Articles by Isobel Whitcomb, Live Science Contributor

Isobel Whitcomb is a contributing writer for Live Science who covers the environment, animals and health. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Fatherly, Atlas Obscura, Hakai Magazine and Scholastic's Science World Magazine. Isobel's roots are in science. She studied biology at Scripps College in Claremont, California, while working in two different labs and completing a fellowship at Crater Lake National Park. She completed her master's degree in journalism at NYU's Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon.

Articles by: Isobel Whitcomb

An illustration of NASA's Cassini orbiter soaring through a giant vapor jet over the moon Enceladus

James Webb telescope discovers gargantuan geyser on Saturn's moon, blasting water hundreds of miles into space

By Isobel Whitcomb published 23 May 23

The James Webb Space Telescope caught Saturn's icy moon Enceladus spraying a 'huge plume' of watery vapor far into space — and that plume may contain chemical ingredients for life.

An image of a distant galaxy cluster, with a zoomed-in box showing 4 yellow dots around a large foreground galaxy. These dots are 4 separate images of the same supernova.

Scientists watched a 'reappearing supernova' explode 5 times in a row — and it could help reveal how fast the universe is expanding

By Isobel Whitcomb published 18 May 23

After showing up five times in Hubble images, a 'reappearing supernova' is helping scientists solve one of astronomy's biggest mysteries.

Scientists have established a new council to answer the question: "What should humans do after aliens contact us?"

Scientists are working on an official 'alien contact protocol' for when ET phones Earth

By Isobel Whitcomb published 5 November 22

We're unprepared for when E.T. reaches out to us. A team of experts is determined to change that with the first new alien "contact" protocol in 35 years.

Creative illustration of a human head and mind.

Is it possible to avoid unwanted thoughts?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 2 October 22

Is there a way to suppress unwanted thoughts that repeatedly pop into your mind?

Active regions on the Sun combined to look something like a jack-o-lantern’s face on Oct. 8, 2014.

What is the largest known star in the universe? (What about the smallest?)

By Isobel Whitcomb published 24 September 22

The big stars make our sun look puny.

Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) have carried out more than 50 attacks against people in the Japanese city of Yamaguchi (the macaques in the photo are not associated with the recent violence).

'Monkey gang' member executed in Japan as marauding macaques run amok

By Isobel Whitcomb published 4 August 22

A team of "specially commissioned hunters" tracked down and killed one member of a "monkey gang" responsible for more than 50 attacks in the Japanese city of Yamaguchi.

An illustration of the influenza virus (giant blue sphere) surrounded by human antibodies (small y-shaped orange shapes).

Could we ever eradicate the flu?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 1 August 22

We have influenza vaccines, but is it possible to eradicate the flu?

The unusual front fins of epaulette sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) help them do something no other shark species can do: walk on land.

'Walking sharks' caught on video, astound scientists

By Isobel Whitcomb published 29 July 22

On the remote Southern coast of Papua New Guinea, scientists encountered something amazing: a walking shark.

Four happy woman drinking wine together whilst sitting in a line on an urban rooftop.

Does wine help you live longer?

By Isobel Whitcomb last updated 26 July 22

People from food cultures where wine is a daily part of life have famously low rates of heart disease and long lives. But does drinking wine actually help you live longer?

Why do we get goosebumps?

By Isobel Whitcomb last updated 22 July 22

Why do we get goosebumps when we're cold, afraid or inspired? Learn why humans sport this evolutionary adaptation.

This is an image of a vampire slaying kit. It contains a lot of items, such as a bible, rosary beads, several flasks of holy water, a pair of pistols, a crucifix, a plain communion book, a wooden hammer, and a necklace of sorts.

Mysterious 'vampire-slayer kit' sells at auction for $15,600

By Isobel Whitcomb published 8 July 22

A "vampire-slayer kit" once owned by a British aristocrat has sold for nearly $15,600 at auction.

Lactic acid: Image shows sprinters racing round track

What is lactic acid?

By Amber Sayer last updated 6 July 22

Reference An exercise physiologist explains lactic acid, and it's impact on our bodies.

Are humans at the top of the food chain?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 6 December 21

Lions, wolves and great white sharks have no natural predators, except humans. Does that mean humans are at the top of the food chain?

What would happen if the speed of sound was as fast as the speed of light?

What if the speed of sound were as fast as the speed of light?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 28 November 21

The speed of light moves 1 million times faster than the speed of sound. What would happen if the speed of sound sped up to match it?

What is ESP?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 30 August 21

Also known as "the sixth sense" or "psi," extrasensory perception, or ESP, encompasses a wide range of paranormal abilities, including mind reading and predicting the future.

A sad woman sits on her couch after a breakup

Why does 'emotional pain' hurt?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 10 May 21

R.E.M. wasn't singing about backaches or sprained ankles.

Does the silent treatment work?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 25 April 21

Conflict is healthy.

A radio telescope with the Milky Way in the background

What messages have we sent to aliens?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 20 March 21

The most important thing we've communicated? That we exist.

How do tiny pieces of space junk cause incredible damage?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 14 March 21

Space junk moves at 10 times the speed of a bullet from an average gun.

Can animals give birth to identical twins, triplets or even quadruplets?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 7 March 21

Sure, one baby's tough. But what about two or more?

Is champagne stronger than non-bubbly alcoholic drinks?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 14 February 21

Do you need to exercise extra moderation with the champagne this Valentine's Day?

How does the rubber pencil illusion work?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 7 February 21

The rubber pencil illusion works because our brain can't keep up.

How do scientists figure out how old things are?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 10 January 21

Dating is hard, even for scientists.

What led to the emergence of monotheism?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 3 January 21

It depends on your definition of monotheism.

What are the most common ways people get injured?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 27 December 20

The most common culprit is found in most homes.

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