Jennifer N. R. Smith
The Intricate Social Dynamics of Mitochondria
In 2020, Jennifer N. R. Smith found herself swimming in the ocean off the coast of Devon, England. As darkness enveloped the sky, the sea beneath her lit up with the glow of bioluminescent algae. “The glow was electric blue,” she describes. “When you moved your arms through the water, it left a trail of sparkling light on your skin. It felt utterly enchanting.” Fresh from completing her medical illustration program, Smith was compelled to capture this surreal experience through her art.
Smith’s artistic approach evolved from this experience, blending traditional techniques like collage and paper marbling with a unique method she developed called reverse stippling—creating light pinpricks against a dark backdrop. This method not only captures the bioluminescent sparkle she experienced but also stirs a deeper appreciation for the natural world. “The dots could represent anything from the vast night sky to the tiny atoms, encompassing both the macro and the micro cosmos,” she explains.
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For a feature on the enigmatic world of mitochondria authored by behavioral neuroscientist Martin Picard, Smith applied her signature illustration style to depict the organelles’ intricate inner membranes as a complex labyrinth. Rather than merely illustrating scientific concepts, Smith aims to draw readers into a sense of wonder. “By igniting curiosity about a topic, people engage more deeply and authentically with the subject matter,” she remarks.
Alec Luhn
Refreezing the Arctic
In February, climate journalist Alec Luhn embarked on a rigorous journey involving four flights over four days to reach Cambridge Bay in Canada’s Nunavut territory. His assignment for Scientific American was to investigate initiatives aimed at refreezing parts of the Arctic to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change. This journey marked his second trip within the Arctic Circle, having previously explored Alaska’s Kobuk Valley National Park to report on its mysteriously orange rivers in 2023.
“The Northwest Passage has been the holy grail of ocean exploration for four centuries,” Luhn reflects, noting the tragic history of many explorers who perished trying to navigate the icy route. “Yet today, the melting ice allows cruise ships to sail through each summer.” He observes that the Indigenous communities in these regions are particularly vulnerable, struggling to preserve traditional lifestyles that heavily rely on the sea ice for hunting, transportation, and more.
Witnessing efforts to artificially refreeze the ice cap, Luhn often pondered the irony of human attempts to dominate such a formidable natural environment—and whether our latest technological endeavors could effectively counteract the ongoing damage.
Rowan Jacobsen
Exploring the Curative Powers of Sunlight
Science journalist Rowan Jacobsen has long been intrigued by the impact of light on human health. “Light might seem fleeting, but it’s a physical force; we’re constantly hit by photons, which must have some effect on our health,” he theorizes. Recent medical studies suggest that increased exposure to natural light correlates with better health outcomes. In this issue’s cover story, Jacobsen delves into emerging phototherapies that show promise in treating autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Jacobsen, an author of books on diverse topics like oysters and chocolate, views food as a subtle medium to engage people with nature. For his upcoming book on how light influences health, he recently conducted a personal experiment by living in a 1962 Airstream in Arizona, devoid of artificial light at night. “After dark, all there was to do was lie back and gaze at the stars,” he recounts. Having returned home to Vermont, Jacobsen reports feeling rejuvenated, attributing his enhanced energy and focus to the abundant sunlight and reduced exposure to artificial light at night.
Jay Bendt
The Science of Health
Jay Bendt stumbled into her career in illustration somewhat unexpectedly. Initially set on becoming a doctor like many in her family, a simple checkbox on a college form inadvertently redirected her into an art-focused program. “At that young age, I thought, ‘Why not?'” she recalls. Inspired by the “magical girl” themes of Sailor Moon and other anime during her formative years on DeviantArt, Bendt embraced her artistic path and graduated with a degree in painting. She now skillfully combines her personal passions with professional techniques to work as a freelance illustrator.
Currently, Bendt is tasked with illustrating the Science of Health column for Scientific American, written by Lydia Denworth. This issue’s column, which explores how exercise influences gut bacteria, presented a unique challenge. “Illustrating bacteria often tempts one to resort to clichéd images of cute, anthropomorphic cells,” she notes. In her editorial work, Bendt strives to choose styles that resonate with the story’s theme, while her personal projects consistently display a whimsical flair. “I aim to create art that captures your attention and makes you want to keep looking,” she explains.
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Cameron Aldridge combines a scientific mind with a knack for storytelling. Passionate about discoveries and breakthroughs, Cameron unravels complex scientific advancements in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.