The Best Australian Science Writing 2023

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       November 3, 2023

 

Author  Edited Donna Lu, Foreword Professor Mary O’Kane AC.

Distributor:      NewSouth
ISBN:                 9781742238005
Publisher:         University of New South Wales Press
Release Date:   November 2023  

Website:    https://unsw.press/books/best-australian-science-writing-2023/ 

The release of The Best Australian Science Writing 2023 is cause for great excitement. In its thirteenth year, the articles have been chosen from Professional Writers, Scientists and Science Communicators. As information increases and “Disciplines deepen,” it is thrilling to realise that the works in this book have undergone intense scrutiny and careful consideration by the editor and a panel of experts. It is with great relief that the reader can sit back and dip into the areas that are of interest, knowing that those areas have been credited with the highest degree of acceptance.

The first piece in the book deals with climate change. We discover that a French Glaciologist dropped some old ice into his whiskey and watched the bubbles of air rise. He realised that they were samples of atmosphere trapped and he conceived the notion of Ice drilling. The story unfolds as his work is continued.

Another piece tells of the disappearance of the Bogong moth, while the persecution of the dingo is explored. New evidence in genetics has affected the case of convicted murderer Kathleen Folbigg, who was accused of killing her children. We share the delight of Lauren Fuge who climbed 70 metres up a blue gum tree, and Ann Casey’s poem about the Tawny Frogmouth.

The James Webb Space telescope has created great excitement as the astronomical community look forward to new discoveries. There is an article from a space archaeologist about space junk, and information about astronomy, particularly relevant to First Nations people.

The reader can choose a topic of interest or slowly work through the book, comfortable that the information is current and validated. The stories are straightforward to read and very human.