Articles by James Maynard
Thousands of years of cultural evolution traced in amazing five minutes animation (Video)
Cultural evolution of the western world has been modeled in a new video from the University of Texas.
Cannae microwave thruster system may revolutionize space travel
A new propulsion system for spacecraft has been successfully tested by NASA that could bring humans to the stars within decades. Strangely, laws of physics say the engine should not work.
Fermi space telescope spies gamma rays in recurrent symbiotic nova
Gamma rays have been detected from a type of nova in space for the first time, but what produces these energetic waves?
Isolated Amazon tribe makes first contact with outside world out of desperation (Video)
A previously uncontacted group of natives have emerged from the rain forest of Peru, into Brazil, fleeing dangers from developers and drug traffickers.
Atlas 5 rocket launches US Air Force GPS satellite into space
The GPS network has been joined by one more satellite, the next in a new generation of units for global positioning.
Xamaleon: Ice cream that magically changes color as you lick it
Color-changing ice cream is the latest development from a physicist and cook from Barcelona. Xamaleon, a new form of ice cream that changes colors as it is licked, has been developed by a Spanish physicist.
Toledo water is not potable: Toxins discovered in Lake Erie
A state of Emergency has been declared in areas surrounding Toledo over contaminated water supplies from Lake Erie.
16-foot waves spotted in Arctic Ocean: Blame climate change?
Water in the Arctic Ocean is becoming exposed due to melting ice, and that could lead to a runaway effect in the region.
Mysterious jellyfish-like creatures swarm on California shores
Velella velella, a variety of strange marine creatures resembling jellyfish, are washing up on the shores of the Pacific northwest of the United States.
New study links lower testosterone levels to march of human civilization
Human testosterone levels declined 50,000 years ago, which could have led to the rise of arts and tool making, according to a new study.
Sugar is harmful to brain. Sugar-sweetened beverage? It's just as bad
Sugar and high fructose corn syrup can each damage the brains of adolescent rats, but does that also apply to humans?
Mars 2020 rover by NASA will carry better laser, have x-ray vision and make oxygen
NASA announced the instruments to be carried aboard the Mars 2020 rover, designed to search for life on the Red Planet.
What is 'bubble boy' disease and how can it be treated?
New hope for SCID, better-known as bubble boy disease, could include screenings as well as stem cell transplants.
Old planets need companions too if they want to host life
Older worlds with planetary companions may be the place to find the most ancient life in the galaxy, according to a new study.
Dinosaurs shrank and evolved into birds to survive
Theropods, a type of flightless meat-eating dinosaur, evolved into smaller forms over 50 million years, developing into birds, according to a new study.
Early Earth was bombarded by massive space rocks and oceans 'boiled away into steam'
The Hadean era of the Earth, the first era of our planet's formation, may have seen the crust melt and the oceans boil away.
Hummingbirds KO micro drones in hover test
Mini-drones, meant for surveillance, are now able to fly nearly as efficiently as hummingbirds, Based on a new international study.
Deep sea octopus mother broods young over four years
Egg brooding in one species of deep-sea octopus can last 4.5 years, longer than any other known type of animal.
Amber collection opens window to ancient world (Video)
A wealth of information about life in the Dominican Republic 20 million years ago has been revealed in amber. The collection was unseen for decades in a museum closet.
Two more holes found at 'The end of the world' in Siberia
After one mysterious hole was discovered in Siberia, another pair has now been found. But, what is causing these unusual geological formations?
Cheesecake Factory wins the cake for 2014 Xtreme Eating Awards: 2000-plus calories meals outed
The Center for Science in the Public Interest has named the least-healthy meals available in chain restaurants, and some pack on the calories, salt and sodium.
Great white sharks in Cape Cod attract swarms of tourists
White sharks off the coast of Massachusetts are attracting visitors, unlike 40 years ago, when Jaws frightened the public into not entering the water.
Killer sperm stops nematode worms from cross-breeding
Female worms can be torn apart by killer sperm when they try to mate with members of another species.
Opportunity Mars rover smashes offworld distance record held by Lunokhod 2
Opportunity, a rover launched ten years ago, on a 90-day mission, is still going strong. Opportunity, a Mars rover that landed on a mission to the Red Planet in 2004 scheduled to last 90 Martian days, is still operating 10 years later.
Cassini spots at least 101 geysers on Saturn moon: Is Enceladus harboring alien lifeform?
Enceladus, one of the largest moons of Saturn, harbors 101 geysers. So far, there is no sign of Cruella DeVille.
Origin of 18th century ship found in debris of World Trade Center finally explained
The World Trade Center Ship is less mysterious now than it was four years ago, but how did it get there?
Neuroscientists use Thunder tools to make sense of big data
Thunder, a new software application, allows neuroscientists to quickly analyze vast amounts of data from brain research.
Seismic ocean blasting experiment along East Coast may pose threat to marine ecology
Seismic guns firing off the east coast of the United States could have save people from tsunamis, but what will be their effect on marine wildlife?
NASA releases model blueprints of spacecrafts, planets and asteroids for 3D printer enthusiasts
Print out 3D models of spacecraft, planetary surfaces, asteroids and more at home, using blueprints recently made available by NASA.
Trees are saving human lives - 850 people per year - by reducing air pollution
Trees across the United States save as many as 850 people a year by removing pollutants in the air, according to a new study from the Forestry Service.
