The author simply used a rhetorical approach for having an extended conversation about a scientific topic with laymen. Long-form science writing isn't inferior

The author simply used a rhetorical approach for having an extended conversation about a scientific topic with laymen. Long-form science writing isn't inferior to news briefs or press release-style articles you're looking for; it can be a very effective method for engaging a reader and introducing them to a topic which they don't have detailed knowledge on (or which they just want to read about).