Science is a Way of Thinking
If the saying seems familiar, you’re probably acquainted with the work of the late Carl Sagan, who helped popularize and explain science to the public. In fact, science is a driving force in today’s culture and economy, from research on sustainability and health to the development of wearable technology and autonomous robots.
Top Sources for Science News
Science news is typically covered by the mainstream media. In a recent video on the creation of a “Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot,” the Wall Street Journal underscores how science is advancing medical technology.
Among the best sources for relatively non-technical information on engineering trends areScientific American, Science magazine, and the Associated Press. A recent report in Scientific American, for example, looks at the differences between the immune responses of men and women. New research could lead to the development of vaccines targeted by gender.
Science magazine’s website includes a video roundup of breakthroughs of the year. Spoiler alert: The 2015 breakthrough of the year features the genome editing technique known as “CRISPR.” This technique enables precise editing and researchers are already investigating ways in which this technology could eliminate certain genetic conditions in human embryos.
The Associated Press is the precursor of today’s news aggregation websites. Today, its worldwide network of reporters constantly replenishes AP.com with scientific updates. One recent news update reported on how researchers at Temple University in Philadelphia are using electric current to reduce the amount of fat in chocolate.
Another great source for news and information about science is the National Science Foundation’s news feed.
To connecting with leading influencers in science, visit one of these industry organization websites.
A source for more granular insights into opportunities in Science is the Adecco blog. One of our recent blog posts, for example, focuses on jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Our website also features a section devoted to jobs in science, ranging from surgical technician to assistant lab director.
Some recent blog posts on our site promote insight into opportunities in science:
Scientists You Should Know
It’s one thing to follow science news, but it’s another to follow the scientists making the break-throughs and discoveries. These are a few to keep an eye on:
- Donald Knuth: The world of computer science wouldn’t be what it is today without Donald Knuth. Nicknamed the “father of the analysis of algorithms,” he’s also known for his humor – Knuth pays a finder’s fee of $2.56 for typographical errors found in his books because “256 pennies is one hexadecimal dollar.”
- Mildred Dresselhaus: The award-winning “Queen of Carbon” is a pioneering researcher in the field of physics. She studied graphite and the electrical properties of carbon, paving the way for women in a male-dominated field.
- Alain Aspect: French physicist Alain Aspect’s breakthrough in quantum theory settled a 70-year-old dispute between Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein. (No small feat!) His work in quantum entanglement has made a huge impact on quantum computing.
- Marla Geha: Marla Geha uses “the world’s largest telescopes to study the Universe’s smallest galaxies.” So far, she and her team have discovered 14 new galaxies. She hopes to find even more to help define dark matter and verify the theory of how the universe was formed.
Jobs in the Field of Science
The field of science is one we see in hot demand for talent. Here are some of the top jobs we see often:
- Clark/Technician
- Biochemist
- Programmer
- Calibration