Maria Temming

Maria Temming

Assistant Editor, Science News Explores

Previously the staff writer for physical sciences at Science News, Maria Temming is the assistant 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. Anthropology

    50 years ago, evidence showed that an extinct human ancestor walked upright

    Fossil finds have since pushed back the ability of hominids to walk on two legs by millions of years.

  2. Life

    These scientific discoveries set new records in 2023

    This year’s record-breaking findings shed new light on human history and the most amazing feats in the animal kingdom.

  3. Animals

    50 years ago, the U.S. Navy enlisted sea lions and other marine mammals

    Today, dolphins and sea lions in the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program protect harbors and participate in research on animal health and well-being.

  4. Earth

    STEVE and other aurora-like glows perplex scientists with their complex physics

    New views of STEVE from citizen scientists keep raising questions about the atmospheric light show — but computer models may offer some answers.

  5. Earth

    Here are some big-if-true scientific claims that made headlines in 2023

    Hominid cannibalism, “dark stars,” the secrets of Earth’s core and more tantalizing findings will require more evidence before scientists can confirm them as fact.

  6. Animals

    A new species of hedgehog stands out for its short spikes

    At first, the eastern forest hedgehog was mistaken for its cousin. Dental and DNA analyses eventually confirmed the critter is a species new to science.

  7. Animals

    These brainless jellyfish use their eyes and bundles of nerves to learn

    No brain? No problem for Caribbean box jellyfish. Their seemingly simple nervous systems can learn to avoid obstacles on sight, a study suggests.

  8. Chemistry

    50 years ago, the quest for superheavy elements was just getting started

    In the 1970s, scientists were on the hunt for superheavy elements. They’ve since found more than a dozen and are searching for more.

  9. Animals

    A little snake’s big gulp may put all other snakes to shame

    The humble Gans’ egg-eater can wrap its mouth around bigger prey than any other snake of its size.

  10. Neuroscience

    Here’s what lucid dreamers might tell us about our sleeping minds

    Lucid dreaming could prove to be a powerful tool for probing dreams, one of the most universal yet elusive human experiences.

  11. Health & Medicine

    50 years ago, enzyme injections showed promise for treating a rare disease

    Enzyme replacement can offer relief to people with rare diseases. Now, scientists have found a way to treat one disease before a person is even born.

  12. Animals

    Northern elephant seals sleep just two hours a day at sea

    The marine mammals have truly awesome stamina for staying awake, sleeping only minutes at a time on months-long trips at sea.