At the start of the year Ben Guarino joined Scientific American as an associate technology editor, bringing with him more than a decade of experience in science journalism. His unexpected journey into the field began while working as a lab technician with cadaver spines. During that time he read Mary Roach's Stiff and, captivated by its vivid portrayal of science, decided to leave the lab and pursue a career in journalism.
Previously, Ben spent nearly six years as a reporter at the Washington Post and two years as an editor at Popular Science. His commitment to science journalism extends beyond simply relaying scientific progress and making complex topics accessible for readers.
"There is a common misconception that science journalists are solely advocates for science," Ben explains. "While I respect the scientific process and admire the remarkable achievements it yields, no system is perfect. My role is also to hold scientists and their institutions accountable—to dive deep, ask tough questions and share the full story with our readers," he says. "One of the most rewarding aspects of this job is learning from brilliant minds, but it's important to ensure their work can withstand critical examination."
For Ben, the value of science journalism lies in its ability to provide both insight and wonder. Quoting speechwriter and columnist William Safire, he says, "Knowing how things work is the basis for appreciation, and is thus a source of civilized delight." This philosophy shapes his storytelling whether he's reporting on Neuralink's first successful brain chip implantation in humans or investigating the structural failures that led to the 2023 collapse of a Baltimore bridge.
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