
Alan was all set on majoring in biology, but then he realized he liked writing about science more than doing research, so he left Hong Kong and went to study journalism in the U.S. After interning at NPR and WBEZ in Chicago, he has never wanted to work anywhere outside of public radio. He covers space and all other kinds of innovation. He enjoys comic books, LEGO, and dragon boating.
More from the Contributor
Why is it so hard to stop eating chocolate? Drexel scientist’s bittersweet research
Your brain responds to the sweet treat using the same pleasure pathway addictive drugs use, new research shows.
6 years ago
Roche buying Philly’s Spark Therapeutics for $4.8 billion
Spark Therapeutics says being acquired by Roche will help it expand its gene therapy treatments while staying in Philadelphia.
6 years ago
Is NASA’s Curiosity rover lonely on Mars?
Some humans here on Earth think so, now that the Opportunity rover’s mission has ended.
6 years ago
Listen 05:56What’s the best way to teach math?
For decades, people in the U.S. have worried about falling behind the rest of the world at math. Some teachers think they have answers.
6 years ago
Listen 08:47Haagen Dazs, Procter & Gamble to offer reusable containers in Pa., N.J.
Recycling company Terracycle will pick up the glass and plastic bottles and cartons from grocery stores, or your home, to be cleaned and refilled.
6 years ago
Who gets to be called ‘doctor’?
Go to med school, earn an M.D. and the “Dr.” honorific gets tacked on to your last name. Some women — and Ph.D.s — say they get the courtesy title, and respect, less often.
6 years ago
Listen 06:49Biggest health problems in Philadelphia: Opioids, HIV, poverty
Drug overdose deaths and homicides mean that life expectancy in Philadelphia actually dropped, following a national trend.
6 years ago
Google to open artificial intelligence lab in Princeton, N.J.
The company will focus on recruiting students, graduates, and others in the area to work on artificial intelligence, which powers features such as 'smart reply' in Gmail.
6 years ago
Philly men redefining masculinity in #MeToo era
The groups look deeper at problems in male culture that contribute to sexual harassment and violence.
6 years ago
Listen 5:50Why we like sparkling water: The science behind the fizz
Bubbly water purveyors say “a good seltzer should hurt.” The acidity in carbonated drinks lights up the pain receptors in nerve endings — in a way that pleases the tongue.
6 years ago
Is it safe for your dog to drink from the toilet?
Dogs who drink toilet water are a health risk to themselves and maybe to the entire family.
6 years ago
Listen 3:10Can behavioral scientists help make city government more effective?
The city of Philadelphia is working with scientists in the area to boost voter turnout for the 2019 municipal elections.
6 years ago