Aimee Cunningham

Aimee Cunningham

Biomedical Writer

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. Tech

    Cranberry aid for assay

    Cranberry juice, often used to stave off urinary-tract infections caused by Escherichia coli, also keeps the bacterium from reducing a biosensor's specificity.

  2. Robo Receptor: Researchers engineer a brain ion channel to take its cues from light

    Scientists have engineered an ion channel in nerve cells to open or close in response to light.

  3. Chemistry

    Molecular Car Park: Material packs in carbon dioxide

    A porous, crystalline material composed of metal and organic building blocks holds more carbon dioxide than other porous substances do.

  4. Chemistry

    Mixed Message: Pheromone blend sends signal

    The meaning of a chemical message released by male Asian elephants depends on the chemical's total concentration as well as on the balance of the chemical's two forms.

  5. Tech

    Reaction in Hand: Microreactor produces radioactive probe in a jiffy

    A miniature chemical reactor that whips up a diagnostic tool could widen the availability of positron-emission tomography (PET) scans.

  6. Earth

    Microbe polishes off pollutant

    Researchers have determined how long a pesticide residue would remain in the environment if the microbe Pseudomonas pavonaceae didn't metabolize it.

  7. Best Friend’s Genome: Dog’s DNA sheds light on human genetics, too

    Scientists have published the genome of a boxer, a detailed comparison of the dog's genome with the genomes of mice and people, and a study of genetic variation among dog breeds.

  8. Tech

    Sweets spur biodiesel reaction

    A Japanese research team has made an environmentally friendly biodiesel catalyst from charred sugars.

  9. Chemistry

    Multitasking Miniatures: Tailor-made particles are versatile

    A new class of tiny particles fashioned from metal and organic building blocks may lead to novel catalysts and sensors.

  10. Chemistry

    A Skunk Walks into a Bar . . .

    Research into the chemistry behind unpleasant beer flavors may someday lead to a more flavor-stable brew.

  11. Way to Glow: Butterfly-wing structure matches high-tech lights’ design

    The blue-green wings of the swallowtail butterfly harbor an intricate optical system with a design reminiscent of the latest in light-emitting diode technology.

  12. Chemistry

    Whiff Weapon: Pheromone might control invasive sea lampreys

    Researchers have characterized the primary components of the migratory pheromone that guides sea lampreys to suitable spawning areas.