Sid Perkins

Freelance Writer

Sid is a freelance science journalist. He lives in Crossville, Tenn., with his wife, two dogs and three cats. He specializes in earth sciences and paleontology but often tackles topics such as astronomy, planetary science, materials science and engineering. 

 

In 2009, Sid won the Award for Distinguished Science Journalism in the Atmospheric and Related Sciences from the American Meteorological Society. And in 2002, he shared the American Astronomical Society’s Solar Physics Division’s Award for Popular Writing on Solar Physics. Sid’s writing also appears in Science, Nature, Scientific American, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Science News.

All Stories by Sid Perkins

  1. Brain

    When is an epileptic seizure about to strike?

    Two high-school research projects suggest ways to identify early warnings of a coming epileptic seizure. This might give people time to free themselves from potentially dangerous activities.

  2. Tech

    Needle-free blood typing may be on the way

    A teen in Kuwait presents data suggesting how, one day, it may be possible to figure out your blood type just by shining infrared light into your skin.

  3. Tech

    Teen’s invention could help light up bikes at night

    A teen researcher from Georgia has developed a light that could replace reflectors on bike wheels. Flexing tires provide all the power it needs.

  4. Tech

    Teens garner some $4 million in prizes at 2017 Intel ISEF

    Hundreds of teens collectively took home about $4 million in awards from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair this week.

  5. Tech

    A better way to stop a bullet?

    A teen researcher's tests suggest that fabric body armor might stop bullets better if it were woven using a three-fiber, triangular mesh instead of the typical two-fiber-mesh configuration.

  6. Tech

    Teen’s invention can warn of deadly rip currents

    A teen lifeguard from Australia has invented a buoy that can alert swimmers to the strong, swift and deadly rip currents that can sweep them dangerously far offshore.

  7. Materials Science

    Nanowires made from silver are super stretchy

    When silver nanowires stretch slowly, atoms on their surface can spread to heal weak spots. The discovery could lead to more flexible electronics.

  8. Earth

    Beyond diamonds: Search is on for rare carbon crystals

    A search for previously undiscovered carbon minerals was announced in December 2015. Researchers have begun finding a handful and are actively scouting for dozens more.

  9. Chemistry

    Scientists know that you pee in the pool

    A new way to find urine in pools and hot tubs measures the concentration of an artificial sweetener in the water.

  10. Physics

    Eclipses come in many forms

    Eclipses are one of nature’s most awesome spectacles, and scientists have learned a lot by observing them and related celestial alignments — occultations and transits.

  11. Tech

    Scientists turn toy into valuable tool for medical diagnosis

    A human-powered ‘paperfuge,’ inspired by a toy, could serve as an easy, low-cost way to aid in medical diagnoses, even in regions of the world lacking access to electricity.

  12. Science & Society

    Shrimp on treadmills? Some science only sounds silly

    Research that may seem silly, at first glance, often has a rewarding aim. Here are some examples.