14 Science Blogs Everyone Should Follow

With the advent of the Internet, science has never been so open to the public. Entire scientific communities now instantly connect through social media, and science blogs have prospered and grown into rich platforms of scientific discourse. On the Internet experts and amateurs alike can come together to talk about the topics that interest them, and in doing so have created great educational spaces for anyone wanting to learn and discuss everything and anything about science.

If you’re looking for some up-to-date scientific information, or just wanting to have a browse, have a look at this list we’ve compiled of the 14 best blogs currently posting about science and its related fields.

1. IFL Science

Established by Elise Andrews in 2012, I F***ing Love Science, or IFL Science, is ‘dedicated to bringing the amazing world of science straight to your newsfeed in an amusing and accessible way.’ With a reputation for being one of the most important and entertaining scientific blogs currently out there, Andrews has been able to create a platform that is equal parts informative and fun. Featuring insights into a mix of scientific disciplines, the best part about this blog is science lovers of all ages and backgrounds can come together and share their love for everything from quantum physics, to this double headed snake with a split personality.

Currently the Facebook page posting daily links to IFL Science has over 24 million likes.

2. CSIRO

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia’s national science agency. Established in 1916, the CSIRO can be attributed with inventing everything from modern day WiFi, Aerogard, and even extended wear contact lenses. With such an innovative impact on both a national and global scale, it’s no surprise their blog is one of the most interesting scientific reads on the internet. Covering a vast number of topics including farming, ocean studies, manufacturing and health, the CSIRO is a fantastic insight into some of the most fascinating scientific breakthroughs by Australian and international scientists.

3. Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

Featuring Kruszelnicki’s trademark humorous yet informative approach to science, this blog delves into some of the most complicated and frequently asked (but not so frequently answered in an accessible way) scientific questions everyday people have. From the beautiful act of vomiting, to the overwhelming grand ‘how many cells in a person?’, Kruszelnicki seeks to entertain and educate in a laidback and educational manner that young and old Australians alike will love. For more of Dr Karl, you can also check out his Twitter, and tweet him any of your burning scientific questions.

4. Nautilus

Nautilus “combines the science, culture and philosophy into a single story told by the world’s leading thinkers and writers.” Originally a magazine and online website, the Nautilus blog is an offshoot that provides daily musings reflecting on our connection with science in our day-to-day lives. Science with a modern twist, this blog will appeal to those who are interested in questioning the humanity of science, and the scientists who drive innovation around the world. Don’t be mistaken in thinking this blog foregoes science in the name of philosophical musings – each of its pieces are thoroughly researched, and very accessible for those who enjoy a little bit of light science reading.

5. PLOS

The Public Library of Science is a non-profit organisation that provides a collection of scientific journals and literature open to the public. The PLOS blog network features content from PLOS staff and editors, as well as independent sources including science journalists and researchers. Blogs featured on the PLOS platform cover a wide range of topics like Biology Life Sciences, Medicine and Health, and Research Analysis and Scientific Policy. Catered towards the scientific community and those who have a thorough understanding of scientific concepts, this blog isn’t for everyone, but is a great tool if you are an avid science enthusiast looking to find free resources and information on many topics.

6. Improbable Research

Improbable Research is all about making people laugh…and then think. A collection of real research creators describe as “may be good or bad, important or trivial, valuable or worthless,” it’s an online manifestation of the popular Annals of Improbable Research, a publication mainly known for creating the Ig Nobel Awards, a parody of the Nobel Awards. A seriously fun look into the slightly crazy and often bewildering world of science, this blog is sure to captivate your curiosity and get you thinking about the value of scientific research and innovation.

For a great read, and to get an idea of the kind of material you’ll find on this blog, take some time to check out their recent article, ‘Why Bearcats Smell Like Popcorn’.

7. LAELAPS

One of seven blogs presented by National Geographic as part of the Phenomena series, LAELAPS is written by critically acclaimed scientific writer Brian Switek. A blog about evolution, extinction, and survival, LAELAP’s explores natural history with insights from fields such as anthropology, zoology, archaeology and palaeontology. If biological science is a keen area of interest, this blog has some great pieces of scientific literacy that bridge the gaps between complex concepts, and accessible and captivating stories.

 

8. Annals of Botany Blog

News and views on plant science and ecology, the blog is an offshoot of Annals of Botany, an online scientific, peer-reviewed journal that releases research once a month. This blog really gets into the nitty gritty of plants, so its content is more suited to those who have a deep understanding and knowledge of botanical science. However, if you are wanting to delve right into the world of botany, it does post some content that is accessible for all science lovers.

9. No Place Like Home

Another blog from National Geographic’s Phenomena series, No Place Like Home is all about the cosmos. Written by scientific journalist Nadia Drake, this blog is “her space to talk about space – from other worlds to exploding stars to the fabric of the universe.” With space coming back to the forefront of the public consciousness with the help of figures like Chris Hadley and evidence that there is water on Mars, this blog is a refreshing look into a topic that has captivated minds for centuries. Entertaining and educational, her writing approaches some very big concepts and ideas with ease and simplicity. A must-read for anyone who loves everything and anything about space.

10. Neurologica

Authored by academic clinical neurologist Steven Novella, MD, Neurologica covers neuroscience, scientific scepticism, philosophy, and the intersection of science and media. This blog delivers a great insight into the brain and scientific news, issues and discoveries surrounding this topic, and is equal parts high-brow and approachable. Novella’s knowledge and expertise enable him to make some great thoughts, insights and opinions on a variety of subjects, from GMO’s to clickbait. A platform which broaches hot-topic issues found in mainstream media in a scientifically critical way, this really is a truly educational and eye-opening resource.

11. Aeitology

With a PhD in molecular epidemiology, Tara C Smith knows her diseases. Her blog Aeitology discusses the causes, origins, evolution and implications of disease, as well as other phenomena. While all that sounds like a bit of a mouthful, the blog gives an understandable, yet also intriguing discussion of modern day health and pathology. Dedicating posts to topics such as the Zika virus, antibiotic resistance, and quarantine, Smith discusses topics which are of public interest, and is a reliable source when it comes to understanding hot media topics concerned with disease.

In a recent post, she cleverly related the current public fascination with zombies to infectious diseases, making for a both educational and interesting read.

12. Mortui Vivos Docent (mrs_angemi)

WARNING: This blog is not for the faint of heart as it contains graphic material some may find disturbing (and others might find captivating). Mortui Vivos Docent is an Instagram blog run by forensic pathologist Nicole Angemi. Featuring graphic images of autopsies, Angemi captions each image with a scientific insight into the gruesome world of human biology. Her expertise lies in identifying infections and diseases in the deceased, and her lengthy captions break down some very complex medical concepts into easy to understand snippets. She also frequently asks followers to guess the disease from an autopsy, and will later post a detailed answer of her analysis.

13. Coding Horror

Created by software developer and entrepreneur Jeff Atwood, Coding Horror is one of the most well known blogs in the computer programming community. Atwood states in his About Me that, “in the art of software development, studying code isn’t enough; you have to study the people behind the software, too.” With this in mind, Coding Horror’s undertakes in-depth analysis of the minutiae of coding, and also of the people who created it. This two-pronged approach makes for a refreshing take on an otherwise technical topic. Perfect for both amateur and pro coder’s, this blog is an education in how to ‘geek out’, without losing your audience’s attention.

14. Climate Consensus – the 97%

Authored by John Abraham, a professor of thermal sciences, and environmental scientist Dana Nuccitell, this blog concentrates on climate and environmental science, and discusses the public scepticism surrounding popular environmental topics. A recent article entitled ‘It’s settled: 90-100 % of climate experts agree on human-caused global warming’, is an interesting insight into the power of ‘expert consensus’. A must-read for those with a keen passion for climate science, Climate Consensus’ articles are both accessible and thought provoking.

There’s no shortage of science online

A quick search in Google, and you can generally find whatever information you need. But sometimes the mass and diversity of material on the Internet can be overwhelming. Blogs are a valuable resource that can give analytical insights into the people, inventions and discoveries driving scientific innovation. Macro or micro, the blogs in this list engage in discussions and topics that will continue to evolve and change throughout history. Up-to-date and topical science blogs are the future for scientific research, education and outreach, a future which is being built by the blogs mentioned above.

Have we missed a really great science blog? Tell us where you get your daily science fix in the comments section below! Looking for more information about scientific instruments for your own scientific endeavours? Contact ATA Scientific today.