Dr Adam Rutherford

Adam is a web editor for the ultimate science journal, Nature. His boffinhood came from a degree in evolutionary genetics and a PhD in the developmental genetics of the eye.

Dr Adam has his finger on the pulse, feeling out for signs of life in emerging technologies and all breaking news stories in the broad field of science. He has expert contacts around the world and knows all there is to know about science, from the straight and serious kind to the truly bizarre. He also plays the fiddle and has a decidedly dark sense of humour.

What was your first job?

I spent two summers packing pasta into boxes in a factory that specialized in employing students and those recently freed from Her Majesty's pleasure. The poor guy sitting next to me proudly announced on his second day that he was studying astrophysics at Cambridge. It took a week for the swelling to go down.

What was your first car?

Porsche 911 Targa, electric green, cream interior, 1979. I cried for ages when the neighbour's dog ate it.

In what place are you most likely to be found on a sunny summer weekend?

Recent research has demonstrated that a) excessive sunlight is bad for you, b) computer games are good for your eyesight, c) pizza is preventative against several forms of cancer, d) red wine is good for your heart. You'll find me playing Halo with the curtains drawn, a pizza and a bottle of Rioja. Marvellous!

Describe a time when you used science to impress a girl.

Don't be silly.

If you were (more of) a superhero, what powers would you have?

The ability to use science to impress girls. And laser eyes.

Of what achievement are you most proud?

Boring answer, but my PhD. That's Doctor Rutherford. That and my astounding ability to do an ollie impossible outward heelflip. But don't tell Baz.

What did you do for your degree?

Probably not enough. I cunningly designed an experiment about symmetry in flowers that involved me spending a week on a beach in southern Spain. What a chore that was.

What gives you the biggest buzz?

Bombus terrestris, the buff-tailed bumble bee.

What is your biggest fear?

Bombus terrestris, the buff-tailed bumble bee. Why are they furry? WHY?

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

Anything but the panda. There's a species intent on going extinct. Hardly moves, eats only one type of food, and seems totally indifferent to having sex. Honestly, they may be cute, but what a bunch of idiots.

What labour-saving device would you like to create?

A 'rationality gun'. You just point it at people and it makes them instantly aware that they're talking crap. Alternative therapists of the world, be warned: we're coming for you, you big fakers!