Libby Riddle

Libby Riddle is the Summer 2026 science writing intern at Science News. She is a master's student in the Environmental Science Journalism program at the University of Montana and holds a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology.

All Stories by Libby Riddle

  1. Paleontology

    Heat-trapping asteroid dust may have incinerated the dinosaurs within hours  

    Within minutes of impact, debris began heating Earth’s atmosphere. Fine dust trapped that heat, potentially killing the dinosaurs quickly.

  2. Animals

    Naked mole-rat queens rule their colonies with a potent odor

    A compound made only by breeding queens keeps naked mole-rat colonies infertile and free of conflict.

  3. Animals

    ‘Forever chemicals’ could be aging dolphins beyond their years

    Common dolphins in New Zealand are biologically older than their calendar ages. Trace metals and “forever chemicals” may be to blame.

  4. Paleontology

    A rare 3-D snake fossil is ssspilling sssecrets of its unusual lifestyle

    A new snake’s unique head anatomy suggests early snakes were even more diverse than thought. This one was a rare burrower.

  5. Anthropology

    In painted caves, ancient human DNA clings to the walls

    Scientists recovered ancient human DNA from cave walls for the first time. Refined, the method could help link prehistoric paintings to their makers.

  6. Agriculture

    Scientists say Beefalo are all beef, no -alo. Breeders disagree

    A whole-genome analysis of Beefalo, a hybrid bison-cattle breed, suggests very few individuals have any bison DNA at all, a new study reports.

  7. Animals

    The animal behind most aggressive wildlife encounters may surprise you

    Analysis of 3,000 incidents in Canada reveals which animal–human activity combos are especially risky. Of note: Elk and campgrounds are a bad mix.