Read Mary Roach's introduction to The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2011 (xv-xx). As she describes Bilger's piece on milk fermentation, she writes,
People are not drawn to his writing for the science as much as for the things that bring it to life: characters, setting, stories, wit. These are the sugar, to be all cliche about it, that makes the medicine go down. Make no mistake, good science writing is medicine/ It is a cure for ignorance and fallacy. Good science writing peels away the blinders, generates wonder, brings the open palm to the forehead: Oh! Now I get it! And Sometimes it does much more than that. (xv)
Consider this idea in terms of other pieces of science and nature writing you have read. You are welcome to consider books. articles, or news articles as examples. Do believe this quote describes the necessary elements of successful science and nature writing? Why or why not? How should scientists connect with their audiences in writing? Does a science writer need to use different skills to connect with both lay readers and other scientists?
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