Is Good Narrative Bad Science?: Three writers talk about mixing humanity and hard-core facts
At a time when stem cells, bioengineering, and clean fuels affect choices at the check-out line and the voting booth, science writing is more critical to the layreader than ever. But the demands of compelling narrative—a single protagonist, colorful characters, dramatic breakthroughs—can be defied by the laborious truths of scientific research. Three writers will probe the alchemy of the science narrative, exploring ways to balance storytelling and science.