Sid Perkins

Sid Perkins is a freelance science writer based in Crossville, Tenn.

All Stories by Sid Perkins

  1. Science & Society

    Sewing study stitches up Broadcom prize

    Holly Jackson of San Jose, Calif., zigzagged her way through three days of science, engineering and math challenges to win the top prize at the Broadcom MASTERS middle school science competition.

  2. Science & Society

    Two books explore winding path from basic science to useful invention

    ‘How We Got to Now’ and ‘Science Unshackled’ explain how basic scientific research can transform society in unexpected ways.

  3. Animals

    ‘Planet of the Bugs’ reveals the secrets to insects’ success

    Entomologist Scott Richard Shaw explores the evolution of insects and how they came to rule the world.

  4. Paleontology

    ‘Dinosaurs Without Bones’ gives glimpse of long-gone life

    Ichnologist Anthony J. Martin explains his research piecing together dinosaurs’ lives from footprints and other traces.

  5. Physics

    ‘The Sound Book’ explores echoes, bad acoustics and more

    Acoustic engineer Trevor Cox provides an international tour of aural amazements.

  6. Science & Society

    Cancer research scores big at Intel ISEF

    An innovative statistical analysis of cancer-promoting genes earned a 15-year-old the top prize — and $75,000 — at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2014.

  7. Health & Medicine

    Surgery museum holds wonders for the brave

    Anatomical displays sit alongside art depicting medical history at the International Museum of Surgical Science.

  8. Earth

    Evolution of river systems

    A river’s erosion downward and across a landscape is based on a variety of factors, including terrain steepness and the arrangement of tributaries.

  9. Neuroscience

    Ha! The Science of When We Laugh and Why

    Scott Weems, a neuroscientist, takes readers on a wide-ranging tour that explains what humor is and why readers should care.

  10. Science & Society

    Flu drug research takes Intel STS top honors

    A teenager’s computer analyses that identified six potential new flu-fighting compounds claimed first place at the 2014 Intel Science Talent Search.

  11. Science & Society

    Forty finalists selected in 2014 Intel Science Talent Search

    The 40 young scientists will visit Washington, D.C., March 6–12 to tour the White House and other national landmarks, present their research to judges and the public in a poster session at the headquarters of the National Geographic Society and attend a black-tie awards gala at the National Building Museum.

  12. Psychology

    The Tell

    The Little Clues That Reveal Big Truths About Who We Are by Matthew Hertenstein.