Articles by Katherine Derla
Everything You Need To Know About The Deadly White-Nose Syndrome: Can Humans Be Infected?
A deadly bat disease has killed 6 million in North America already. It is currently threatening millions more as it continues to spread in an alarming rate. Are humans also at risk?
Scott Kelly Officially Retires From NASA After 20 Years Of Service
It's been great, Scott! NASA astronaut Scott Kelly officially retires after a 20-year stellar stint in NASA. Kelly officially started his retirement on April 1 and it's not an April Fool's joke.
Amateur Football Hits May Cause Later Life Difficulties
A study says that repeated subconcussive hits to the head endured by amateur football players poses significant future health risks. These later-in-life difficulties include depression and cognitive impairments.
Space Archeologists Find Evidence Of New Viking Site In North America
Using satellite images, a team of space archeologists finds new evidence of a new Viking site in North America. When confirmed, the discovery can open coastal Canada and other areas for a new era of research.
Controlled Epilepsy In Children May Still Cause Social Problems Later In Life
Epileptic children with excellent to good seizure control abilities may still suffer from social and educational problems in adulthood. A 12-year study has found other factors that could affect epilepsy's consequences later on in the life of young patients.
Smoking During Pregnancy May Alter Fetal DNA
Got a bun in the oven? Here's another reason to quit cigarettes for good: smoking during pregnancy can change fetal DNA that could have life-long effects.
WHO Sees Scientific Consensus On Zika Link To Microcephaly, Neurological Disorders
The link between Zika virus and microcephaly and other neurological disorders has reached a strong scientific consensus, according to the World Health Organization. These neurological disorders include the Guillain-Barre Syndrome that can cause temporary paralysis.
Laser Defense System May Hide Planet Earth From Aliens
Are we really alone? Since the subject is still up for debate, two astronomers suggest a laser defense system can help hide planet Earth from invading aliens.
Scientists Doubt Claims Of Hidden, Undiscovered Chambers In King Tut's Tomb
A Japanese radar technologist's scans on King Tut's tomb support the theory of hidden chambers, one of which could be the lost burial site of Queen Nefertiti. But radar experts doubt the claims and are asking for more evidence.
Some Plants May Increase Temperatures By Up To Five Degrees Celsius: Why You Should Care
Australian researchers have found that some plants can intensify the heatwaves in China and Europe because of the way they react to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. When plants are only able to release limited water, the intensity of the heatwaves increase. Here's why you should care.
3D Modeling Reveals Evolution Of Large Dinosaurs
Scientists have created 3D models of how the size, body shape and weight distribution of large dinosaurs evolved through time. The study involved the sauropods, which was the most dominant group of massive herbivores during the Mesozoic era.
Lockheed Martin Opens Test Facility For Space Fence System
Lockheed Martin opens a Space Fence System testing facility in New Jersey dedicated to test their new radar technologies. The improvements are expected to increase orbital debris awareness by a factor of 10 when it rolls into operation in late 2018.
Premature Birth Linked To Air Pollution Costs US $4.3 Billion Per Year
Premature births associated with air pollution are found to cost the United States a total of $4.3 billion annually in medical costs and lost economic productivity. The findings add to the growing body of research on air pollution's harsh effects on health and the economy.
Uncertainty Causes More Stress Than Inevitable Pain: Study
Not being sure causes more stress than knowing for sure, a new study has found. Findings also suggest that uncertainty-related stress helps people in making decisions in the long run.
ISS Inflatable Room To Revolutionize Future Space Habitats
The world's first inflatable space module is set to launch on April 8 for testing. The so-called Bigelow Expandable Activity Module promises a new method of building future space habitats that are lighter, faster and less expensive.
Planet X May Be Responsible For Mass Extinctions On Earth
A retired astrophysicist said Planet X could have caused mass extinctions on Earth. The elusive planet has been triggering comet showers, roughly every 27 million years, that result in periodic mass extinctions.
World's First Underwater Fluorescence Microscope To Detect Algae Outbreaks
A Canadian company is developing the world's first microscope that can be used to detect signals of fluorescence from potentially damaging algae before the fully-grown blooms appear. The device will undergo additional development and testing before being launched for commercial use.
Meteorologists May Soon Give Heat Wave Forecast 50 Days In Advance
Scientists developed a new way of coming up with long-term heat wave forecasts in the eastern half of the U.S. up to 50 days ahead using a specific sea surface temperature pattern in the North Pacific Ocean. The new method can better help farmers and city planners prepare.
New Zealand Overtakes Australia As Country With Worse Rate For Invasive Melanoma
New Zealand now has the highest invasive melanoma rates in the world. The Kiwis have overtaken Australians, a study has found. Unfortunately, the skin cancer rates in New Zealand are expected to get worse.
Human-Caused Earthquakes Place 7 Million Americans At Risk: USGS
The U.S. Geological Survey publishes a new map that details earthquake-prone areas in the country wherein Oklahoma is even redder than California. The new map factored in human-caused earthquakes such as the injection of wastewater into deep wells.
Supermodel Janice Dickinson Reveals She Has Breast Cancer
Former supermodel and TV host Janice Dickinson reveals she has early-stage breast cancer. During a routine medical exam, her doctor found a lump in her right breast.
US Senior Population Forecasted To Number 88 Million By 2050
A census report estimates that senior Americans aged 65 years and older will surge from 48 to 88 million by 2050. In the population aging race, the U.S. is behind Europe and Asia, whose populations are aging more rapidly.
New Blood Test For Concussion May Help Reduce Need For Radiation-Exposing Scans
A simple blood test can detect concussion even in patients who suffer delayed symptoms. The new method looks at the levels of a specific biomarker - an acidic protein - that is released during head injury.
New Fiber Material Detects Odorless Fuel Leaks
Scientists developed a new fiber material that can detect alkane vapor. Alkane is a colorless and odorless vapor that is found in many combustible material including explosives.
Brain Stimulation May Ease Anorexia Symptoms: Other Promising Treatments For Eating Disorders
Researchers discovered that brain stimulation known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation or rTMS may relieve anorexia symptoms and even cure the eating disorder with persistent treatment. Here are other promising treatments for anorexia.
Smoking, Obesity May Drive Increase In Heart Attack Rate Among Young Americans
Heart attack sufferers are getting younger and more obese in the last 20 years, researchers found. Obesity and smoking, among other unhealthy habits, can increase the risk of developing a heart attack.
Religious People More Emphatic But Less Likely To Be Critical Thinkers: Study
A study suggests that the difference between science and faith lies in our heads. Religious people were found to be more emphatic but not so much as critical thinkers, and it all boils down to how the brain works.
UK To Send New Robot To Mars: What Makes Bruno Different From Other Martian Rovers?
No, it's not a space pun involving the American singer. The UK really is sending a new rover to Mars and its name is 'Bruno.' Here's what you need to know.
Algae Water Bottles Offer Greener Alternative To Plastic
A design student created a 100 percent natural, all-edible water bottle made of algae. The design can pave way for new products that will help solve the growing plastic crisis.
Green House Gas Methane May Be Used As Chemical Building Block In Pharmaceuticals
Researchers developed a new method that provides a new approach to using methane, apart from burning it as fuel. The new method transforms methane into a chemical building block that can be used in pharmaceuticals.
