Maria Temming

Maria Temming

Assistant Managing Editor, Science News Explores

Previously the staff writer for physical sciences at Science News, Maria Temming is the assistant managing editor at Science News Explores. She 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 AmericanSky & Telescope and NOVA Next. She’s also a former Science News intern.

All Stories by Maria Temming

  1. Plants

    These are the first plants grown in moon dirt

    The first attempt to grow plants in Apollo samples from the moon shows the promise and potential struggles of farming in lunar soil.

  2. 50 years ago, scientists thought a desert shrub might help save endangered whales

    Fifty years ago, scientists sought a sustainable alternative to prized oil from endangered sperm whales.

  3. Animals

    Here’s how boa constrictors squeeze their dinner without suffocating themselves

    Carefully controlled breathing allows boa constrictors to pull off their signature move without cutting off their own air supply.

  4. Science & Society

    How Science News has been a training ground for young science journalists

    A long-standing internship along with informal mentorship are part of the tradition at Science News.

  5. Science & Society

    We’re celebrating a century of Science News

    Across a century of science journalism, Science News has covered the Scopes trial, the moonwalk, Dolly the Sheep and more.

  6. Quantum Physics

    A new gravity sensor used atoms’ weird quantum behavior to peer underground

    Quantum sensors promise to be more accurate and stable in the long run than other gravity probes.

  7. Planetary Science

    50 years ago, Arecibo got an unprecedented view of Venus’ surface

    Over its 57-year lifetime, Arecibo’s radar system measured the mountains around Venus’ middle, studied the textures of many rocky bodies in outer space and more.

  8. Neuroscience

    Americans tend to assume imaginary faces are male

    When people see imaginary faces in everyday objects, those faces are more likely to be perceived as male, a new study shows.

  9. Animals

    Here’s what goldfish driving ‘cars’ tell us about navigation

    When measuring intelligence, the saying goes, don’t judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree. But what about its ability to drive a vehicle?

  10. Animals

    50 years ago, scientists were genetically modifying mosquitoes

    In 1971, scientists turned to genetics to control disease-spreading mosquitoes without DDT. Today, there are a variety of pesticide-free methods.

  11. Space

    A space rock called Kamoʻoalewa may be a piece of the moon

    New observations reveal the possible origins of a mysterious object called Kamoʻoalewa. It could be the wreckage from an ancient impact on the moon.

  12. Chemistry

    This eco-friendly glitter gets its color from plants, not plastic

    Using cellulose extracted from wood pulp, researchers have created a greener alternative to traditional glitter.