The Best American Science Writing 2006
Surgeon andNew Yorkercontributor Gawande (Complications) says the "coolest" science writing isn't necessarily found in the science press. His collection of the year's best includes only one research paper—anAmerican Scientisttreatise on yawning. And though Jack Hitt's essay (fromHarper's), on racist subtexts in the archeological study of who the first Americans were, has footnotes, they tend to contain side jokes, not science. Most of Gawande's selections come from mainstream publications like theNew York Timesand theAtlantic Monthly, and especially from fellowNew Yorkerwriters like Elizabeth Kolbert (on avian flu), Jonathan Weiner (on a rare neurological disease) and Richard Preston (on redwoods). Still, there are plenty of opportunities for writers at other publications to shine. D.T. Max's piece from theNew York TimesMagazinepresents a lively inquiry into "literary Darwinism," speculating on the evolutionary function of storytelling. And in the anthology's most moving essay (fromWired), Michael Chorost recounts his efforts to find hearing aid technology that will help him to hear Ravel'sBolérowith the same clarity it held before he went deaf. The diversity and readability of Gawande's selections are very cool indeed.(Sept. 5)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.