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.

Astronomy

This 10-year time lapse of the solar cycle is breathtaking

Using images collected by the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), NASA has created a stunning time lapse of the sun’s solar cycle.

Kristin Houser

Mental Health

Can AI predict which depression treatment is most effective?

Artificial intelligence-powered algorithms that analyze brain scans are showing promise in helping doctors find an effective depression treatment on the first try.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Reopening schools this fall could benefit children

Experts in favor of reopening schools as soon as possible argue that school closures could be hurting young people’s physical, mental, and social health.

Kristin Houser

Agriculture

Battling a locust swarm from space

Using data from NASA satellites, researchers are scouring East Africa for areas where a desert locust swarm might be born — so they can destroy the eggs.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Simple tips for choosing a face mask that works

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, face coverings are now mandatory in many states. Here’s what you need to know about choosing a face mask.

Kristin Houser

Fixing Justice

Qualified immunity might not protect police for much longer

The U.S. government is considering changes to qualified immunity, a doctrine that protects police from civil lawsuits.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Who is at high risk for COVID-19? Experts weigh in.

Two COVID-19 risk factors are particularly likely to increase a patient’s chances of having a severe case, according to a new CDC report.

Kristin Houser

Aerospace

NASA’s plans for space tourism are becoming a reality

NASA’s space tourism plans, which include hosting private citizens on the International Space Station, are starting to come to fruition.

Kristin Houser

Medicine

Nanotech endometriosis treatment could ease women’s pain

An in-development endometriosis treatment uses dye-filled nanoparticles to identify and destroy diseased tissues.

Kristin Houser

Fixing Justice

How police spend their time

The New York Times looks at how police spend their time at work, providing insights that could be useful for “unbundling the police” efforts.

Kristin Houser