AAAS Science Journalism Awards

2006 Recipient: Magazine

Craig Canine
Smithsonian
"Building a Better Banana" October 2005

Millions depend on the banana to stay alive. With diseases threatening many banana varieties, scientists are searching for new hybrids. In a lively account, Canine described the research effort and the ingenious methods being used to breed a better banana. "This was such an evocative piece that I had to go home and eat a banana," said Seth Borenstein of the Associated Press. "This article had everything you look for—depth, detail, significance and science. Truly an enjoyable read."