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.
-
32 strange places scientists are looking for aliensFrom planets and moons in our solar system to dying stars and parallel universes, here are some of the far-out places scientists are searching for alien life.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
'Zeus made night from mid-day': Terror and wonder in ancient accounts of solar eclipsesFor millennia, solar eclipses like the upcoming one on April 8 have inspired awe, wonder and fear. Here are some of the most intriguing accounts of solar eclipses from ancient Greece to the Mayan empire.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
There's an asteroid out there worth $100,000 quadrillion. Why haven't we mined it?While asteroids are rich sources of precious and valuable materials, scientists still haven't fully committed to mining them.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
'Mind-blowing' James Webb telescope images reveal 19 spiral galaxies in the greatest detail ever seenNew James Webb telescope images reveal 19 Milky Way-like spiral galaxies in more intricate detail than has ever been seen before.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
Scientists map 1,000 feet of hidden 'structures' deep below the dark side of the moonWith data from China's Chang'e-4 rover, scientists were able to visualize the upper 1,000 feet of the moon's surface for the first time. Their results reveal billions of years of previously hidden lunar history.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
James Webb telescope discovers gargantuan geyser on Saturn's moon, blasting water hundreds of miles into spaceThe 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.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
Scientists watched a 'reappearing supernova' explode 5 times in a row — and it could help reveal how fast the universe is expandingAfter showing up five times in Hubble images, a 'reappearing supernova' is helping scientists solve one of astronomy's biggest mysteries.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
Scientists are working on an official 'alien contact protocol' for when ET phones EarthWe'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.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
Is it possible to avoid unwanted thoughts?Is there a way to suppress unwanted thoughts that repeatedly pop into your mind?
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
What is the largest known star in the universe? (What about the smallest?)The big stars make our sun look puny.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
Why do cats meow?Meowing is a tool to get you to do their bidding.
By Isobel Whitcomb Last updated
-
'Monkey gang' member executed in Japan as marauding macaques run amokA 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.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
Could we ever eradicate the flu?We have influenza vaccines, but is it possible to eradicate the flu?
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
'Walking sharks' caught on video, astound scientistsOn the remote Southern coast of Papua New Guinea, scientists encountered something amazing: a walking shark.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
Does wine help you live longer?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?
By Isobel Whitcomb Last updated
-
Why do we get goosebumps?Why do we get goosebumps when we're cold, afraid or inspired? Learn why humans sport this evolutionary adaptation.
By Isobel Whitcomb Last updated
-
Mysterious 'vampire-slayer kit' sells at auction for $15,600A "vampire-slayer kit" once owned by a British aristocrat has sold for nearly $15,600 at auction.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
What is lactic acid?Reference An exercise physiologist explains lactic acid, and it's impact on our bodies.
By Amber Sayer Last updated
Reference -
Are humans at the top of the food chain?Lions, wolves and great white sharks have no natural predators, except humans. Does that mean humans are at the top of the food chain?
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
What if the speed of sound were as fast as the speed of light?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?
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
What is ESP?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.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
Why does 'emotional pain' hurt?R.E.M. wasn't singing about backaches or sprained ankles.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
Does the silent treatment work?Conflict is healthy.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published
-
What messages have we sent to aliens?The most important thing we've communicated? That we exist.
By Isobel Whitcomb Published

