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
An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has killed millions of birds in Pennsylvania, and farms, wildlife centers, and testing labs are bearing the costs.
1 year ago
Listen 4:16Delaware hopes new flu test monitoring program gives better picture of virus spread
State health leaders are bracing for the possibility of “two epidemics going on at the same time” and are working on a plan to better track how the viruses spread.
2 years ago
Temple professor continues long legal journey to sue FBI for wrongful prosecution
The FBI’s accusations against Temple’s Xiaoxing Xi fell apart after he was arrested. He went to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Philly to hold the agency accountable.
2 years ago
For the first time, prosthetics manufacturers in the U.S. also own clinics that can recommend their products to patients.
2 years ago
Listen 12:06Philly health department launches new lab to sequence, track COVID variants
The new lab will help health officials learn more about variants that are circulating in the region.
2 years ago
A ‘heist’ that never happened? Inside years of strife at the Philadelphia Insectarium
After dealing with the aftermath of a supposed “heist,” the museum's recent financial troubles and internal strife are fueling further problems, including ongoing lawsuits.
2 years ago
Listen 5:20Philadelphia bidding for new federal research agency headquarters
Joining places like Chicago, Boston, and Texas, Philadelphia is vying for the chance to house the headquarters of a new federal health research agency.
2 years ago
Is trying to recycle plastic a waste? Meet the scientists working to find new solutions
We can design and make amazing things with plastic; it’s much harder to un-make them.
2 years ago
Listen 10:24Climate change means some coastal groundwater may soon be too salty to drink. What can cities do?
Desalination is a solution for cities on the coast that are running out of freshwater sources—but the process can turn out to be more than cities bargained for.
2 years ago
Listen 13:41Mayor Kenney announces Philadelphia’s 3 new community schools, funded by the soda tax
Three Philadelphia schools have been added to the city’s Community Schools Program, a hallmark of Mayor Jim Kenney’s education plan. There are now 20 in Philadelphia.
2 years ago
Philadelphia Nursing Home to close in October
Philadelphia Nursing Home will close by the end of the year because of financial troubles, city officials said on Tuesday.
2 years ago
How video games could help you keep your emotions in check
Scientists are interested in video games as a potential tool to teach players how to get a handle on their emotions.
2 years ago
Listen 8:58