New Scientist readers on how the magazine has shaped their lives

Since its launch in November 1956, New Scientist has been an influential magazine for many of its readers. I asked subscribers to share how they first encountered the publication and how it has impacted their lives. The responses were diverse and heartfelt.

One reader, Peter Hall, vividly recalls his encounter with the first edition at the age of 12. He acquired a shilling from his Saturday morning jobs and purchased the inaugural issue. Peter continued to subscribe for seventy years, having pursued a scientific career that took him to numerous countries around the world. Another reader, Robyn Williams, shared her experience of receiving the inaugural issue in a physics class at her school.

Her teacher recognized her interest in science and handed her the first issue, which left a lasting impression.

New Scientist has also inspired creative pursuits. Anne Rodgers, having been introduced to the magazine in her school library, credits it for maintaining her interest in the sciences throughout her life. She became a subscriber and still enjoys receiving the paper issue every week. Anne's children were also influenced by her science education, with one of them reading New Scientist online in France.

Some readers found that New Scientist sparked their curiosity for hands-on science experiments. Mel We, for instance, constructed a module to house a maggot atop a 3-pence firework rocket and successfully launched it, recovering the maggot unharmed to use it as fishing bait. She encourages others to delve into challenging topics and learn from each other to better understand the world around them.

Terence Watts' article highlights four of the most memorable biotech moments in modern scientific history, which were featured in the magazine. One such moment involved Benjamin Libet's experiments in the 1980s, which revealed a time gap between a brain's decision-making process and conscious awareness. Inspired by this discovery, Terence applied the concept in the field of psychological therapy, training students in the technique and integrating it into practices for therapists worldwide.

In conclusion, New Scientist has played a significant role in shaping the lives and perspectives of many of its readers for the past seventy years. From igniting scientific curiosity in young minds to inspiring creative experiments and practical applications, the magazine continues to be a trusted source of science journalism.