Articles by Athena Chan
Surgeon Sued For Talking On Phone During Surgery
A surgeon is being sued for inappropriate behavior after taking a language proficiency test over the phone during an operation. The doctor has since admitted to his mistake.
LOOK: This Prehistoric Horseshoe Crab Fossil Looks Like Darth Vader's Helmet
A recently discovered horseshoe crab fossil was named after Darth Vader because of the creature's resemblance to the 'Star Wars' character's helmet. Despite their names, horseshoe crabs are more closely related to spiders than crabs.
'Freeze-Flee' Response: Narwhals' Confused Response Could Cost Them Their Lives
Narwhals are often called the 'unicorn of the sea' because of the long tusks protruding from their heads. New research finds that human interference in their habitats are making them particularly vulnerable.
Woman Got Crescent Eye Damage After 'Great American Eclipse': Case Report
A woman from New York incurred a crescent-shaped eye damage after watching the total solar eclipse last August. Her left eye suffers from solar retinopathy, a rare injury often reported after an eclipse.
Woman Could Lose Eyeball After Botched Eye Tattoo: Other Risky Body Modifications
A woman could lose her eyeball because of her botched eyeball tattoo. Here are some body modification prodecures that are as risky as a scleral tattoo.
Gravity Signals Traveling At The Speed Of Light Could Warn Of Big Earthquakes
Gravitational waves that can travel as fast as the speed of light could help detect earthquake magnitudes. It could allow for accurate and speedy magnitude determination within minutes instead of hours.
Now You See Me: Scallops Have Over A Hundred Telescope-Like Eyes
Scallops have mirrors in their over a hundred eyes, which allow them to see better than their other bivalve relatives. Their luminous blue eyes could inspire the development of tiny underwater cameras.
Fishing Nets Threaten Rare Penguins In New Zealand
The population of New Zealand's rare yellow-eyed penguins is already threatened. A recent global review shows that many of them died from drowning after being entangled in fishing nets.
Reading Out Loud: Study Finds Reading Aloud Helps Improve Memory
Researchers find that reading text out loud can make a person remember it better. The act adds action to the task and makes it more personal.
Paleontologists Recover More Mammoth Bones From Michigan Site
Two years after the discovery of the Bristle Mammoth, University of Michigan paleontologists were able to return to the site for a two-day dig. They found 40 additional bones that could give clues to life in ancient Michigan.
Medical Breakthrough: First US Baby Born From Transplanted Uterus Delivered In Texas
The first baby born from a transplanted uterus in the United States was delivered at a hospital in Texas. He was born thanks to a generous uterus donor.
Youth Suicide Rates In Utah Up By 141 Percent: Report
There was a 141 percent jump in suicide rates among Utah youths aged 10 to 17 between the years of 2011 and 2015. Interestingly, 12 percent of suicide victims experienced familial conflicts related to gadget restriction.
The Science Of Skin Color: Skin Pigmentation More Complex Than Previously Believed
A decade-long research finds that skin pigmentation is more complex than previously believed. As it turns out, the closer a population is to the equator, the more complex the skin pigmentation becomes.
Smartphone And Internet Addiction Causes Brain Imbalance: Study
Compared to the control participants, the MRS results of the smartphone and internet-addicted young participants showed chemical imbalance in their brains. Fortunately, their brain chemistries returned back to normal after being subjected to therapy.
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Inspiration Anthony Senerchia Dies At 46
Anthony Senerchia, one of the people who inspired the Ice Bucket Challenge, passed away at the age of 46. Because of the global movement, the ALS Association has since raised $115 million.
Martian City: MIT Team Wins Design Contest For Future Mars Colony
An interdisciplinary team from MIT won the 2017 Mars City Design competition. The winning team's nature-inspired dome design mimics a forest in both structure and function.
Climate Change Could Lead To More Volcanic Eruptions: Study
A new study finds that the melting of ice due to climate change could potentially increase volcanic activity. In Iceland, a major volcanic event occurs every five years.
Perk Of Social Withdrawal: Being Alone Can Help Boost Your Creativity
New research finds that unsociability is positively associated with creativity. Researchers believe that the motivation for social withdrawal is important in assessing its risks and benefits.
LOOK: NASA's New 'Superelastic Tire' Is Reinventing The Wheel
NASA Glenn Reseach Center's 'Superelastic Tire' is so durable that it can handle significant strain without deformation. The chainmail-looking wheel also has possible practical applications.
3200 Phaethon To Brush Past Earth In December: Why The Giant Is Asteroid Still A Mystery
Technically an asteroid, 3200 Phaethon will make close contact with Earth in December just before the Geminids meteor shower. Experts still aren't sure what exactly 3200 Phaethon is.
Flies Carry Hundreds Of Bacteria But Can Help Monitor Disease Outbreaks: Study
Like bees, flies are also pollinators that are important members of the ecosystem. Though they could carry hundreds of bacteria species, researchers believe they could potentially benefit public health monitoring.
Budweiser On Mars: The Challenges Of Making Beer In Space
Budweiser has taken the first concrete steps in their mission to become the first beer on Mars. What are the challenges that surround making beer in space?
'Big Bird': Galapagos Study Shows New Bird Species Developed In Just Two Generations
The "Big Bird” finch species came about after a cactus finch from Española Island flew over to Daphne Major and mated with a local species. There are now 30 members of this new species on the island.
Dolly The Sheep Did Not Die Because She Was A Clone
A team of researchers studied cloned sheep's bones and found no signs of osteoarthritis, as was feared after Dolly's death. What makes Dolly such an important sheep?
Nearly Half Of Cancers In United States Linked To Lifestyle Causes: Study
Research finds that over 40 percent of cancer cases and deaths may be attributed to preventable exposures such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Preventing exposure and increasing access to health care may reduce cancer cases and deaths.
Stress Can Cause Us To Make Risky Decisions: MIT Study
Researchers from MIT found that chronic stress largely influences cost-benefit situations. Chronically stressed mice were more likely to choose high-risk, high-cost options than non-stressed mice.
Cases Of Rabies Confirmed In Superstition Mountain Area
Several cases of rabid animals have been confirmed in a known hiking area in Superstition Mountain in Arizona. Since 1960, 90 percent of rabies cases in the country come from wild animals.
WATCH: Meteor Lights Up Night Sky In Finland
A live stream of the aurora borealis became even more incredible when a meteor passed and lit up the night sky. Fireball events were also seen in Germany, France, and the United States.
'Fountain Of Youth': Amish Genetic Mutation Protects Against Aging
Certain members of an Amish community in Berne, Indiana possess an anti-aging genetic mutation that practically protects them from diabetes. Can a 'longevity' drug allow us to possess the same traits?
Having A Pet Dog Leads To Longer, Healthier Life: Study
Researchers found that dog owners have lower risks of cardiovascular disease and death. Singles and owners of hunting dogs have the lowest cardiovascular disease risks.
