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Sam Wong

Assistant news editor

London

Bio

Sam Wong is an assistant news editor responsible for commissioning environment, biology and archaeology stories. Since joining New Scientist in 2015, his contributions have included a regular science of cooking column, the Science with Sam video series and setting cryptic crosswords. He has a degree in natural sciences from the University of Cambridge and a MSc in science communication from Imperial College London. He has also written science stories for The Guardian, Nature and Mosaic. His favourite subjects include food, drugs and animals.

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Explore the latest news, articles and features

GTG9F9 Hot mulled wine and book in woman hands. Relaxing in front of burning fire in the cold winter day.

Chemistry

Can science explain why some drinks and foods are a perfect match?

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The Lazarus Project is back, and the fight to secure the future has never been more intense. When the world locks into a time loop in which the world ends every three weeks, the Lazarus team must race against time to find a solution before humanity is wiped out forever. Among their number is resolute Lazarus agent, George (Paapa Essiedu), who???s been left in disgrace after betraying the organisation in the name of love. George is determined to redeem himself and win back the trust of his friends, colleagues, and the love of his life. But when he discovers that the cause he???s fighting is more sinister than it appears, George begins to suspect that the only person he can really trust is himself.

Comment

New Scientist recommends The Lazarus Project and Ark Nova

Culture

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sprouted barley; Shutterstock ID 33767392; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Chemistry

Homemade malt is the key to baking the perfect loaf of bread

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Name: Glacier Requiem Location: Rh?ne Glacier The picture presents a view of the Rhone Glacier, a significant entity in the Swiss Alps. However, the glacier's usual icy-blue appearance is replaced with a stark grey, a consequence of being covered in UV protection sheets. This intervention is a result of efforts to slow the glacier's rapid melting due to climate change. The sheets, an unconventional sight in such a natural landscape, offer a physical representation of the impact of global warming on our planet. A person, a small figure in the grand scheme of the landscape, is seen walking atop the sheets. This human presence serves as a reminder of our role in the glacier's current state and the measures being taken to protect it. The Rhone Glacier is a vital natural resource, playing several critical roles in the local and global ecosystem. As the primary source of the Rhone River, it provides essential freshwater for ecosystems and human activities downstream in Switzerland and France, supporting agriculture and hydroelectric power generation. The glacier's health directly affects these water-dependent systems. Furthermore, it's a significant climate change indicator. Its rapid retreat, losing around 40% of its volume in the past century, visually demonstrates the impacts of global warming. Additionally, the glacier supports unique alpine ecosystems and contributes to biodiversity. Paulo Sousa from Porto, Portugal Winner of Photographer of the Year

Environment

Prize-winning photos highlight the impact of climate change on nature

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Life

Winning images from Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023

News

Free

F3875E Slicing into the breast of a freshly roasted chicken in pan with juices

Health

How to make sure your chicken is properly cooked

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Little cute girl on kitchen is taking chocolate cookie from table.

Chemistry

The science behind baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie

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Indonesian vegetables tempura traditional recipe. City of Yogyakarta, Java island, Indonesia, Asia. (Photo by: Mikel Bilbao/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

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How to make perfect tempura at home

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Free range pigs digging food in the dirt

Life

How do captive animals really feel, and can we make them happier?

Features

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Ostuni, Puglia, Italy - 05 20 2022: Preparation of typical handmade pasta called "Orecchiette" in an outdoor space during the sunset light; Shutterstock ID 2158414957; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Comment

The easy way to make pasta at home

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GDX76B Allium ursinum. Foraging wild garlic in an English woodland - spring, UK

Life

Foraging for wild garlic: how, when and what to watch out for

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mugcake is microwaved. Homemade cupcake in a mug is on a plate. Chocolate brownie mug cake. Easy cooking concept, microwave baking. muffin chocolate. High quality photo; Shutterstock ID 2030585198; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Humans

What is really going on when we microwave our food?

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