covers some of the fastest and most important research ongoing today. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, diabetes, celiac disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are common and increasingly common. Women face disproportionate risks and are often looked after frustratingly and dismissively. Researchers have been learning more about how the disease started and identifying promising new treatments.
Many people have strong feelings for planets. There has been debate about whether Saturn or Jupiter is the most beautiful planet (here is the Saturn team). Of course, some people still believe that Pluto is downgraded to a dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt. For decades, the Venusians have felt neglected, and their favorite planet has always lost attention to Mars, which is rich in rover. But now the three main missions are heading to Venus and breaking the “Venus Curse.” Volcanologist and writer Robin George Andrews tells us why Venus experts are on the moon.
Venus is interesting in part because it shows how a good planet can go wrong. There is no concentrated sulfuric acid in our atmosphere, but methane emissions are increasing rapidly and have become the main source of climate change. Identifying leaks of invisible, odorless gases in time to repair them is one of the most urgent and feasible ways to mitigate climate emergencies. Scientific american Special editor Anna Kuchment explained the source of methane and how to control and even use it.
California’s mountain lion population is split by habitat loss and some of the country’s busiest highways. Where big cats are quarantined, they breed in close relatives — or not at all — and focus on genetic mutations that further threaten their future. Now, an ambitious effort can help cougars find each other. As environmental writer Craig Pittman reports, workers are expected to soon break ground on the world’s largest wildlife bridge. We all hope that the cougars will make a comeback.