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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South Korea’s first and only space pioneer resigns

The move effectively ends the country’s manned space program.

On Aug 13, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Inside the social networks of cows

If they had smartphones, they’d be on Facebook all the time.  

On Aug 7, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Scientists are livetweeting a major fossil dig in Wyoming

Watch a fossil dig from the comfort of your computer. 

On Aug 5, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Behold the first galaxies that shaped our early universe

This simulation from the Georgia Institute of Technology sheds light on the early universe. 

On Jul 24, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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How to make cheese using the microbes on your feet

What growing cheese from foot bacteria can tell us about art, science, and ourselves.

On Jul 22, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Ancient North Americans hunted elephant ancestors with crystal tools

Scientists have discovered the Clovis people took down these elephant-like animals in style.

On Jul 18, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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NASA has a ‘chief sniffer’ who keeps astronauts safe from stink

In space, no one can stand your smells.

On Jul 9, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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This 2-year-old amputee will make you get up and do something with your life

But the science behind "self-talk" is as fascinating as he is cute.

On Jul 8, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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How to start a fire in a jug

All the chemical needs is a little nudge. In this case, the nudge comes from the energy of the match.

On Jul 5, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Scientists discover malaria’s crafty way of making you smell tasty to mosquitos

Is that a new perfume? Nope—malaria.

On Jul 2, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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The ‘disco clam’ offers an amazing light show

Ain't no party like a mollusk party. 

On Jun 28, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Science says we should eat more insects

Most of the world does eat insects, so why don't we?

On Jun 27, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Scientists have discovered a diamond star

The 11 billion-year-old star is one giant diamond.

On Jun 27, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Scientists have discovered an adorable microscopic water bear in Antarctica

Scientists have discovered an incredible new species of water bear inside Antarctic moss.

On Jun 24, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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Get a new perspective on the night sky with time-lapse panoramas

It's trippier than simply looking up.

On Jun 20, 2014 by Marissa Fessenden

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