Articles by Robin Burks
Is medical research sexist? New study shows that experiments favor male subjects
Because of the trend to only use male animals and cells in medical research, many major medical journals are now requiring studies to report the gender of subjects used in experiments.
New evidence could prove that Stonehenge was once a full circle
A Stonehenge groundskeeper stumbled upon a clue about the ancient site. Although archaeologists never found evidence that the structure was round, dry patches of grass suggest it was once a complete circle.
How to turn your cat into a Wi-Fi hacking accomplice
A Las Vegas man creates a Wi-Fi tracking collar that, with the help of a cat named Coco, finds neighborhood Wi-Fi signals that use bad encryption or are vulnerable to easy hacking.
Why 25 percent of the world's languages could go extinct
A new Cambridge study suggests that countries with booming and successful economies are rapidly losing languages, specifically those of indigenous peoples, faster than countries with less economic growth and success.
Neanderthal art found in cave could change what we know about the species
A discovery of 36,000-year-old Neanderthal art on a cave wall demonstrates what could be the result of abstract art, changing what we know about the intelligence of this now-extinct species. This newly discovered art demonstrates what could be a sign of a major leap in human evolution.
Mars Opportunity rover is getting a memory reset
NASA plans to remotely reformat the failing flash memory on the Mars Opportunity rover from over 125 million miles away. The rover has roamed the surface of the red planet for over ten years.
NASA pushes the boundaries with 3D printing
Not only has NASA created a 3D printer for use on the International Space Station, but the agency also recently printed two rocket injectors and tested them for performance against traditionally manufactured rocket parts.
The world's sharpest commercial satellite releases first images
The WorldView-3 satellite, the sharpest commercial satellite ever, launched into space on August 13. Now, we can see its first images, featuring details clearer than anything we've seen before from satellite imagery.
Museum discovers long-lost gift from Charles Darwin
The Natural History Museum of Denmark discovered that Charles Darwin, the man responsible for the theory of evolution, once gifted one of their directors with some specimens, which they recently recovered.
This is how movies manipulate your brain
Researchers study movie-goers and discover that not only do people's brains tend to synchronize while watching films, but the brain is also being manipulated to focus on specific images on-screen.
NASA's SLS deep space rocket plans for launch in 2018
After a thorough review of the powerful Space Launch System (SLS) deep-space rocket, NASA has given the okay for the rocket's first launch, which the agency hopes for in 2018.
Hayao Miyazaki to recieve a liftetime achievement Oscar
Hayao Miyazaki, legendary animator and retired co-founder of the acclaimed Studio Ghibli, will receive an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar next year from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Who were the Paleo-Eskimos and why did they go extinct?
After studying DNA from ancient Arctic bones, archaeologists discover a group of humans that lived in isolation for over 4,000 years and were the first to settle in the region. Who were the Paleo-Eskimos really?
Scientists think baby dinosaurs may have had babysitters
After looking at a possible dinosaur nest, a group of paleontologists from the University of Pennyslvania, studied its fossils of baby dinosaurs, along with an older dinosaur, that was potentially their caretaker.
'Doctor Who' is coming to 'Minecraft' on the Xbox 360
Microsoft and the BBC have announced a partnership made in 'Doctor Who' fan heaven. The Doctor, along with the Daleks, will soon be released as DLC for 'Minecraft' on the Xbox 360.
Can buying video games make you happier? Science says yes
A group of researchers from the University of Michigan's psychology department discovers that purchases that offer experiences, such as video games, musical instruments and sports equipment, makes you happier than more material objects.
Dangerous 'Swatting' prank on gamer caught on camera
SWAT teams recently raided the office of a Colorado man after a rival video gamer called in a false shooting and hostage report. A Twitch video stream caught the incident while it happened.
Science fiction becomes reality with X-Prize competition for 'Star Trek' tricorder
Qualcomm Tricorder X Prize judges have chosen ten finalists for a competition to build a real-life 'Star Trek' tricorder, a medical device used for monitoring vital statistics and detecting diseases.
Scientists can now turn bad memories into good memories in mice
A team of MIT researchers learn how to change emotions associated with memories in mice, turning pleasant memories into unpleasant memories and back again by exposing part of the brain to light.
British geologists recreate Great Britain in Minecraft
Players of the popular video game Minecraft can now build constructions, mine resources and fight monsters in a geographically accurate representation of Great Britain, thanks to the British Geological Survey.
Cosmic magnifying glass uncovers stunning view of colliding galaxies
By using many telescopes and a natural effect that creates a sort of magnifying lens in space, an international team of astronomers now have the best view yet of two galaxies merging.
Science declares that mozzarella is the best cheese for pizza
Researchers at the University of Auckland New Zealand recently studied the science of cheese: how it bakes, how it melts and how it tastes. They discovered that the best cheese for pizza is mozzarella.
Are we living in a 2D hologram? Physicists intend to find out
An experiment by the U.S. Department of Energy's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory might lead to a new understanding of our Universe and even determine that we're living in a 2-D hologram.
Social media users are less likely to share opinions on controversial topics
A new report done by Pew Research Center suggests that people who use social media shy away from offering their opinions in discussions about controversial subjects both on and offline.
U.S. Army blows up hypersonic weapon after failed test launch
After a test launch of a prototype hypersonic weapon in Alaska went wrong just after four seconds in the air, the U.S. Army destroyed the weapon as a safety measure.
ESA chooses five potential sites for Rosetta's historic comet landing
In November, the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft will send its Philae Lander to Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The agency is now scouting five potential landing sites for the first ever comet landing.
China’s building a submarine that could go from Shanghai to San Francisco in 2 hours
Chinese scientists are building a super fast submarine that travels in an air bubble, greatly reducing drag. The submarine will reportedly travel from Shanghai to San Francisco in just two hours.
Digital media is making young people lose the ability to read emotions
A new UCLA study shows that in young people, an increased exposure to digital media can lead to a lessened ability in reading others' emotions, leading to a lack of social skills.
Attractive faces may not be the healthiest
Studies have shown that when choosing a mate, people often associate facial symmetry with good health. However, new research from Brunel University London shows that there is no link between the two.
Scientist restores images from Voyager 2 to create amazing color map of Neptune moon Triton
Using historic footage from NASA's Voyager 2 mission, Lunar and Planetary Institute scientist Paul Schenk has constructed an enhanced high-resolution three-color global map of Triton, one of Neptune's 13 moons.
