Carol Morton (far left) leads the dancing

More than 800 science journos, students, PIOs, ands guests partied and networked Saturday, February 16 at the New England Science Writers reception for communicators covering the 2013 annual American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting.

Fresh from a day of AAAS presentations on everything from brain plasticity to cosmic microwaves to sparse phenomena, science writers were treated to panoramic nighttime views of a bejeweled Boston from the 50^th floor of the Prudential Tower. When not reserved for private functions, the well-windowed floor serves as the landmark building’s Skywalk Observatory.

Karen Weintraub (left) Claudia Dreifus (right)

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NESW member Bob Cooke (left) talks to HMS geneticist David Reich (right).

David Reich, a genetics professor at Harvard Medical School, talked to the New England Science Writers recently about what his genetic studies have revealed about the evolution of archaic and modern human populations.

Here is a report by Jeff Hecht, New Scientist correspondent and NESW steering committee member, who organized the Oct. 4 event with logistical support from David Cameron, HMS science communications director. Continue reading →