Payal Dhar

Payal Dhar

Live Science Contributor

Payal Dhar (she/they) is a freelance journalist, writing on science, technology, and society. They cover AI, engineering, materials science, cybersecurity, space, games, online communities, and any shiny new technology that catches their eye. She has written for Science News, Scientific American, Nature, Washington Post, Guardian, Chemical & Engineering News, IEEE Spectrum, and others. They also write science-fiction and fantasty. You can follow her @payaldhar.bluesky.social or read her work at payaldhar.contently.com.

Latest articles by Payal Dhar

A black mamba photographed with an open mouth in front of a black background.

Deadly mamba snakebites stop muscles from working — but sometimes, antivenom can send them into overdrive

By Payal Dhar published

Some victims of venomous mamba snakebites see their symptoms worsen after getting antivenom, displaying a different type of paralysis. A new study explores why.

Medicine & Drugs

Scientists could soon create a 'universal antivenom.' But would it save lives?

By Payal Dhar published

A recent study hints that we could make a universal antivenom for snakebites, but some scientists say we need something else instead.

Snakes

Strikingly simple 'dial' in the brain may help it distinguish imagination from reality

By Payal Dhar published

Activity levels in a specific region of the brain predict whether we think something is real, irrespective of whether we've seen it or imagined it.

Human Behavior