Harrison Tasoff

Live Science Contributor

Harrison Tasoff is a science journalist with beats as varied as his interests, from fire ecology to supernovae to photonics. Originally from Los Angeles, Harrison earned his B.A. in mathematics at Swarthmore College. A graduate of NYU’s Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program, he currently works at UC Santa Barbara and as a freelancer.

Latest articles by Harrison Tasoff

a deer's breath is visible in the cold air

Why does nearly all life breathe oxygen?

By Harrison Tasoff published 30 March 25

Nitrogen comprises around 78% of Earth's atmosphere, so why do most lifeforms breathe oxygen?

Chemistry

A juvenile manta ray at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary.

First Known Nursery for Baby Manta Rays Discovered Off the Texas Coast

By Harrison Tasoff published 20 June 18

The little rays use the shallow reefs as hiding spots to avoid big sharks in the area.

Fish

Interstellar Influenza? Space Viruses Could Reveal Alien Life

By Harrison Tasoff published 24 January 18

Extraterrestrial Life

Giant, Dark Hole Opens Up in Sun's Atmosphere

By Harrison Tasoff published 22 November 17

An extensive hole opened up in the sun's atmosphere, allowing solar winds to rush out into space.

The Sun

Antimatter Particles Are Crashing into Earth, And Scientists Don't Know Why

By Harrison Tasoff published 18 November 17

New data from a mountaintop observatory in central Mexico have refuted astronomers' hypotheses about the origin of antimatter particles detected on Earth.

Astronomy

A massive star reaches the end of its life in an artist's conception of a supernova.

Stellar Zombie: Scientists Discover a Star That Won't Die

By Harrison Tasoff published 11 November 17

The appearance of a three-year-long supernova explosion challenges scientist's current understanding of star formation and death, and work is underway to explain the bizarre phenomenon.

Astronomy