Journalism
Feature articles
Why AI is a force for good in science communication
From hunting for evidence of subatomic particles to speeding up the diagnosis of disease, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming science and led to the 2024 Nobel Prize for Physics. Claire Malone explains why this rapidly developing technology could also – despite some misgivings – be good news for communicating science.
Physics World, November 2024
The boson that physics almost rejected
Physicists who want to solve the world’s great challenges don’t just need deep technical expertise, but also excellent networking skills. Claire Malone explains that getting the most out of networking is all a question of practice – and providing those opportunities is key to increasing diversity in physics.
Symmetry Magazine, June 2024
How networking can bolster diversity in physics
Physicists who want to solve the world’s great challenges don’t just need deep technical expertise, but also excellent networking skills. Claire Malone explains that getting the most out of networking is all a question of practice – and providing those opportunities is key to increasing diversity in physics.
Physics World, December 2023
Applications of quantum mechanics at the beach
How does sunscreen work on the atomic level?
Symmetry Magazine, August 2023
A cosmological headache
For over a century, scientists have wondered what is counteracting the force of gravity in the universe.
Symmetry Magazine, June 2023
Shorts
Spontaneous symmetry breaking explained
In May 2012 Nobel-prize-winning particle theorist Peter Higgs, who died in April 2024 aged 94, agreed to an audio interview with Physics World editor Matin Durrani – an edited version of which is presented in the article for the first time. In a short piece within this interview, I explain the concept of spontaneous symmetry breaking, a central idea in our understanding of modern particle physics.
Physics World, June 2024
Opinion pieces
ChatGPT one year on: Who is using it, how and why?
In just a year, ChatGPT has permeated scientific research. Seven scientists reveal what they have learnt about how the chatbot should — and shouldn’t — be used.
Nature, November 2023
How better science communication can benefit everyone
Claire Malone says that both physicists and the public benefit if researchers make science communication central to their day-to-day activities
Physics World, September 2022
The benefits of making a more accessible discipline
Claire Malone highlights the importance of creating a better working environment for those with physical disabilities
Physics World, May 2022
Book Reviews
Explaining the origin of life with physics
Claire Malone reviews Molecular Storms: the Physics of Stars, Cells and the Origin of Life by Liam Graham
Physics World, March 2023
Baffled by the big questions in science? String theorist Michael Dine thinks he has the answers
Claire Malone reviews This Way to the Universe: a Journey into Physics by Michael Dine
Physics World, January 2023
Blog Posts
Towards a standardized dialogue: Psilocybin-containing mushroom dosing conversation
The burgeoning entheogenic movement, emboldened by the promising results of psychedelic research, faces a myriad of questions and challenges as it strides towards mainstream acceptance. Central to these challenges is the conversation around dosing, especially concerning psilocybin-containing mushrooms. This post endeavors to delve into potential trajectories this conversation might take, underpinned by three hot takes that beckon a shift from conventional paradigms to more precise and scientifically grounded narratives.
in collaboration with Ian Bollinger of Critical Consulting, October 2023
Earthsong: Science-inspired poetry against climate change at the Great Exhibition Road Festival
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges of our time. However, at the centre of many of the solutions to this global problem are people – our attitudes and behaviours.
Poetry is able to convey and emphasise messages that, even though we can be presented with them in “black and white”, only really hit home in the form of rhyme and verse.