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. Physics

    How to chill an object by sending its heat into space

    Researchers have designed a device that can cool an object by radiating its energy into outer space. Think of it as a solar panel in reverse.

  2. Tech

    Magnets may one day cull deadly germs from blood

    A new technique for slowing the deadly condition called sepsis would use tiny iron particles and magnets.

  3. Physics

    Explainer: How batteries and capacitors differ

    Both batteries and capacitors can power electronic devices. Each, however, has different properties which may provide benefits — or limitations.

  4. Computing

    LEDs offer new way to kill germs in water

    Growing ultraviolet-light-emitting diodes on thin, flexible sheets of metal holds promise for water disinfection and other applications.

  5. Physics

    Wind power gets downsized — but in a good way

    Two young scientists have developed ways to tap into wind power on a small scale.

  6. How not to grin and bear it

    Three teen researchers who took part in this year’s Broadcom MASTERS competition seek to help those who clench and grind their teeth.

  7. Animals

    These young inventors had to make like a crab

    This year’s top challenge for Broadcom MASTERS finalists was to design and build a robotic arm based on a crab’s arm and claw.

  8. Environment

    Rocket nozzle research propels teen to big win

    A 13-year old won the top prize at this year’s Broadcom MASTERS science competition. She had determined the best shape for a rocket nozzle. 

  9. Chemistry

    New coating for metals could cut engine wear

    Scientists have developed a new coating for engine parts that could reduce friction and engine wear. One big benefit: Cars may require fewer oil changes.

  10. Physics

    Explainer: How heat moves

    Energy moves through the universe one of three ways: conduction, convection and radiation. Only radiation can occur through empty space.

  11. Tech

    Hot, hot, hot? New fabric could help you stay cool

    A plastic fabric can let body heat escape efficiently, if the material is filled with tiny bubbles of just the right size

  12. Chemistry

    Lab creates new, unexpected type of ‘firenadoes’

    A newly discovered type of fiery vortex burns hot and generates little soot. Scientists suspect it could be a solution to cleaning up oil spills at sea.