The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2021 (The Best American Series ®)

Noted science writer and now editor, Ed Yong, has selected a series of outstanding science articles for this year and categorized them into three sections. The first part dealing with the pandemic crisis delves into the mystery and challenges that this invasive Covid-19 virus presents and which continues to task the public and the science community. Second, human connections are considered. In one piece the relationship between happiness and depression is compared. Finally, the third section focuses on aspects of climate change.

The selections have appeared in various publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic and other notable magazines. Some of the authors may be familiar, others may need introduction, but the range of writing styles and the diversity of thought-provoking topics will engage the reader. For example, the story of the invasive jumping worms, how DESI relates to galaxy hunting, the work of ER physicians, or the travel patterns of monarch butterflies. These stories hold a range of wonders that provoke further curiosity and engender questions along with awe as to how we and the natural world function.