marissa-fessenden

Marissa Fessenden


Marissa Fessenden is a science writer whose work has appeared in Scientific American, Smithsonian Magazine, and the Santa Cruz Sentinel. She earned her bachelor of science degree from Cornell University and a certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Short film ‘The Weight of Mountains’ makes geology into poetry

"All the good and evil things that happen in the world are of no consequence to the magnitude of their scale."

On Sep 4, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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New data shows the boundaries of our galaxy’s neighborhood

That 500-million-light-year wide block party is going to be epic. 

On Sep 4, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

Internet Culture
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NASA is sending the International Space Station a 3D printer

It’s not a Star Trek Replicator, but it’s close.

On Sep 4, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

Tech
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Astronomer says we could make contact with aliens if we try

When scientists receive a promising signal from outer space, they have a plan.

On Aug 30, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Here’s how you can listen to the entire planet

Welcome to the field of soundscape ecology.

On Aug 29, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

Internet Culture
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What are these odd sea creatures washing up on California beaches?

No, they're not jellyfish. 

On Aug 28, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

Internet Culture
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Everything you fear about MSG is wrong

This short video will make you want to order takeout Chinese food. 

On Aug 26, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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The beauty of studying physics in one incredible video

Xiangjun Shi's student project is worth watching. 

On Aug 26, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

Internet Culture
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Here’s proof we’re all sleep deprived

A fitness-tracking company calculated how much sleep people get around the world. It's not pretty. 

On Aug 23, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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NASA needs your help to analyze photos of light pollution

Citizen scientists, rally!

On Aug 22, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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National Geographic is taking you on a wildlife-packed adventure to Africa

You don't even need to board an airplane. 

On Aug 20, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

Internet Culture
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Your introduction to the wild world of eating bugs

The science behind entomophagy is obvious, but where do you go from there?

On Aug 19, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Meld your senses with trippy digital birdsong sculptures

Woah, dude, canary song has a lot of orange.

On Aug 18, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

Internet Culture
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What a jellyfish sting looks like in microscopic slow motion

Here's how the specialized stinging cells in a jellyfish’s tentacles inject you with venom. Have fun at the beach!

On Aug 18, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Shark Week has jumped the shark

The Discovery Channel's annual feeding frenzy isn't what it used to be.

On Aug 13, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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