Maria Temming

Staff Writer, Physical Sciences, Science News

Maria Temming is the staff writer for physical sciences at Science News. Maria has undergraduate degrees in physics and English from Elon University and a master's degree in science writing from MIT. She has written for Scientific American, Sky & Telescope and NOVA Next. She’s also a former Science News intern.

All Stories by Maria Temming

  1. Space

    Jupiter may have ‘sprites’ or ‘elves’ in its atmosphere

    This is the first time that scientists have seen hints of these weird side effects of lightning storms somewhere other than on Earth.

  2. Space

    There’s water on sunny parts of the moon, scientists confirm

    The new observations were made by a telescope on board a jet in Earth’s atmosphere. They confirm the presence of water on sunlit areas of the moon.

  3. Animals

    The diabolical ironclad beetle is nearly unsquishable

    The diabolical ironclad beetle is an incredibly tough little creature. A peek inside its exoskeleton reveals what makes it virtually uncrushable.

  4. Space

    Surviving Mars missions will take planning and lots of innovation

    Astronauts that go to Mars will need protection from microgravity and radiation, plus mini-medical devices to diagnose problems and manage emergencies.

  5. Science & Society

    Batteries not included: This Game Boy look-alike doesn’t need them

    Game Boy revolutionized the gaming industry. A newer version could help slow the rate of climate change.

  6. Fossils

    This ancient reptile’s last meal may have truly been a killer

    An ichthyosaur’s eyes were too big for its stomach. And that may have led to this ancient reptile’s death.

  7. Physics

    How physics lets a toy boat float upside down

    Buoyancy’s upward force keeps objects afloat even in unusual conditions.

  8. Space

    Strange but true: White dwarfs shrink as they gain mass

    Telescope observations of thousands of these stars now confirm a decades-old theory on how their masses relate to their waistline.

  9. Environment

    Australian wildfires pumped smoke to record heights

    Wildfires in Australia in late December and early January spurred an unusual smoke plume that still hasn’t fully dispersed.

  10. Tech

    Wiggly wheels might help rovers plow through loose lunar soils

    New design lets wheels ascend hills too steep for regular robots and paddle through loose soils without getting stuck.

  11. Animals

    Traces from nuclear-weapons tests offer clues to whale sharks’ ages

    Traces left by nuclear-bomb testing in the 1950s and ‘60s can help researchers learn how old a whale shark is.

  12. Environment

    Legos could last a disturbingly long time in the ocean

    By looking at toys washed up on beaches, scientists have estimated how long it takes hard plastics to break down in the oceans. And it’s a long time.