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. 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.

  2. Chemistry

    Follow the lead

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

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Tech

    Farm-Fuel Feedback: Soybeans have advantages over corn

    A new analysis of two biofuels finds that while both provide more energy than they consume, soybean biodiesel gives more bang for the buck than ethanol made from corn.

  6. Tech

    Smells Like the Real Thing

    Chemical sensors that take cues from the mammalian pattern-based approach to identifying odors and flavors create colorful readouts that even the eyes can distinguish.

  7. Chemistry

    Fungus foils polymer that defeats recycling

    A common tree-rotting fungus is the first to break down an otherwise impervious resin found in plywood and fiberboard.

  8. Chemistry

    Sweet Synthesis: Fructose product could replace chemicals from oil

    A new study describes the efficient use of fructose toward making a renewable building block for many useful chemicals.

  9. Materials Science

    Seeing the light

    Researchers have developed a smart petri dish that signals cell death with intense light.

  10. Earth

    Toxic Leftovers: Microbes convert flame retardant

    Bacteria can break down a common flame retardant into more-toxic forms.

  11. Chemistry

    Carbon Goes Glam: Treated carbon dots fluoresce

    Chemists have fashioned tiny dots of carbon that glow in response to light.

  12. Chemistry

    Gritty Clues

    Archaeologists are tying chemical signatures found in the soil to past human activity.