Author Archives

Isobel Whitcomb

Isobel Whitcomb

A pile of grey and white fish lie on the deck of a boat. An octopus is right in the center of the image, on top of all the fish.

There’s nothing virtuous about your ‘sustainably’ caught fish

 Environment
• November 4, 2019

The belief that fish is a healthier, greener option is further driving overfishing

In the right-hand side of the photo, a close-up profile of a blond woman holding a joint to her lips. The photo is in black and white.

Is cannabis really helping you sleep?

 Health
• April 19, 2019

Smoking before bed might seem like a good way to drift into a more relaxed sleep, but research suggests otherwise

Mushrooms pile on top of one another. Most are brown, and some aren't clearly visible.

Foraging with New York City’s mushroom hunters

 Life Science
• March 15, 2019

For members of the New York Mycological Society, all mushrooms are good — but some are better when left off your dinner plate

A newborn baby, in the image background, grasps an adults pointer finger, pictured in the foreground

Probiotics could give cesarean section babies a healthier start

 Health
• February 20, 2019

It’s a controversial idea, but early research is promising, and some parents are forging ahead

Over a completely black background, a pink, glowing creature floats. It doesn't look how you would imagine a cucumber. It's slightly transluscent, long, and misshapen, with tentacle-like structures on one side, and a orange digestive tract visible through its translusent skin.

The surprising reason why some creatures glow

 Life Science
• January 9, 2019

Sea creatures flashed their lights even before any organisms had eyes to see them

A man, whose head is not visible, sits on a wall and massages his knee, which is wrapped in a brace.

Online “acceptance” therapy helps patients cope with pain

 Health
• November 30, 2018

The therapy doesn’t reduce pain, but that’s not the point

A starry night sky, with the milky way clearly visible in the middle, glowing pink. Around the lower edges, you can see the black outlines of mountains and pine trees.

Why researchers haven’t given up on contacting aliens

 Space, Physics, and Math
• November 29, 2018

Searching for extraterrestrial life is like trying to meet someone in Manhattan with no prearranged place or time

A crowd of people wades in a shallow river. In the background, there is a crowd of hundreds dressed in colorful clothing. In the foreground, a small group of men splashes in the river. On the far left, a man submerges himself completely. The second man from the lefthand side is grinning widely.

World’s largest gathering creates perfect storm for infectious disease

 Health
• November 16, 2018

Early next year, the Allahabad Kumbh Mela festival in India will attract 150 million pilgrims — and even more drug-resistant microbes

 
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