10 Emerging Scientists Addressing the Most Pressing Issues of Our Time
Scientists are problem solvers. They devise ways to tap new resources for building electric vehicles and to track stealth movements of environmental contaminants. Scientists are also detectives. They investigate how rules of physics govern cells’ movements and how dark matter could have shaped the early universe.
These are just some examples of how the researchers recognized by this year’s SN 10: Scientists to Watch list are tackling some of the world’s thorniest challenges and most puzzling mysteries. For the ninth year, Science News is highlighting 10 early- and mid-career scientists whose talent and curiosity know no bounds — as acknowledged by their nominators. Anyone can recommend a researcher for next year’s SN 10. If you know of someone who is worth the honor, please send their name, affiliation and a few sentences about their work to [email protected]. — Karen Kwon, Research and Special Projects Editor
Molecular and cell biologist Andrea Gomez wants to know what makes the brain flexible, but not too flexible.
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Physicist and engineer Bhavin Shastri is building a light-based computer modeled after the human brain.
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Materials scientist Chong Liu develops ways to tap unconventional sources of lithium.
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Neuroscientist Dionna Williams looks beyond prejudices to seek biological explanations of why HIV and illicit drugs are a bad mix.
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Cognitive neuroscientist Freek van Ede tracks people’s eyes to understand how the brain selects information to plan for the future.
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Biophysicist Hawa Racine Thiam explores the mechanics of cell movement, which may allow scientists to someday manipulate immune cells.
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Biogeochemist Jacqueline Gerson uncovers the hidden movements of mercury to help reduce human exposure.
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Physicist Nicole Yunger Halpern connects thermodynamics to modern quantum technologies.
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Theoretical physicist Tracy Slatyer proposes ways in which dark matter could show up in observations.
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Communications researcher Yotam Ophir investigates the disconnect between people’s beliefs and evidence.
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