"News, Ideas, Innovation" (New Scientist)

Member Name: BlueMidget

Product:	New Scientist
Date:	29/03/07 (110 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting and often entertaining articles

Disadvantages: Occasionally becomes a little too technical

I'm sure everyone remembers their science lessons as a child - having to wear safety-glasses, learning the periodic table, using Bunsen burners to melt biros, (perhaps that was just my class?). For many, these are the first lessons that begin to answer many questions you have as a child about how the world around you works, (though, equally, for others they were about as much fun as watching paint dry).

'New Scientist' is as much a magazine for anyone whose fondness of Bunsen burner's led them into a career in science, or simply enjoys keeping abreast with the current "goings-on" in the world. It is published weekly and at the time of writing costs £2.70, although you can subscribe to get twelve issues, (three months) for just £12 - though it should be noted that after these three months the subscription charge goes up to £23.33 per quarter, though this is still saving you money off the cover price.

I first began reading 'New Scientist' when I first started working at an Analytical Laboratory. Admittedly, this was mainly because it was one of the few things besides 'Heat' that was regularly available in the smoker's hut and, I must admit, though I never really considered myself that much of a scientist - melting biros as case and point - I was surprised by how much of the magazine I was not only able to understand, but also found myself enjoying reading.

'Science' as a term is rather non-specific and for that reason 'New Scientist' isn't dedicated to any one single area, but instead covers a wide range of subjects from physics, technology, chemistry, medical-science as well as various other things in between. As an example recent articles have included things regarding potential new treatments for cancer, articles about climate change and even new discoveries in the field of evolution.

Generally speaking the writing style within the magazine is very readable and pitched at such a level that even if you're not familiar with the subject matter, you can still grasp the general meaning behind the theories or discoveries being discussed. I'll admit that occasionally I find myself a little out of my depth, but then again, that's the reason I became a computer programmer and not, for arguments sake, say a nuclear-physicist.

As well as having current news articles, the magazine also has regular columns, most notably 'Feedback' and 'Last Word'.
'Feedback' tends to deal with amusing and quirky things readers have stumbled across in their travels such as entertaining warning signs, (you know the sort of thing, "Caution - May Contain Nuts" on the back of a packet of peanuts, etc.). I personally find this section quite entertaining, though I suspect some people might not always appreciate the (sometimes) pedantic nature of some of the observations.
'Feedback' is where a reader has an opportunity to pose a question about something they've been wondering about, thus inviting those who know something about the subject to provide an answer. This, again, I've found to be very interesting as the responses range from the in depth, scientific solutions through to more 'common sense' suggestions.

Another regular feature is 'Letters', which, as the name might suggest, is where to readers can air their opinions about articles featured in previous issues. I've often found that the editorial staff try to represent as many differing opinions as they can possible, acting as a sort of forum for readers to have a healthy debate regarding contentious, (and often not-so-contentious) issues, giving you the opportunity to see several sides of the same argument as it were.

'New Scientist' also has various adverts and job vacancies, (obviously useful if you do work in a scientific area). The adverts are one of the slightly disappointing aspects to the magazine as they make up about a third of the entire magazine, which to my mind seems rather excessive; however it has to be said that this doesn't really detract from the overall content that makes up the vast majority of material.

Adverts aside, overall I find 'New Scientist' to be both informative and entertaining and I think its appeal goes across various scientific disciplines, but can equally be enjoyed by people who never previously considered themselves scientifically-minded. I would recommend everyone at least read an issue to see what they themselves think.

Summary: Generally an interesting and insightful magazine that I would recommend everyone at least try.