Stories by Marissa Fessenden

Fickle Fairies: A Biologist Discusses Promiscuous Birds and Human Evolution

A biologist on lusty birds and human evolution

Recommended: Drinking Water

Gene Genesis: Scientists Observe New Genes Evolving from Mutated Copies

Researchers have observed in an experiment the exact steps bacterial genes take to evolve a new ability, unexpectedly adding a new twist on an old model

Does Congress Get a Passing Grade on Science?

Scientific American asks leaders of a dozen House and Senate committees for written answers to eight policy questions related to science and technology

How Serious Is the Fungal Meningitis Outbreak?

Contaminated medication has put thousands at risk for a rare form of meningitis—and the outbreak may last longer than first thought. An infectious disease expert explains what fungal meningitis is and the possible course the unfolding illness may take...

A Major Study Speeds Food-Allergy Treatments

A major study moves food-allergy treatments a step closer to reality

Cellular Calls: Listening in on Body's Protein "Chatter" May Lead to New Therapies

Observing signaling molecules before they leave a cell could give researchers insights into how cells in our bodies influence one another

Patent Watch: Non-Distorting Mirror

Recommended: Mirror Earth

Ball Wet: Massive Asteroid Vesta Harbors Scant Frozen Water at Surface

Data from NASA's Dawn spacecraft reveals easily evaporated chemicals and hydrogen on the asteroid, suggesting the presence of water mixed into its surface material

Naive Notes: Creating a Music Hall for Nonexpert Listeners

Concert hall designers generally aim for acoustics that satisfy experts, but a move is afoot to also consider the tastes of other concertgoers

Meteor Hunt

An astronomer describes his search for meteor showers and hopes others will join in the fun

The Empire State Building Shooting: How Can We Respond to Gun Violence?

Will the U.S. Remain a Leader in a Science- and Technology-Driven Economy?

Bring It: A Call for Candidates to Debate Science Policy

Scientists and concerned citizens ask the 2012 presidential candidates and leaders in Congress to discuss science and technology

Will the Candidates Tell Us about Their Policies on Pandemics and Biosecurity?

See Change: Rapid Emergence of New Sea Star Species Illustrates Evolution's Power

Two Australian starfish species diverged only 6,000 years ago, offering a glimpse of evolutionary history in the making

Heaven on Earth: Cosmic Particles and Extraterrestrial Rocks Reveal Our Beginnings [Slide Show]

NASA's beautiful collection of astromaterials is meticulously collected, catalogued and preserved for researchers to delve into the origins of our planet and the solar system

Bites from Vampire Bats Might Protect People against Rabies

Several native individuals in the Peruvian Amazon appear to have developed natural antibodies to the rabies virus

Early Intervention Could Help Autistic Children Learn to Speak

Follow-up study shows long-term language improvement for kids with autism after an intensive, targeted behavioral therapy program