There did seem to be some random emphasis going on in that article (not just with italics but with bold text too). It was a little distracting in places (maybe just because I'm dyslexic?) but the article was fascinating enough to keep me reading.

I was a little disappointed that the article ended with speculation though. Given the title, I was expecting something more concrete. But I guess I should be grateful that the author didn't feel the need to sensationalise the truth for the sake of narrative (like so many reporters do these days).

Same here, except that in the end I didn't like the article. Medium is very fit for startup chatter and discussions on the relative merits of ios 8 and android 2.2. But writing about science in Medium, using this style and narrative? Not for me.

What style and narrative would you prefer?

I think StartsWithABang is an excellent read: entertaining iand informative. One of the few blog-type-things I follow anymore.