Articles by Diane Samson
Hubble Takes A Peek At Stunning Aurora Lightshow On Saturn
The Hubble Space Telescope had captured the most comprehensive look at the auroras in Saturn. Because of the gas giant's atmosphere, the light shows can only be viewed using Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph.
Cold Climate Played Part In Driving Neanderthals To Extinction
Scientists believe that they have found the answer to the mystery of the sudden extinction of Neanderthals 40,000 years ago. Stalagmite layers revealed that Europe experienced cold and dry climate that might have wiped off Neanderthal populations.
New Experimental Drug More Potent Than Morphine Minus The Addictive Side Effects
An experimental drug can cure chronic pain, but without activating the part of the brain that makes the patient dependent or addicted to opioid. A study claimed that AT-121 might help the increasing opioid crisis in the United States.
Clinical Trials Of Multiple Sclerosis Drug Shows It Can Reduce Rate Of Brain Shrinkage
A clinical trial in the United States found that the experimental drug ibudilast can slow down brain atrophy in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. The treatment went into Phase 2 testing and succeeded in a study sponsored by the NIH.
Scientists Add 2 More Animals To List Of Species That Go Through Menopause
Like humans, narwhals and beluga whales go through menopause and have a longer post-reproductive life. The recent research provided the first-ever evidence of menopause in narwhals and beluga whales.
Scientists Find Previously Unknown Coral Reef In Deep Waters Near South Carolina Coast
Proposed plans to explore the coast of the United States to find oil might kill off thriving fish and invertebrate community. Researchers recently found coral reefs stretching for miles in the deep sea off the coast of South Carolina.
Scientists Peek At Jupiter's Great Red Spot To Find Water
A research conducted using telescopes on Earth found chemical signatures of water in the Great Red Spot, a raging storm. Scientists estimate that the giant planet has two to nine times more oxygen than the Sun.
Ancient 'Monster Galaxy' Is Forming New Stars At Astonishing Rate
Researchers observed an ancient monster galaxy located 12.4 billion light-years away that has been forming stars at an incredible and unusual rate. Experts described COSMOS-AzTEC-1 as an unstoppable monster.
Goats Prefer People With Smiling Faces Over People With Grumpy Expressions
A new study revealed that goats have shown a preference for happy people. In a research involving 20 goats, scientists found that the domesticated animals interact with photos of smiling humans versus those with angry expressions.
Ketamine May Be Good For Treating Depressions Due To Opioid-Like Characteristics
Scientists warned against the regular use of ketamine, a party drug, for treatment of severe depression. A new study claimed that the known anesthetic activates the opioid system to alleviate symptoms rapidly.
Scientists Finally Catch A Much Awaited Glimpse Of Higgs Boson Decay
CERN announced this week that the physicists working at ATLAS and CMS have found evidence of Higgs boson's most common decay. This is the first time that scientists have observed the decay.
Meet The Rosehip Neuron: A Newly Identified Type Of Brain Cell In Humans
The rosehip neuron was found in the human brain but was absent in the brains of laboratory mice. The discovery might shed light on what makes the human brain special.
THC In Marijuana Can Linger In Breast Milk Close To A Week After Use
A research found that marijuana can seep into breast milk up to six days after the mother used the recreational drug. The American Academy of Pediatrics warned breastfeeding women to stay away from inhaling pot in the meantime.
New Dogs On The Block: Where Do New Dog Breeds Come From?
In January, for the first time in years, the AKC added two new breeds of dog to its registry. For National Dog Day 2018, find out how dogs are bred from wolves to man's best friend.
Astronaut Candidate Robb Kulin Retires: First NASA Astronaut Candidate To Do So In 50 Years
NASA 2017 Class astronaut candidate Robb Kulin is the first astronaut candidate to resign before finishing the program in 50 years. He did not disclose the reason for his abrupt departure.
NASA Aerosol Map Offers A Stunning Visualization Of Global Storms And Dust
NASA used satellites and ground sensors to create a visualization of the aerosols present in the air and atmosphere around the world. These clouds of matter come from natural and man-made occurrences.
Crazy About Coffee Varieties: Where Does Your Coffee Come From?
Coffee has become essential to the lives of people from all walks of life around the world. There are dozens of variants of coffees, each coming from different regions across what is called The Bean Belt.
Mars Opportunity Rover May Be Down For The Count But NASA Remains Hopeful
NASA remained optimistic that the Opportunity rover will recover after it had gone silent due to a global dust storm on Mars. Scientists say that the vehicle would need sunlight to power back up and send signals to Earth.
Doctors On The Fence About Aspirin Heart Benefits
New research proved that taking aspirin once a day cannot prevent heart diseases in relatively healthy people. The blood thinner can also pose a serious risk of bleeding in patients diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Injured Fish Can Get Better Faster With Help From Shrimps
Scientists wanted to find out whether cleaner shrimps take advantage of injured fishes in cleaning stations. However, they discovered that cleaner shrimps also help heal injuries of their client sea creatures.
Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Back On CDC Approved List
The CDC has finally approved the nasal spray version of the influenza vaccine in time for flu season this year. People aged 2 years and older can get vaccinated.
NASA Ice Watching Satellite Will Measure Polar Ice With Pinpoint Accuracy Using Lasers
NASA announced that it will be sending ICESat-2 to space next week. The spacecraft is equipped with a laser instrument that will accurately measure changes in the ice sheet from the Earth's poles.
Underground US Market For Giraffe Parts Causing Significant Decline In Giraffe Numbers
The population of giraffes around the world is declining, but the United States continues to import parts from Africa. The Humane Society found an unregulated underground market for giraffe leather and bones in 21 states.
Reindeer Herds In Sweden In Danger Of Starvation Due To Drought
Sweden has experienced an unusually hot summer season that destroyed pastures and grazing lands. The Sami people need financial aid in order to acquire feeds for the reindeer herds in the coming months.
Researchers Find Way To Turn Giant 'Fatbergs' Found In City Sewers Into Energy
Researchers have found a way to eliminate fatbergs from sewers and turn them into renewable energy. By heating up the FOG in the underground congealed mass, scientists were able to produce methane.
Air Pollution Levels In Seattle And Portland Now Higher Than Industrial Cities In China
Hundreds of wildfire across western North America has been sending swaths of smoke to surrounding cities. Seattle and Oregon recorded worse air pollution than China's Beijing in the past couple of days.
Global Study Confirms There Is No Such Thing As Safe Alcohol
A new study revealed that alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of death around the world. Even moderate drinking of any kind of liquor, including beer or wine, increases the risk of cancer and other diseases.
Chagas Disease Caused By 'Kissing Bug' Spreading Around The World, Warn Doctors
The American Heart Association published a statement warning about the Chagas disease, an infection spread by the kissing bug. The infection has been spreading in the United States and about 300,000 people have already been diagnosed.
Rice Gene Could Hold Key To Rice Varieties With Lower Dependence On Fertilizers
A recent study found a key to make rice and other grains yield better produce but require less fertilizer. The findings can help reduce the amount of excess nitrogen from the agriculture sector.
Ant Colony Behavior Shows Significant Evolutionary Advantages, According To New Findings
A study on ant colonies uncovered new details on how social behavior has evolved. A team of researchers looked at clonal raider ants to map out how the division of labor emerges within queenless colonies.
