
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
When your job includes experimenting on animals
Neuroscientist Ashley Juavinett says, “we have medicine and amazing treatments because of all the animal research we’ve done.”
7 years ago
Listen 4:39Scientists measure what goes through a pilot’s brain in real time while flying
The scientists say It could be useful for deciding who should or should not be flying.
7 years ago
Listen 2:07That time a Second Amendment advocate agreed to sell a ‘smart gun’
Gun-shop owner Andy Raymond thought personalized firearms might get new people interested in guns. Instead, he attracted anger and was cast as an anti-gun gun dealer.
7 years ago
Listen 4:50Scientists experiment with congressional candidacy in Pennsylvania, around U.S.
More than 50 scientists are running for federal office this year. Right now, the vast majority of people in Congress have backgrounds in law, business, or politics.
7 years ago
Listen 3:59Indigenous traditions get science backing
Scientists are learning from farmers and traditional healers — and documenting what powers their success.
7 years ago
Listen 8:22Playing video games when you can’t see the screen
A computer scientist is pushing large video game makers to design games that blind people can enjoy.
7 years ago
Listen 6:32How a Pa. health system reduced opioid prescriptions by more than half
Hospitals around the country are looking at whether patients need so many opioids prescriptions. It turns out most of them don't.
7 years ago
As milk prices fall, dairy farmers in Pennsylvania seek mental health support
Milk prices have been falling for several years because supply is outpacing demand. Milk prices are so low, some farmers are losing money every day.
7 years ago
It’s harder to fix our stuff these days. Maybe that’s a problem.
When a high-tech appliance breaks, some manufacturers discourage people from doing their own repairs. But a growing “right to repair” movement wants to change that.
7 years ago
Listen 10:42How Princeton research from the ’90s made it to the new iPhone
It’s part of an an increasing trend of universities partnering with companies to turn research into new patents and products.
7 years ago
Invasive insect spreads beyond Pennsylvania farms and orchards to backyards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will send $17.5 million in emergency funds to Pennsylvania to prevent the spotted lanternfly from spreading further.
7 years ago
Should tourists go to Antarctica?
Maybe you just want to see penguins or icebergs, but visiting the South Pole also means transforming the landscape — and adding to your carbon debt.
7 years ago
Listen 7:20