Live Science

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the term "mRNA" has become synonymous with coronavirus vaccines for many members of the public — for better and worse. Some see the molecule's use in vaccines as a boon to humanity and a triumph of biomedical science; others see it as a suspicious and unfounded practice that puts people's lives at risk. These two perspectives sit on either side of the political aisle, with Republican leadership now leading the retreat from mRNA vaccines, despite once fostering their creation through Operation Warp Speed. Today, this schism of viewpoints is rocking the foundation of mRNA research in the U.S., and it could have consequences far beyond the realm of prophylactic vaccines. If allowed to develop, mRNA technology could form the basis of revolutionary cancer treatments, immune modulators and gene therapies. But in the face of funding disruptions, political posturing and related market volatility, stakeholders worry that these innovations may not be realized. At least not here. Read more in my latest feature for Live Science, featuring lead art from Adrián Arias Astorgano! Thanks to Tia Ghose and Laura Mondragón for your thoughtful edits, and to my sources for lending their expertise, particularly at a time when going on record can be fraught:   https://lnkd.in/edGmaY9b #mRNA #biomedicine #drugdevelopment #sciencenews

As soon as we learn something, we start forgetting it. If you want to find out how we can reverse that process, give my new article over at Live Science a read: https://lnkd.in/ecFF95Td

As soon as we learn something, we start forgetting it. If you want to find out how we can reverse that process, give my new article over at Live Science a read: https://lnkd.in/ecFF95Td

Actually loved getting to write this piece for Live Science last week! (Getting paid to watch a video of two researchers flossing a mouse!? 🐭) The team behind the proof-of-concept study say that next, they'll be testing their floss-based vaccines in pigs... looking forward to reporting on that! 🐷 https://lnkd.in/eHArgSkG

Want to come and join the team at Live Science? We've just launched a new UK staff writer role, so if the sound of that floats your boat, throw your oar in (will stop with the boat puns now)

✨CALL-OUT: FREELANCE SCIENCE JOURNALISTS✨ Hiya! I’m the Trending News Editor at Live Science and we’re looking to expand our pool of trending freelance science writers. Trending stories need a 24 hour turnaround and cover all areas of science, from medical breakthroughs to climate change, archaeology and animal behaviour. We’re looking for people with experience in fast-paced journalism as well as a talent for simplifying science for the general public. Ideally you would have: 🧪 Experience in a fast paced newsroom (desirable) 🧪 Background in science and/or science communication 🧪 Extensive experience writing for English-language science publications If this sounds like you (or someone you know) and you’d like to hear more, send me a DM or email pandora.dewan@futurenet.com with a CV (or overview of your experience) and examples of previous articles (plus any subjects you’re particularly interested in writing about)

Writing about the breakdown of Atlantic ocean circulation is a challenge, not only because the science is alarming, but also because it's an exercise in communicating extreme uncertainty. Researchers and journalists are walking a tightrope — so to receive positive feedback on my recent Live Science feature from eminent climate scientists was a huge deal for me. I sighed a sigh of relief when I read this line from a scientist's response email, in particular: "No sections made me wince and think ‘that’s not quite right.’" Over the past few months, I've been speaking to climate researchers and ocean tipping point experts to understand what might happen to regional climates if Atlantic currents weaken. The picture, from northern Europe to the U.S. East Coast and tropical monsoon regions, is pretty bleak. But as always with climate change, the solution is straight-forward. Follow the link below for more. https://lnkd.in/eGmnifdD

Man, I don’t envy scientists studying sea-level change. They operate in an awkward space between denial and disaster, where every sentence must be carefully crafted to avoid sounding either alarmist or unconcerned. But here’s the thing: the last time Earth was as warm as it’s about to get, sea levels were higher—2 to 10 meters higher, on average. We’re now learning more about why—and, perhaps more importantly, what we might be in for by century's end. For this new feature with Live Science, I spoke to numerous geologists, climate modelers, and risk experts who spend their days puzzling over everything from ancient shorelines to future floods. The data isn’t always cheery, but their insight (and patience with my months of questions) was invaluable. I’d love to hear your take:

Yuning Li and colleagues have created a smart fabric which can heat up by over 30°C after just 10 minutes in the sun. Wearable heaters are a creative solution to the challenge of maintaining a constant body temperature in cold environments but have typically relied on external battery packs or expensive materials. Using photothermal polymer nanoparticles – plastic beads which convert light energy into heat – Li’s team have produced a solar-powered alternative which changes colour as the temperature rises. In my latest story with Live Science, Li explains how these nanoparticles work and what the team will be working on next. https://lnkd.in/eTUKB4Y9 #SmartMaterial #PhotothermalPolymer #Nanoparticles #WearableHeater

Please enjoy this cautionary case study I covered for Live Science about Brazil nuts triggering an allergic reaction in a woman after she had unprotected sex with her nut-eating male partner. Tests revealed that the allergens were NOT transmitted in his saliva.