Science Weekly What 40 years as Observer science editor has taught Robin McKie
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Apr 15, 2025 
Robin McKie, the outgoing science and environment editor for The Observer, reflects on his remarkable 40-year career. He shares insights into the revolutionary discovery of DNA's structure and the lessons learned about misinformation during the HIV/AIDS crisis. McKie discusses high-profile scientific flops like cold fusion and the Millennium Bug, illustrating the gap between public expectation and reality. He also addresses the challenges of science journalism today, balancing visual appeal with urgent climate issues and the complexities of space exploration.
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Adventures of a Science Editor
- Robin McKie, reflecting on his career, recounts extraordinary experiences like sealing the Northwest Passage and sharing whiskey with Antarctic researchers using 3,000-year-old ice.
- These unique opportunities stemmed directly from his 40 years as a science editor.
DNA: A Game Changer
- The discovery of DNA's structure revolutionized science, paving the way for genome sequencing and understanding genetic diseases.
- McKie emphasizes how unbelievable this progress would have seemed 40 years prior.
The Book of Man
- McKie's book, "The Book of Man," co-written with Walter Bodmer, explored the implications of DNA sequencing.
- The book explained how specific genes contribute to diseases like cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease, showcasing the power of DNA research.
