science writing

Why Don’t Animals Have Wheels?

by Alyssa Gonzalez
September 1, 2023September 1, 2023

As children, we learn about the various kinds of simple machines that underly most human constructions. Levers, pulleys and inclined planes all serve to help humans turn force in one direction into motion in another or otherwise make it easier to move objects. The six kinds of simple machines (levers, pulleys, wedges, inclined planes, screws and wheels) were identified and defined in the Renaissance and have formed the basis of more complex machines ever since. Indeed, simple machines are basic enough consequences of physical laws that animals can evolve some of them as parts of their bodies: a carnivore’s teeth are wedges and most of our joints are levers. However, one simple machine in particular stands out as something that, by and large, does not occur in nature—and it reveals some of the limitations of biology.

Why are there no animals with wheels?

Fear of Brave New Worlds, or Uninspired Headline Writing?

by Amanda
February 21, 2017December 21, 2022

Summer 2016 marked the 85th anniversary of novelist Aldous Huxley completing his manuscript for Brave New World. The widely read novel, a dystopia of happiness-led oppression (in contrast to the fear-controlled populace in Orwell’s 1984), anticipates global adoption of advances in science and technology such as subliminal learning and reproductive medicine. Published in 1932, the book is still a… Read More »Fear of Brave New Worlds, or Uninspired Headline Writing?

Paving the way for Ada: Mary Fairfax Somerville

by Amanda
October 11, 2016April 28, 2023

We’ve covered Ada Lovelace Day on the Talk Science blog for the last couple of years. By now, dear reader, you should know all about the “Enchantress of Numbers,” as Charles Babbage referred to her, and why her achievements are so remarkable even today.

But who came before her—who paved the way?

Around town, a.k.a. back to school

by Amanda
May 13, 2016April 28, 2023

One of the reasons for highlighting upcoming science conferences in Vancouver in my Around Town series is that it gives me a push to find out more on a subject I may have little exposure to. It’s also a great inspiration for a regular series of blog posts!

A tablet set up in front of a keyboard in grayscale.

Bench to blog: Part 2

by Amanda
May 6, 2016April 28, 2023

At Talk Science to Me, we receive requests throughout the year from people who are right at the beginning of a career shift from science to science writing. Although we don’t have entry-level positions available, we do have experience in making The Switch. In this two-part series (see part 1 here), Amanda, our science writer, gives some insight into why and how she made the move out from behind the bench.

A fountain pen over a well-annotated book page.

Bench to blog: Part 1

by Amanda
April 29, 2016April 28, 2023

At Talk Science to Me, we often receive requests from people who are right at the beginning of a career shift from science to science writing. Although we don’t have entry-level positions available, we do have experience in making The Switch. In this two-part series, Amanda, our science writer, gives some insight into why and how she made the move out from behind the bench.