Carl Zimmer, science writer and author of 14 books, discusses the challenges of covering diverse scientific topics, the process of becoming a science writer, exploring the concept of chi and the search for what it means to be alive, the impact of the pandemic, using Scrivener and Bookends for organizing research and writing books, and the influence of literature on science
Science writing allows for exploration of diverse topics while uncovering the underlying principles that connect them.
Defining life remains a challenge for scientists, with the lack of a comprehensive theory hindering consensus.
Deep dives
Covering a Range of Scientific Topics
Being a science writer allows Carl Zimmer to explore various scientific subjects, from chimpanzees to pandemics. While biology may seem diverse, Zimmer highlights the underlying principles that connect different scientific topics, such as the processes that drive the evolution of new diseases and new human capabilities.
Becoming a Science Writer
Carl Zimmer stumbled into science writing after starting as an entry-level copy editor at a science magazine. His interest grew as he worked on science stories, finally transitioning to fact checking, writing, and editing. Zimmer emphasizes the importance of starting to write and practicing consistently for aspiring science writers.
Defining Life and the Search for a Theory
Zimmer's latest book, 'Life's Edge: The Search for What It Means to Be Alive,' delves into the elusive concept of life. He discusses how defining life has been a challenge for scientists, with hundreds of different definitions proposed. The lack of a comprehensive theory of life is a major obstacle in reaching a consensus. Zimmer draws parallels to the historical struggle of defining water before a proper theory of water was established.