EDITOR'S DESK FAQ


Here are some answers to some recurring questions from readers that have come over the electronic transom.

Any more questions or comments? Drop me an E.

Sean Henahan, Editor

Who composes the Science Updates, Newsmaker Interviews, Factoids and the Media Watch?

Yours truly. I was brought on board when AE was in the planning stages and asked to create the news area now known as What's News. Prior to joining AE I spent more than ten years as a professional journalist and science writer. After studying classical languages (Latin & Greek) at the UC Santa Cruz and later, Trinity College,University of Dublin, Ireland, I became a foreign correspondentfor the Medical Tribune, America's leading medical newspaper. I've since been a writer and editor for many medical newspapers, journals and popular magazines. I'm a member of the National Association of Science Writers, the American Academy for the Advancement of Science and the American Medical Association.

What are the sources for the articles?

The primary sources include leading scientific journals such as Science, Nature and JAMA. I also pick up story ideas at major scientific conferences, on the Internet, and from Universities around the world. All stories include an Internet link to the original source when possible, along with a dateline and journal reference. Make sure to check the end of each article for links to related Internet resources.

How do you decide which articles to run?

It isn't easy. There are a flood of new scientific discoveries in biology and biotechnology each week. Some stories are chosen because they are really major events in the science world, others for topical relevance and still others because they were interesting and possibly underreported in other media outlets. I also try to include a mix of stories from many areas -- from alopecia to zoology.

How often is What's News updated?

Very often. New Science Updates and Factoids are posted each week. New Newsmaker interviews appear about every month. The Media Watch is posted at the beginning of every month.

Where do you get those crazy factoids?

Factoids are all around us, especially in the world of science. Sources include journals, newspapers, government offices, even the occasional cereal box. We adhere to a strict format for the factoids, namely, each factoid must be brief, unusual and have a reliable, verifiable source. Send your favorite and I'll add it to the list.

Can I reproduce these materials for the classroom?

Absolutely! The only exception is that these materials cannot be reproduced with or without attribution for any commercial gain without prior permission from AE.

Where can I go to talk about science in the news?

Drop by the AE Teacher's Lounge. You will find new and continuing discussions on many topical stories and issues in the news.

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