Articles by Katherine Derla
Special Genes Allow Parasitic Bees To Reproduce Even Without Males
These honeybees don't need male drones to reproduce and literally rule over foreign nests. Scientists found that special genes allow an isolated honeybee population in South Africa to reproduce asexually and invade other colonies.
Forty Percent Of US Women, 17 Percent Of Teenagers Are Obese: CDC
Two new reports from the CDC shed new light on the current obesity crisis in the U.S. The reports found that 40 percent of women and 17 percent of teenagers in America are still obese despite various intervention initiatives.
Traditional Canoe Sails Around The World Without Motor
A Polynesian crew is sailing the world without a motor on board a double hull traditional canoe called the Hōkūleʻa. The goal is to increase awareness of the Native Hawaiian culture and to demonstrate how the seas connect us all.
Lab Researcher Contracts Zika Virus From Infected Needle Stick
A female lab researcher from the University of Pittsburgh contracts Zika virus after accidentally sticking herself with an infected needle. The case is believed to be the first Zika infection contracted through a lab in the U.S.
Millions Of Spiders Escaping Floodwaters Cover Trees In Silk
Floodwaters in northern Tasmania are causing millions of black spiders to escape to treetops, covering them in silk in an event called 'ballooning.' The record heavy rains in Launceston result in major floods and coax millions of spiders toward higher grounds.
Climate Change Causes Extensive Greening Of Canada's Tundra: NASA Study
An analysis of satellite images finds that Canada's tundra is greening. Scientists discover that climate change is causing an extensive greening activity in parts of Canada and Alaska, an event that might disrupt the carbon cycle.
Gene Editing Promising But Potentially Dangerous: Scientists
A new report concludes that while gene editing promises great advancements, it can also be potentially dangerous. The panel of scientists concludes that it's too early to release genetically altered organisms such as insects, plants and animals into the environment.
Tiger Meat Slaughterhouse Found Near Thai Temple
Authorities found a slaughterhouse located near a Thai Buddhist temple, a popular tourist spot where people can pay to walk tigers on leashes. Four live tigers were retrieved while authorities discovered equipment believed to be used in illegal animal smuggling.
Forbes Names The World's Most Powerful Women
Forbes names German Chancellor Angela Merkel as the world's most powerful woman six years in a row. Forbes annual list of the world's most powerful women comprises of the top 25 'smartest and toughest female' professionals from various fields.
Longest Migration Trip: Tiny Seabird Travels Equivalent Of Flying Twice Around The Planet
Great things come in small packages. A tiny sea bird called the Arctic tern traveled the equivalent of flying twice around the planet in the longest migration trip ever recorded.
Monthly Period Prevents Women From Participating In Sports Medicine Research
An analysis of sports and exercise research discovers a gender disparity wherein women are highly underrepresented. In an editorial, experts share that the biggest barrier is the woman's menstrual cycle and how this gender gap can have dire consequences.
New Material Can Kill E.coli Bacteria In Just 30 Seconds
Researchers developed a new material that can kill E.coli bacteria in as fast as 30 seconds. When tested on other drug-resistant bacteria and fungi, the material can kill the disease-causing microbes in under 2 minutes.
Last Known Surviving 9/11 Search Dog Dies In Texas
Bretagne, a 16-year-old Golden Retriever and the last known living 9/11 search dog at Ground Zero, was euthanized at a veterinary clinic in Houston. She also served as a therapy dog, providing comfort to the exhausted police and firefighters.
China Wants US To Do More To Help Poor Nations Fight Climate Change
China wants the U.S. to help poorer and developing nations in their fights against climate change. As the likely champion for poorer nations, China wants the U.S. to share technologies with other nations to help enforce the 2015 Paris agreement.
Huntington Beach Closed To Public Over Reports Of Shark Sightings
On Sunday, authorities close down two miles of Orange County beaches, including Huntington Beach, after spotting large sharks near the coasts. On Monday, authorities will determine if the beaches can be safely reopened to the public.
Opioid, Heroin Overdose Antidotes Becoming Easier To Buy
Antidotes for opioid and heroin drug overdoses are easier to buy today compared with years ago. Almost every state has made it legal to buy them even without a prescription.
Hong Kong Suspends Sale Of Live Chickens Over Bird Flu Concerns
There might not be any chicken supply for this week's Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong due to bird flu concerns. After droppings tested positive for the H7N9 bird flu strain, Hong Kong has halted the sale of live chicken.
Scientists Produce 'Polymer Opals' That Scatter Light In Intense Colors
Scientists have developed a new rubber band-like material that can scatter light in intense colors when stretched or twisted. The new ‘polymer opals’ can be manufactured at a massive scale, suggesting it can have a wide range of applications.
Europe Gives Approval To World's First Gene Therapy For Children
The European Commission has approved the world's first gene therapy for children suffering from ADA-SCID, a rare disorder closely linked to the "bubble boy" disease. The new treatment uses gene-editing techniques to fix the faulty gene.
Higher Cooking Temperatures Needed To Make Burgers Safe From E.Coli Bacteria
Researchers discovered E.coli genes that can survive the temperature recommended by federal authorities for cooking beef. This means ground meat-based food items need to be cooked at higher cooking temperatures to keep them safe from E.coli bacteria.
Archaeologists Test New Scanner That May Unlock Ancient Secrets Of Egypt's Great Pyramid
The quest for Egypt's ancient secrets continues. A team of French scientists is testing a new telescope that can scan the pyramids' hidden chambers as well as other undiscovered structures inside.
Artificial Leaf Converts Solar Energy To Fuel That May One Day Power Your Car
The Bionic Leaf 2.0 can power your vehicles and help address the world’s fuel consumption problems someday. This new 'artificial leaf' uses solar energy to divide hydrogen-eating bacteria and water molecules to produce liquid fuels.
Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Dies At 74 After Battling With Respiratory Illness
Muhammad Ali's fight with Parkinson's disease lasted for almost three decades and the boxing champion put up a good fight. Ali died on June 3 at 74 years old in a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.
New Ultra-Thin Metalens Could Replace Bulky Lenses in Cameras, Phones And Telescopes
The new ultra-thin and flat metalens can potentially replace the stacked, bulky lenses used in today’s modern gadgets. The new lens technology offers better focus than the current best-in-class commercial lenses.
Astronomers Detect Hydrogen Signal From Distant Galaxy
Astronomers observe a hydrogen signal coming from a distant galaxy. While hydrogen is abundant in the universe, its presence reveals much about a galaxy since it is the primary fuel used in creating stars.
Russian Rocket Carrying Toxic Chemicals To Crash In Canada's Arctic Waters
A Russian Rocket is expected to crash in Canada’s Arctic waters this weekend. The rocket, which is carrying highly toxic chemicals, will be diving into a biodiversity hotspot - endangering animals such as whales, polar bears and seabirds.
Prince Died From Accidental Overdose Of Opioid Fentanyl, Toxicology Tests Reveal
Toxicology tests reveal that the iconic singer Prince died from an accidental overdose of opioid fentanyl, which is 25 to 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
Starbucks Teams With World's Largest Brewer To Launch Teavana Ready-To-Drink Tea In The US
Coffee or tea? Starbucks has both and it’s teaming up with the world’s biggest brewer to launch its new Teavana ready-to-drink line of teas in the United States.
Paris Floodwaters Prompt Louvre, Orsay Museums To Move Some Artwork
Precious artworks in Paris are in danger. The rising floodwaters in the French capital prompt Louvre and Orsay Museums to move several artworks to higher grounds as the water level in the Seine River continues to escalate.
Long Term Marijuana Use Linked To Increased Risk For Gum Disease
A new study finds that long-term marijuana smokers have higher risks of developing gum disease. New findings also show that these marijuana users flossed and brushed their teeth less often than the non-marijuana smokers.
