Contributor

Kristin Houser

Staff Writer

Contact

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Kristin Houser is a staff writer at Freethink, where she covers science and tech. Her written work has appeared in Business Insider, NBC News, and the World Economic Forum’s Agenda, among other publications, and Stephen Colbert once talked about a piece on The Late Show, to her delight.

Prior to joining Freethink, Kristin was a staff writer for Futurism and wrote several animated and live action web series.

Coronavirus

When will we have a COVID-19 vaccine?

Several developers have reported incredible coronavirus vaccine progress, so when will we have a COVID-19 vaccine ready for distribution?

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Oxford says its COVID-19 vaccine is up to 90% effective

The University of Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine was up to 90% effective in a phase 3 trial and could be easier to distribute than other coronavirus vaccines.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

How long will coronavirus immunity last?

Coronavirus immunity might last for years, according to a new study that measured the levels of virus-fighting immune cells in COVID-19 survivors.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

New skin cancer vaccine is twice as powerful

By adding two “boosters” to an in-development skin cancer vaccine, scientists may have improved its ability to prevent melanoma recurrence.

Kristin Houser

Engineering

Scientists want to use a laser beam to control lightning

A new laser beam may allow scientists to control lightning, allowing them to divert a bolt to strike where it’s less likely to cause a wildfire.

Kristin Houser

Outer Space

Bacteria could make space mining 400% more efficient

Using a bioreactor packed with bacteria could make space mining more efficient by speeding up the extraction of elements from rock.

Kristin Houser

Medicine

New vanishing wound dressing heals skin with minimal scarring

A new kind of hydrogel dressing improves wound healing and minimizes scarring by kicking the adaptive immune system into gear.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

FDA authorizes first at-home COVID-19 test

The FDA has authorized an at-home COVID-19 test that delivers results in 30 minutes, but you can’t get it without a prescription.

Kristin Houser

Biology

The most detailed map of the human heart

A new map of the human heart details the function and location of 500,000 cells, providing a valuable tool for researchers studying cardiovascular disease.

Kristin Houser

Outer Space

The plan to convert space debris into labs for astronauts

Space services company Nanoracks plans to convert space debris into orbiting “Outposts” that could serve as hotels, research parks, and more.

Kristin Houser