Articles by Rebecca Kaplan
Rosetta landing site on comet named Agilkia
The European Space Agency has just announced the name of the site where its Philae robot will attempt to land on Nov 12. The site has been named Agilkia after a spot on the Nile.
Lone wolf is roaming the Grand Canyon, surprising officials
A lone gray wolf is wandering the Grand Canyon. Officials are attempting to capture a DNA sample to determine whether this is a gray wolf or a wolf-dog hybrid.
Dads need to up the baby-talk game: Study
Mothers talk to their children more in early infancy than fathers, a new study shows. Both male and female babies also respond more attentively to female voices.
Why was animal evolution so delayed? Earth was low on oxygen
New research reveals that early Earth may have had less oxygen than originally thought. This could be the big reason why there is a billion-year gap between the introduction of simple life and the development of complex animal life.
Interstellar: Bridging science and art
The movie Interstellar, out November 7, features black holes heavily in its plot. Director Christopher Nolan worked closely with physicist Kip Thorne to create stunningly realistic depictions of black holes.
After 48-day search, FBI's Most Wanted Fugitive Eric Frein is found
Eric Frein was captured yesterday. Frein was on the FBI's Most Wanted Fugitive List, the subject of a seven-week manhunt.
Spaceships to reach supersonic speeds with lasers?
A new process developed by physicists may help spaceships eventually fly even faster. The scientists may be able to combine laser beams with gas to drive spacecrafts forward at super fast speeds.
Obesity and breast cancer may be linked. But how?
Researchers know that there is a link between obesity and breast cancer. Three new studies have just been released that add growing evidence to this.
Does survival from Ebola depend on genes?
A new study of genetically modified mice shows that mice display a genetically variable immune response to Ebola similar to humans. This may open up a new path to studying the virus in mice, rather than primates.
Male bird self medicates with poisonous beetle to attract the ladies
Males of a species of bustard bird may consume a toxic beetle to look more attractive during mating season, a new study shows. A toxic blister beetle can clear parasitic infections in birds.
Why no one wants to open this 100-year-old time capsule
A 100-year-old time capsule was discovered recently in Baltimore. However, it is so damaged that opening the capsule may destroy its contents.
Brittany Maynard might delay death: 'I still have enough joy'
Brittany Maynard, a woman with terminal brain cancer who had publicly announced her plans to end her own life, may postpone her plans past November 1. Maynard said that she does not feel ready to die just yet, but that the moment is probably coming soon.
Amelia Earhart's disappearance: What a scrap of metal confirms
A piece of metal was recovered in 1991 that a group called TIGHAR suspected belonged to Amelia Earhart's airplane. Now, the team has evidence that strongly links the aluminum sheet to Earhart's plane.
NYC's newest amphibian species since 1854 was just discovered: It's a leopard frog
A new species of frog was discovered in New York City recently. This is the first discovery of an amphibian here since 1854.
What are the effects of chronic fatigue? Scientists find brain abnormalities
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition where a person experiences unrelenting fatigue for an extended period. The syndrome has been poorly understood, but a new research study identified three significant differences between the brains of people with CFS and healthy patients.
Antares rocket's explosion, Russia's success: What was lost in the destruction?
An Antares rocket exploded last night as it was launching a Cygnus cargo supply shuttle towards the ISS. Meanwhile Russia launched a successful cargo ship up to the space station this morning.
Giant tortoises make comeback on Galapagos
A conservation effort to bring back the giant tortoises of Espanola Island in the Galapagos began about 40 years ago. Now, the tortoise population in the island has been stabilized, conservationists say.
These 10 brands recalling baby wipes for bacteria contamination
Nutek, a company that manufactures baby wipes, recently recalled ten brands of wipes that may be contaminated with bacteria. B. cepacia is not a threat to most healthy people, but people with a weakened immune system should take caution.
Crazy for cocoa? Good! Here are the benefits, from memory to heart health
You might get a health boost from eating unsweetened dark chocolate in moderation, new research shows. Memory, cholesterol and blood sugar can all benefit from this dessert.
How does a warming Arctic trigger a colder winter?
Melting Arctic ice is to blame for a doubled risk of harsh winters in Eurasia, new research shows. This adds to the evidence of mounting extreme weather events caused by global warming.
Terminal cancer patient Brittany Maynard checks Grand Canyon off bucket list
Brittany Maynard, a woman with terminal cancer, tentatively scheduled her death for November 1. With that date fast approaching, Maynard crossed a visit to the Grand Canyon off her bucket list.
What stone tools tell us about highest-altitude Ice Age peoples
Researchers studied a settlement at an extremely high altitude. These people lived in the Andes Mountains during the Ice Age.
The significance of Titan's glow
A research team at NASA has reported an unusual glow on Titan, one of Saturn's moons. This points to previously undiscovered complexities in Titan's atmosphere.
Million Ebola vaccine doses by end of next year: WHO
With the Ebola epidemic spreading, researchers have fast-tracked the testing of experimental vaccines. The WHO expects to have millions of Ebola vaccines produced in 2015.
Saturn’s moon Titan glows, awing NASA
Scientists at NASA recently discovered that Saturn's moon Titan glows in a localized way. The north and south poles each have a separate glow.
Largest sunspot in past 20 years turns towards Earth
A very large sunspot is currently facing the Earth, the largest in 20 years. Scientists are still not sure whether the sunspot will cause a CME.
Uber drives you around...and gives free flu shots?
Today, Uber will offer a free flu shot to everyone who orders an Uber car. The service is being offered in three cities in America.
How do ISS astronauts maintain their health?
Astronauts have been living in the International Space Station for years. However, there are still many things we don't know about health problems caused by living in space for long periods.
6,000-year-old temple found in Ukraine held sacrificial pagan rituals
Researchers found signs that a 6,000-year-old temple in Ukraine may have been used for ritual animal sacrifices. Signs of charred lamb bones were found on an altar made of clay inside the temple.
Living with a smoker? It’s like living in a polluted city
Second-hand smoke rivals pollution in the world's most polluted cities, a new study shows. The study's authors recommend taking that cigarette outside to give your housemates' lungs a break.
