Articles by James Maynard
'Eye of Sauron' Helps Scientists Develop New Method to Accurately Measure Galactic Distances
The distance to the 'Eye of Sauron,' a galaxy centered on an unusually bright black hole, has been measured for the first time. Why is this so important to astronomers?
Star Trek-Like Invisible Shield is Saving Earth from Destruction: Here's How
Van Allen belts surrounding the Earth are hiding an invisible barrier, saving the planet from high-energy electrons. How was this found?
Cute Gray Seals Discovered Killing Porpoises on Purpose: What Could That Be?
Porpoises are being attacked by gray seals once deemed harmless to the species. What is driving this unusual behavior?
Want a Nobel? You Can Buy the Prize Won for Discovering DNA Structure
The 1962 Noble Prize for medicine is going up for auction in December. Why did James Watson donate the award?
Happy Thanksgiving, from the International Space Station
Astronauts on the International Space Station will include turkey, cornbread stuffing, and more, stored in plastic pouches. Which Thanksgiving Day staple will the earliest settlers in space likely take first to alien worlds?
Vampires in the Time of Cholera: Polish 'Living Dead' Were Actually First Epidemic Victims
"Vampires" buried in Poland hundreds of years ago may have been victims of cholera, according to a new study from the University of South Alabama.
Google Invests in 'Tremor Spoon' to Aid Parkinson's Patients
Liftware, an eating utensil design for people suffering from tremors, could soon assist those with Parkinson's disease and other disorders.
Scientists Create Most Detailed Map of Ocean Currents Ever
The Goce spacecraft produced the most accurate map of ocean currents ever developed. Why did this observatory study the Earth's gravitational field in such detail?
Science Welcomes New Bird Species from Indonesia
The Sulawesi streaked flycatcher was first noticed in 1997, and a team of researchers tracked them down in Indonesia. But, what makes these birds different from the rest?
Could 'Interstellar' Wormhole Travel Actually Happen?
Wormholes may exist in nature, but travel through real-life Einstein-Rosen bridges would likely be far more challenging to travel through than seen in the movie Interstellar.
Bees' Favorite Flowers Disappearing Along With Their Populations
Bees prefer certain flowers over others, and as those flowers disappear, so do the bees which visit them, a new study reveals.
How Your Blu-Ray Discs Could Improve Solar Cells
Blu-Ray discs can be used to make solar cells more efficient, according to new research from Northwestern University.
The Surprising Link Between Alzheimer's and Schizophrenia
Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia have long been thought to be related, and a new study on aging shows some surprising similarities between the two diseases.
FDA Warns This Gynecological Device Could Spread Cancer
Laparoscopic power morcellators could spread cancer in women being treated for uterine fibroids, an updated warning from the Food and Drug Administration warns.
How Did a Peruvian Beach Become a Sea Lion Graveyard?
Hundred of dead sea lions have been found on a beach in Peru. What could this incident have to do with other similar mass deaths seen in recent years?
Robot Yields Surprising Measurements of Antarctic Sea Ice
Antarctic ice is examined by an underwater vehicle, showing sea ice melting faster than expected. Antarctic ice has been mapped in 3D with a robotic explorer for the first time ever, revealing surprising results, showing ice is melting much faster than once believed.
Study Shows Kids Today Have Fewer Friends, But Are Less Lonely
American youth have fewer friends than those in the past, but are also less likely to be lonely. What role does technology play in the change?
Be 'Friends in Space' with Astronaut Cristoforetti As She Explores ISS and Space Espresso
Samantha Cristoforetti arrived at the International space station, along with an espresso machine. A new application allows users to communicate directly with the astronaut.
Scientists Devise Method to Estimate Magnetic Field of Distant Exoplanet: Here's How They Did it
The magnetic field of Planet HD 209458b has been measured for the first time, using a novel method that could be used to study other alien worlds. How did they do it?
Horses and Rhinos Have More in Common than You Think, Ancestor Fossils Discovered in India Suggest
Cambaytherium thewissi fossils may shed new light on the ancestors of horses and rhinos, but what can they tell us about continental drift?
Buffalo Area in Danger of Flooding, Still Reeling from Epic Snowfall
Buffalo, N.Y., could experience floods as weather warms and rain looms following a pair of historic snow storms. Parts of the western New York area received up to 7 feet of snow in just three days.
Black Sea Devil: Mysterious, Rare Anglerfish Captured on Video for First Time by MBARI Researchers
Black sea devils have been recorded on video for, possibly, the first time in history. What are these strange residents of the deep?
Scientists Discover Secret to How Our Ancestors Conquered Tibet: Barley
Barley and wheat may have been essential in occupying the high altitudes of Tibet, but why? Barley may have been essential to the human conquest of Tibet, according to new research.
Newly Discovered 'Stargazing' Shrimp Always Looks to the Heavens
Stargazing shrimp have been discovered, looking like aliens underwater - how could they be looking everywhere at once?
Man's Brain Was Home to a Tapeworm for Four Years
A tapeworm which lived in the brain of a man for four years has been removed, and the genetic code sequenced. What did researchers find?
Is a Gluten-Free Diet a Healthy Choice? Study Shows Pros and Cons
Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular, but a new report from Consumer Reports suggests health benefits may be minimal.
Will 2014 End As World's Hottest Year?
The hottest year on record is likely to be 2014, as global warming continues around the world. The year 2014 is on track to become the warmest year on record, despite recent cold temperatures seen throughout much of the Central United States in November.
Here's How Small Volcanoes Can Help Fight Global Warming
The global warming hiatus may be caused by small volcanic eruptions, but how serious is the effect? Sulfur dioxide gas released from small volcanic eruptions could be slowing the progression of global warming, according to new research.
Death By Snow Shoveling: Dangers Revealed by Buffalo's Snow Storm
Shoveling snow can be fatal, a lesson learned after two people fell dead in Buffalo. How do you avoid dying while moving the white stuff?
Obesity Isn't Cheap: Global Cost Comes in at $2 Trillion
Obesity costs two trillion dollars each year to the global economy, but what can be done to solve the problem?
