Oldham author has first science book published

Oldham born and bred magazine editor Michael Banks has seen his first popular-science book - The Secret Science of Baby - published this week.

The book's premise examines conception, pregnancy and babyhood through the lens of physics, and how such an approach can lead not only to new treatments and understanding, but a greater appreciation of the mechanisms that life has put in place to propagate itself.

Michael told the Chronicle: "When my wife and I had our two boys, I became fascinated with how a baby develops from conception itself to beyond!

"So with my physics interest, I began to investigate where physicists, engineers and mathematicians are examining what happens during conception, pregnancy and babyhood itself.

"When you think about babies, physics might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but there is a lot the subject can offer to explain so many aspects of the "baby universe" that could also lead to new treatments."

Michael went to Hathershaw school, and then Oldham Sixth Form College where he passed his physics, maths and computing A levels.

He then secured an undergraduate degree in physics from Loughborough University, before doing a PhD in condensed-matter physics at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Physics in Stuttgart, Germany, studying magnetism.

For over a decade, Michael has been news editor of the international monthly magazine Physics World, where he covers the latest developments in physics.

He has given talks worldwide about science and science journalism including in China, Japan and the US.

In addition to Physics World, Michael has written for Nature, BBC Focus and Science Uncovered as well as appearing on BBC Radio 4.

Michael is now based in Bristol, where he lives with his wife and two boys.

He added: "My interest in physics was really sparked in secondary school and I still have fond memories of the physics labs at Oldham Sixth Form College.

"I had no idea at the time that it would lead to a career as a science writer, and now publishing a popular-science book."

You can order Michael's book from Waterstones - just click here

He tweets at @Mike_Banks

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.