Physics writer Emily Conover joined Science News in 2016. She has a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Chicago, where she studied the weird ways of neutrinos, tiny elementary particles that can zip straight through the Earth. She got her first taste of science writing as a AAAS Mass Media Fellow for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She has previously written for Science Magazine and the American Physical Society. She is a two-time winner of the D.C. Science Writers’ Association Newsbrief award.

All Stories by Emily Conover

  1. Life

    Baby starfish whip up whirlpools to snag a meal

    Starfish larvae use hairlike cilia to stir up water whorls and suck prey in close.

  2. Math

    Hidden Figures highlights three black women who were vital to the U.S. space program

    "Hidden Figures" tells the untold story of the "human computers" who were essential to the launch of the U.S. space program.

  3. Physics

    Antimatter hydrogen passes symmetry test

    Antihydrogen atoms behave similarly to normal hydrogen atoms.

  4. Physics

    Year in review: Gravitational waves offer new cosmic views

    The first direct detection of gravitational waves will open a new window on black holes and introduce a new era in astronomy.

  5. Quantum Physics

    Vacuum’s quantum effect on light detected

    Light can be polarized through interactions with empty space.

  6. Materials Science

    Graphene Silly Putty detects pitter-patter of spider footsteps

    Sensor made of graphene and Silly Putty can detect pulse, breathing — and spider feet.

  7. Life

    Bird plus goggles equals new insight into flight physics

    Slow-flying parrotlet produces vortices that explosively break up.

  8. Quantum Physics

    Cosmic test confirms quantum weirdness

    Physicists used starlight to perform a cosmic Bell test.

  9. Physics

    Despite lack of free electrons, bismuth superconducts

    Bismuth conducts electricity with no resistance at temperatures near absolute zero, despite lack of mobile electrons.

  10. Chemistry

    Names for four new elements get seal of approval

    The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry has approved the proposed names for the four elements added to the periodic table in December 2015.

  11. Chemistry

    Names for four new elements get seal of approval

    The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry has approved the proposed names for the four elements added to the periodic table in December 2015.

  12. Life

    Blue leaves help begonias harvest energy in low light

    The iridescent color of some begonias comes from tiny structures that also help the plant convert dim light into energy.