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Martin Ince

Like many science journalists, I was educated as a scientist, to be exact, in geology and chemistry. I soon realised that I am better at writing about science than doing it. I have since written for a wide range of publications in print and online, including The Times, the New Scientist and many others, and was deputy editor of the Times Higher Education Supplement.

I can make sense of most areas of science, but tend not to get involved in the outer reaches of biomedicine. I have also written a lot of engineering stories and am comfortable with green technology. I have a special interest in futurology and horizon scanning, ideally based in evidence rather than speculation. Writing science is part of a portfolio of enjoyable activities that make up my working life, and which often involves training scientists to face the media.

My first scientific obsession was with the night sky, and as an adult I have seen solar eclipses from Greece, Russia, China, the UK, Spain and Australia.

More about me at www.martinince.eu.

By this author
Genetics
Physical work, not the main cause of intervertebral disc degenerationPhysical work, not the main cause of intervertebral disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration can result in back pain. Now a team of scientists is debunking the myth that excessive physical work is the main culprit, and is looking at other causes. 

03 Jun 2014
Genetics
Jill Urban – Genetic factors play a role in lower back painJill Urban – Genetic factors play a role in lower back pain

Lower back pain is poorly understood. But genetic factors rather than spinal disc degeneration may provide a more robust understanding of its causes.

03 Jun 2014
Immunology
Mum’s diet mirrors child’s food allergiesMum’s diet mirrors child’s food allergies

A long-term study evaluating maternal diet’s impact on food allergy in later life is expected to uncover causes of allergy in children

18 Apr 2014
Agriculture
The case for low methane-emitting cattleThe case for low methane-emitting cattle

A new research project looks into the possibilities of adapting every aspect of cattle husbandry and selection processes to lower their greenhouse gas emissions

10 Jan 2014
Modeling
To be or not to be greenTo be or not to be green

Finding out the big picture on environmental health is a challenge that can be met, thanks to a new integrated tool, as long as input data is reliable

20 Sep 2013
Desertification
Is desertification on the increase?Is desertification on the increase?

Fighting desertification will require a better understanding of the drivers of this process, with a little help from a new tool to study how dry regions evolve

13 Sep 2013
Antibiotics
Next generation cures born from the seaNext generation cures born from the sea

Tackling the risks of infection and other illnesses remains a challenge. Might the solution come from the sea?

02 Sep 2013
Water
On the global water trailOn the global water trail

A comprehensive global water model offers a level of granularity of the impact of climate change down to the local level that could be used to better manage the likes of food production. 

03 Jul 2013
Agriculture
Tougher climate-resistant cropsTougher climate-resistant crops

When legumes improved thanks to genetic analysis act as a test bench for more resilient plants, susceptible of ultimately reducing EU dependence on food and feed imports 

21 Jun 2013
Modeling
Draw me a picture of uncertaintyDraw me a picture of uncertainty

New research exposes the limitations of environmental models and data sets by providing easy-to-understand pictures displaying the extent of their reliability

17 Apr 2013
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