Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Natalie Angier's new book, Canon (click here for an excerpt) is out and is getting rave reviews. Angier combines love of science and a thorough knowledge of the subject (she double majored in physics/astronomy and liberal arts, and spent years writing about biotech) with a writing style that could make even a die-hard science-phobe interested.
Canon was the focus of a recent article in the U.K. newspaper, The Guardian, on the subject of science literacy. The article took an interesting approach, by quizzing a number of well-known people on their basic understanding of science. One question: "What is the Second Law of Thermodynamics?" (Could be interesting to do that to members of the press who cover science...) Here is the article (courtesy of PharmaGossip).
The glossy science magazine, Seed, made science literacy the topic of this year's science writing essay competition. The magazine is beautifully designed and full of quirky and thought provoking articles (where else, for instance, could you learn that several of the writers on "The Simpsons" have math and science degrees? Click here for more). Those on both sides of the "sciences/arts" divide are likely to contribute, and it will be interesting to see what is eventually published.
-AMS
