An Online Science Magazine for the Grown-up Fans of Mr. Wizard
“Watch Mr. Wizard,” a television program that ran from 1951 to 1965, was a science show just for us—the Baby Boom generation. Mr. Wizard entertained and enlightened his viewers with experiments concocted from every-day items, experiments that he explained to a lucky girl or a boy who would inevitably exclaim, “Gee, Mr. Wizard!”
Many of us who were inspired by Mr. Wizard went on to become scientists, myself included. The New York Times’ said the following in its June 13, 2007 obituary for Mr. Wizard: “During the 1960s and ’70s, about half the applicants to Rockefeller University in New York, where students work toward doctorates in science and medicine, cited Mr. Wizard when asked how they first became interested in science.”
Mr. Wizard, who originally planned to be a science teacher, was a natural at explaining science to the public. In the spirit of Mr. Wizard, The Fourth Helix will focus on science news and features. We’ll also post multimedia pieces and other content covering science and technology topics—with a distinct life science emphasis, as that is our strength.
The site will include a blog and user-generated content. With interactive features such as “Ask a Scientist” and “iScientist,” readers will be encouraged to ask questions of experts and participate as citizen-scientists.
While the goal is to make science understandable, we will not shrink from the real complexity behind the curtain. Whenever possible, our content will direct you to primary sources so you can read the scientists’ own words if you wish.
We can’t wait for you to join us at The Fourth Helix!
