James Roland is a contributor to Live Science, writing about health and other science topics. He has a journalism degree from the University of Oregon. He spent nearly 20 years as a newspaper reporter, covering the environment, politics, education and other beats before focusing primarily on health, medicine and science for a wide range of online and print media. James has written more than a dozen books for young people on subjects ranging from careers in mental health to Pluto and black holes. When not writing, he is usually enjoying time with his wife and children, playing sports or reading about space or U.S. history.