Michael Le Page is a UK-based staff writer for New Scientist, specializing in biotechnology, climate science, and public health intersections. With over 15 years of experience, his work consistently bridges academic research and policy implications, particularly in gene-editing applications and environmental health correlations.
For story inquiries, reference his author profile at New Scientist and emphasize cross-disciplinary research with clear implementation pathways.
Michael Le Page has established himself as a leading voice in science journalism through his rigorous exploration of emerging technologies and environmental challenges. Over his career, he’s developed a niche at the intersection of biotechnology, climate science, and public health, delivering insights that bridge academic research and real-world applications. His work at New Scientist since the mid-2010s has solidified his reputation for translating complex scientific concepts into accessible narratives, particularly in CRISPR innovation and climate resilience.
This article examines the regulatory and ethical landscape of gene-edited livestock, focusing on a PRRSv-resistant pig developed by researchers at the University of Edinburgh. Le Page highlights how CRISPR-Cas9 modifications could reduce antibiotic use in agriculture by 37–63%, citing peer-reviewed studies from Nature Biotechnology. He contextualizes the technology’s potential to address zoonotic disease risks while critiquing the EU’s 2025 gene-editing framework. The piece underscores his ability to dissect policy implications without oversimplifying scientific nuance.
Analyzing a meta-review of 17 longitudinal studies, Le Page connects childhood lead exposure to a 12–18% increase in adult criminal behavior across three continents. He emphasizes methodological limitations while arguing for stronger EPA lead-abatement policies, citing Flint water crisis data. The article demonstrates his skill in balancing epidemiological evidence with socioeconomic factors, avoiding sensationalism while advocating for public health reforms.
Le Page profiles Norfolk Plant Sciences’ USDA-approved anthocyanin-rich tomato, explaining how snapdragon gene insertion boosts antioxidant levels by 300% compared to heirloom varieties. The piece contrasts EU and US GMO regulations, featuring interviews with nutritional biochemists and small-scale farmers. His analysis of consumer acceptance trends reveals a 22% increase in willingness to purchase biofortified produce since 2020, based on USDA surveys.
Le Page prioritizes gene-editing innovations with clear ecological benefits, such as drought-resistant crops or disease-resistant livestock. His coverage of the PRRSv-resistant pig demonstrates interest in solutions reducing industrial farming’s environmental footprint. Pitches should emphasize peer-reviewed efficacy data and include interviews with both researchers and ethical oversight committees.
Articles like his lead exposure analysis show a pattern of linking environmental factors to longitudinal health studies. Successful pitches will present novel datasets connecting climate events (e.g., wildfire PM2.5 levels) to medical outcomes, preferably with cross-disciplinary research teams.
Le Page rarely covers minor iterations in renewable energy tech or carbon capture systems unless they demonstrate unprecedented efficiency gains (>25% improvement over existing solutions). His work on the biofortified tomato illustrates preference for biotech with immediate nutritional or ecological impacts.
“The true potential of CRISPR lies not in creating designer babies, but in addressing existential threats – from climate-resistant crops to eradicating vector-borne diseases.”
With the commercialization of a disease-resistant pig likely in 2025, gene editing poised to usher in a new era of biotech plants and animals
1 in 3 children at risk: Lead exposure in childhood linked to committing crimes as adults, correlation study claims
Purple tomatoes? Superfood genetically engineered tomato rich in antioxidants nearing United States rollout
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Science, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
