Author Archives

Gwendolyn Rak

Gwendolyn Rak recently graduated from Swarthmore College, where she studied astrophysics and history. As an undergraduate, she did x-ray astronomy research, interned for the NASA History Division, and edited Swarthmore’s history journal. While her scientific interests have mostly been among the stars, here on Earth she also enjoys baking, streaming the latest Netflix shows, and going on long walks with her family’s dog.

Joe Hollins lying down in grass facing Jonathan the giant tortoise to feed him from a metal bowl with white building in background

The tortoise and the caretaker

Environment

Gwendolyn Rak • August 7, 2023

Meet Joe Hollins, the recently retired veterinarian who cared for a record-breaking 190-year-old tortoise named Jonathan in his remote island home

Pregnant person wearing beige jacket standing outside

Genetic counselors face new hurdles in red states

Health

Gwendolyn Rak • February 6, 2023

Statewide abortion restrictions are complicating conversations about prenatal testing

Person with a white, circular continuous glucose monitor on the back of their upper arm holding black display monitor next to it

Blood glucose monitoring systems are on the rise but who really needs them?

Health

Gwendolyn Rak • January 23, 2023

As new uses emerge for continuous glucose monitors, questions remain about their utility for people without diabetes

Illustrations of Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger, under the words "The Nobel Prize in Physics 2022."

Scientists studying quantum mechanics win Nobel Prize in Physics

Blogs

Gwendolyn Rak • October 4, 2022

Three experimental physicists were recognized for their foundational experiments in the field