Ed Yong blogs with a mission: to ignite excitement for science in everyone, regardless of their education or background.
Why you should listen
Whether he's exploring a possible resurrection for extinct mouth-birthing amphibians or skewering media misunderstandings of hyped hormones like oxytocin, Ed Yong has a gift for illuminating the beauty (or controversy) in difficult and complex topics.
The award-winning blog Not Exactly Rocket Science (hosted by National Geographic) is the epicenter of Yong’s formidable web and social media presence. In its posts, he tackles the hottest and most bizarre topics in science journalism. As he says, “The only one that matters to me, as far as my blog is concerned, is that something interests me. That is, excites or inspires or amuses me.” When not blogging, he also finds time to contribute to Nature, Wired, Scientific American and many other web and print outlets.
He is also the author of the book I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life.
What others say
Even if we all agree that the press release-driven pack journalism that now passes for science news is unfortunate, who is really doing anything about it? Ed Yong of Not Exactly Rocket Science, that’s who.
Ed Yong’s TED Talk
More news and ideas from Ed Yong
Science
For healthier buildings, just add bacteria?
January 24, 2017
Just like a human being, a house or office has its own microbiome, with good and bad microorganisms. One researcher has a targeted idea: to customize our spaces with the right microbes.
Continue readingIn Brief
Forecasting crime in Rio de Janeiro, a new Marvel comic, and an Airbnb to rejuvenate a rural community
August 19, 2016
The TED community has been very busy over the past few weeks. Below, some newsy highlights. Crime forecasting in Rio. Before the 2016 Olympic Games, worries ran high that crime in Rio might affect the mega-event; one reported attack at the Games (which actually might not have happened) grabbed headlines around the world during the […]
Continue readingWe humans
My personal lesson in “White Privilege 101” and other of this week’s comments
June 24, 2014
This week’s haul of great comments includes thoughts on Jamila Lyiscott's spoken word essay, the happy memory of an excellent teacher, and a shared photo of a cockroach carcass, inspired by Ed Yong's tales of dastardly parasites.
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