Biomedical writer Aimee Cunningham is on her second tour at Science News. From 2005 to 2007, she covered chemistry, environmental science, biology and materials science for Science News.  Between stints Aimee was a freelance writer for outlets such as NPR and Scientific American Mind. She has a degree in English from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in science journalism from New York University. She received the 2019 Award for Excellence in Science and Medical Journalism from the Endocrine Society for the article "Hormone replacement makes sense for some menopausal women."

All Stories by Aimee Cunningham

  1. Chemistry

    Compounds pass the smell test

    A vile-smelling but versatile class of compounds may find a role in more chemistry laboratories with the introduction of easily made, inoffensive versions. Isonitriles, chemicals characterized by a triple bond between a carbon and a nitrogen atom, are useful in many reactions. But many chemists have shunned them because of their pungency, says Michael C. […]

  2. Chemistry

    Better protection

    A new molecular catalyst shortens a widely used reaction into a one-step process, with a bonus: It makes the reaction’s products into one of two possible mirror-image forms. When chemists synthesize compounds, they often add a protective group of atoms to a specific site on a molecule to prevent that site from reacting in subsequent […]

  3. Earth

    Genes as Pollutants: Tracking drug-resistant DNA in the environment

    A study that traces antibiotic-resistance genes in the environment indicates that they are present even in treated drinking water.

  4. Chemistry

    Target Practice

    As they study the biochemical processes that make Mycobacterium tuberculosis tick, researchers are finding new targets to exploit to combat the microbe.

  5. Pathogen Preference: Infected amoebas flourish in cooling towers

    Cooling towers appear to be more effective than natural waters at fostering novel bacterial species that cause illnesses in people.

  6. Chemistry

    Protection from poisons

    An Alzheimer's disease drug could be protective against the deadly effects of two nerve agents.

  7. Materials Science

    Logos to Go: Hydrogel coatings provide removable color

    A biodegradable coating could add a temporary splash of color to sports fields, buildings, or even people's bodies.

  8. Chemistry

    Mulch matters

    Mulch made from recycled construction and demolition wood can release arsenic into the environment.

  9. Earth

    What’s New in the Water? Survey tallies emerging disinfection by-products

    By analyzing drinking-water samples from U.S. treatment plants, a multi-institute research team has identified some unexpected by-products of disinfection processes.

  10. Chemistry

    Follow the lead

    A new water-soluble, lead-sensing chemical is the first to detect the toxic metal in live cells.

  11. Materials Science

    Solid Information: Chemical composition can determine concrete’s durability

    A new analysis reveals how damage progresses in concrete that's exposed to sulfate.

  12. Chemistry

    Old drug, new use

    By screening a library of more than 2,000 existing drugs, researchers have identified an antihistamine that shows activity against malaria.