Articles by James Maynard
Report of gamma ray burst was blown out of proportion: Actually, it was a false alarm
Stories of a gamma ray burst in the Andromeda Galaxy have been popular on the internet, but the reports are greatly exaggerated, as per the scientists behind the finding that started the confusion.
Sunsets on Saturn's moon Titan offer clue of atmosphere of alien exoplanets
Titan is the only satellite in the known solar system with a dense atmosphere. Studies of sunsets seen through haze led the way to a new technique to study alien worlds.
Parasitic wasp uses zinc-tipped ovipositor to drill into fruits. Scientists stunned by discovery
Parasitic fig wasps use zinc to drill, in order to lay eggs. This is the story of that unique insect.
Unusual NASA experiment will offer insight into how space travel affects twins
NASA will study the effects of space travel on the human body by studying a pair of twins. One will travel into space to the ISS for a year, America's longest space mission so far, while the other remains on Earth..
NASA screams 'fake' to viral CNN report that giant asteroid will collide with Earth
The Earth is safe from a non-existent asteroid, despite a report carried on CNN. CNN is the target of jokes around the nation and the world after running a report on a deadly asteroid due for a collision with Earth.
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 watery grave may be found with help of new seafloor map
Experts produced a new map of the ocean floor could help investigators piece together the whereabouts of Malaysia Airlines flight 370.
Emerald Ash Borer ravaging forests in Midwest states
The emerald ash borer, a tiny beetle, has killed 50 million trees in the Midwest. They have now spread to 12 states.
Ants forage for food in a highly efficient and systematic way: Study
Ants use a highly efficient method of finding food. This is the story of how the tiny animals do it.
Creationist Ken Ham claims dinosaurs and humans coexisted and Ebenezer is the proof: Really?
Could a well-preserved skeleton of an Allosaurus prove humans and dinosaurs lived together, or is it wishful thinking?
45-ton giant dead whale carcass in San Diego beach kicks up a stink, gets towed
A whale washed up on a beach, was hauled out to the water, and came back to land. Here is the story of the journey of a deceased cetacean.
Humans sacrificed muscle power for brain power as they evolved, claims new metabolic study
As human evolution progressed, our ancestors lost muscle mass while gaining brain power, according to a new metabolic study. Humans channeled more energy to their brains so muscles received less.
Light-colored insects, butterflies and dragonflies, love a warmer climate: Study
Insects in Europe are changing where they live, based on their color, according to a new international study.
What's in a name? A lot because Americans care more about 'global warming' than 'climate change'
Global warming or climate change? The two phrases produce different results in the general public, according to new research.
Roombot modular robot can turn into any piece of furniture: Autobots, you have competition
Modular robots that can turn into any piece of furniture have been designed by a team of researchers from Switzerland. No need to start saving for one yet, however - here's why.
OutRunner robot is one of the fastest running robots out there: It joins the Cheetah
Robotics Unlimited is introducing the OutRunner robot, capable of traveling over rough terrain. Here is the story of what it can do.
Underground fossil soils are rich in carbon, may account for global warning
Fossil soils called loess trapped underground may play a role in global climate change, according to a new study. Here's what you need to know about this type of ancient soil.
Chelyabinsk asteroid was result of massive collision of two space rocks, scientists say
The asteroid that exploded over Russia in 2013 injuring more than a 1,000 people, may have been involved in a collision long ago, say researchers.
Apollo lunar landing joystick fetches astronomical sum of $610k at auction
An auction of artifacts from the history of space travel brought a record price for one item. The joystick used to land the crew of Apollo 15 on the moon in 1971 has sold for $610,000 at an auction.
Aliens are for real and we can prove it. But we just need some money: SETI scientists tell Congress
The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) could find alien civilizations within 20 years, scientists tell Congress.
U.S. Air Force to shut down HAARP, putting all conspiracy theories to rest
The HAARP station, run by military forces and blamed by some for a wide variety of tragedies, is being shut down. Ending the program may just feed more conspiracy theories.
PETA plasters anti-Sea World ad in San Diego airport
A new advertisement urging people to stay away from Sea World is now showing at the San Diego airport. But, why did PETA sponsor the ad?
Physicists want U.S. to spend $1 billion on 800-mile long neutrinos beam project
Neutrinos are hard to detect, and now a group of physicists wants to build a tunnel 800 miles long to study them.
Bronx Zoo marks Memorial Day with Komodo Dragon exhibit
Komodo dragons are on display at the Bronx Zoo for the first time since the 1950's. Here is the rundown on these "Amazing Monitors."
Nature-inspired scientists make drones of the future
Researchers of flying robotic drones are turning to nature for inspiration in the newest models. Drone developers from around the globe are taking inspiration from nature for the latest generations of automated aerial vehicles.
Collecting plant and animal specimens does not lead to extinction of species, say researchers
Is specimen collection of plants and animals helping or harming endangered species? Here is the latest debate on the issue.
Are you ready for the Camelopardalids meteor shower? Here's how you can watch it this weekend
A brand new meteor shower may be seen around North America for the first time this weekend. This is how to best view the show.
NASA wants citizen scientists to take control over and rescue derelict satellite
The International Sun-Earth Explorer-3 was launched on a mission to explore the solar wind in 1978. It fell silent 21 years later, but now NASA has given the go-ahead for a group of amateur astronomers to resurrect the mission.
Cuddly carnivore, transparent snail and giant amoeboid protist are among the 10 new species of 2014
SUNY taxonomists have named the top 10 new species discovered in 2013. One is 40 feet tall! New species discovered in 2013 include a transparent snail, a 40-foot tree that has remained hidden in plain sight, and one adorable, meat-eating mammal.
Aliens exist. Yes, there are alien life-forms in space: SETI astronomers tell Congress in funding hearing
Dan Werthimer testified before Congress about the SETI program and alien life. Here is a rundown on what we know so far about the quest for alien life.
Termite genome sequenced: Here's how it will help us all
The genetic structure of a termite has been sequenced for the first time. Here is what it could mean.
