Robin McKie

The first of my three entries covers a triumph: the full story of the discovery of the BRCA2 gene which is linked to many cancers today and which has saved countless lives in the process. It also highlights the challenges that lie ahead in tackling other cancers.

The second entry focuses on the search to detect a supernova in our galaxy. These vast stellar explosions sprayed the universe with the elements from which we are made and understanding their origins and behaviour is key to understanding our own origins. And finally, my third entry focuses on the dangers posed by the unrestrained use of antibiotics in farming which threatens to unleash waves of deadly new microbes. I have selected the three pieces to highlight the variety of different scientific issues that I have covered over the past two years for the Observer.