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Book and pen
What’s Your Story? Contest Finalists and Winners
The Scientist is excited to announce the finalists of our inaugural science writing contest and to give readers a chance to vote for their favorite story.
What’s Your Story? Contest Finalists and Winners
What’s Your Story? Contest Finalists and Winners

The Scientist is excited to announce the finalists of our inaugural science writing contest and to give readers a chance to vote for their favorite story.

The Scientist is excited to announce the finalists of our inaugural science writing contest and to give readers a chance to vote for their favorite story.

writing contest

3D illustration depicting white and red blood cells flowing in a network of blood vessels.
How Migrating Cells Navigate Biological Mazes
Laura Mac-Daniel, PhD | May 16, 2024 | 4 min read
A key protein that detects changes in plasma membrane curvature guides immune-like cells through environmental obstacles.
Two prairie voles are interacting with one another. The vole on the left sniffs the cheek of the vole on the right.
Be My Vole-entine: How Love and Loss Change the Brain
Paige Nicklas | May 16, 2024 | 4 min read
Neuroscientists studying prairie voles discovered that dopamine in the brain gushes when the animals are with their life partners and that loss of a partner erased this neurochemical signature.
Image showing the legs of multiple people running in the street. 
Another Reason to Challenge Yourself at the Gym
Alara Tuncer | May 16, 2024 | 4 min read
In a chronic stress model, challenging exercise reduced anxiety by activating a three-neuron loop across brain regions.  
A yellow-bellied marmot being held in the arms of a researcher while they collect a cheek swab from the marmot.
Exploring the Link between Sociality and the Marmot Gut Microbiome
Harita Sistu | May 16, 2024 | 4 min read
The marmot social microbiome is unlike that of other mammals, adding a new perspective to wildlife conservation efforts.
Willow warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) perched on a branch with its wings extended.
Two Genetic Loci Control Migration Direction in a Small Bird Species
Pedro Andrade, PhD | May 16, 2024 | 4 min read
The innate genetic program that controls migratory behavior in birds is shrouded in mystery, but scientists are closer to understanding how genetic variation influences their routes between Europe and Africa.
Three dividing <em >Epulopiscium viviparus</em> cells seen on a microscope.
The Genome of a Gigantic Bacterium Reveals Odd Metabolic Properties
Megan Keller | May 16, 2024 | 4 min read
With its complete genome sequenced, one of the world’s largest microbes harbors unique energy processes that highlight its relation to its symbiotic host, the surgeonfish.
A block of cheddar cheese pictured here with various accompaniments.&nbsp;
Cheddar Cheese Lovers Have Interactive Microbes to Thank
Vaishnavi Sridhar, PhD | May 16, 2024 | 3 min read
Scientists used a commercial year-long cheddar making process to show how various bacterial communities interact and contribute to the distinct flavor of cheddar.
Conceptual retro image of a man wearing a silly mind reading gadget on his head, holding a pencil, and writing his thoughts down in a notebook.
What's Your Story? Ideas and Discoveries Worth Sharing
The Scientist | Nov 29, 2023 | 3 min read
A new writing contest provides life scientists with a platform to try their hands at science journalism, tell their science stories, develop their communication skills, and publish their work.
Close up image of an open notebook with blank pages, a computer keyboard, and a pen.
What's Your Story? Competition Guidelines and Writing Tips
The Scientist | Nov 29, 2023 | 7 min read
Enter for a chance to have your story published on The Scientist’s website! 
What&#39;s Your Story promo banner
What's Your Story?
The Scientist | Nov 29, 2023 | 2 min read
Enter our new writing contest. The winners’ stories will be published on The Scientist’s website! 
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