Articles by Traci Pedersen, Live Science Contributor

Traci Pedersen is a freelance author who has written extensively on themes of science, psychology, religion and alternative health for a variety of publications. She has also written 14 science chapter books and numerous teacher resource books for the elementary classroom. She is constantly brainstorming how to turn age-old topics into new and exciting stories.

Articles by: Traci Pedersen

Deep Discoverer exploring the seamount wall at Subducting Guyot 1.

Mariana Trench: The deepest depths

By Becky Oskin published 16 May 22

Reference The Mariana Trench is more than 7 miles (11 kilometers) deep. Although it is a toxic environment, some creatures of the deep thrive there.

Amazon: Earth's mightiest river

By Traci Pedersen published 5 April 22

Reference The Amazon River is a massive, intricate water system. It is by far the largest river on Earth in terms of volume and width.

difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells under a microscope

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

By Traci Pedersen, Scott Dutfield published 18 January 22

Reference Learn about the many differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and how they evolved.

Polonium: A Rare and Highly Volatile Radioactive Element

By Traci Pedersen published 6 December 18

Polonium was a critical ingredient in the first atomic bomb and it's a suspected poison in more than one high-profile death.

Facts About Indium

By Traci Pedersen published 15 August 18

Properties, sources and uses of the element indium.

Facts About Radon

By Traci Pedersen published 1 August 18

Properties, sources and uses of the element radon.

The Everglades: River of Grass

By Traci Pedersen published 23 June 18

The Everglades is an intricate system of subtropical wetlands, lakes and rivers in south Florida.

A white marble statue of Hippocrates standing at the top of a set of marble stairs near some trees and bushes

What is the 'Hippocratic oath,' and who was Hippocrates?

By Traci Pedersen last updated 27 April 23

Hippocrates was a physician who lived in ancient Greece and is credited with writing a code of ethics called the Hippocratic oath.

Facts About Californium

By Traci Pedersen published 22 April 18

Properties, sources and uses of the element californium.

Facts About Molybdenum

By Traci Pedersen published 11 April 18

Properties, sources and uses of the element molybdenum.

Facts About Hafnium

By Traci Pedersen published 31 March 18

Properties, sources and uses of the element hafnium.

Facts About Rhodium

By Traci Pedersen published 13 March 18

Properties, sources and uses of the element rhodium.

Greenland: An Arctic island that's rapidly melting

By Traci Pedersen published 1 February 18

Greenland is covered by a thick ice sheet. Scientists are growing extremely concerned that global warming is melting the ice too quickly.

Christmas Trees: Real vs. Fake, and How to Keep Them Fresh

By Traci Pedersen published 22 November 17

Does adding sugar, aspiring or vinegar to the water keep your Christmas tree fresher longer? Try this experiment to find out.

Facts About Vanadium

By Traci Pedersen published 1 August 17

Properties, sources and uses of the element vanadium.

Facts About Gallium

By Traci Pedersen published 26 July 17

Properties, sources and uses of the element gallium.

Facts About Iodine

By Traci Pedersen published 19 April 17

Properties, sources and uses of the element iodine.

Mississippi River: North America’s Mighty River

By Traci Pedersen published 11 March 17

The Mississippi River touches 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces and is one of the largest rivers in the world.

Yangtze River: Longest River in Asia

By Traci Pedersen published 16 February 17

The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia. It is approximately 3,915 miles (6,300 kilometers) long, the third longest river in the world.

The Nile: Longest River in the World

By Traci Pedersen published 29 November 16

The Nile River is considered the longest river in the world, but its actual length is a matter of debate.

Facts About Calcium

By Traci Pedersen published 26 October 16

Properties, sources and uses of the element calcium.

Facts About Lead

By Traci Pedersen published 6 October 16

Properties, sources and uses of the element lead.

Facts About Nickel

By Traci Pedersen published 23 September 16

Properties, sources and uses of the element nickel.

Facts About Microbursts

By Traci Pedersen published 27 August 16

Microbursts, also called downbursts, are powerful, localized columns of wind. They can cause just as much damage as a tornado.

Facts About Arsenic

By Traci Pedersen published 28 July 16

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element with a reputation as "king of poisons" as well as the "poison of kings."