NU Sci Staff

The Dark Side of Renewable Energy By Cayman Somerville, Environmental Science, 2017 Environmentalists struggle to deliver world-class solutions to complex environmental problems without further harming Earth’s natural systems. This well-known dilemma stems from unknown or ambiguous environmental impacts. Countries around the world are exploring alternatives to non-renewable energy resources like fossil fuels or nuclear energy. […]

Northeastern Breaks Ground on New Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex On February 21, 2014, students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community gathered at Northeastern’s Columbus parking lot to view the groundbreaking ceremony for Northeastern’s new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC). This $225 million investment will consist of 220,000 square feet of research

The Colors of Sea Monsters Revealed By Megan Pinaire The age of the dinosaurs is famous for the Tyrannosaurus Rex, king of all land dwelling dinosaurs. Yet the ocean, at the same time, was ruled by terrifyingly large sea monsters like mosasaurs and ichthyosaurs. Around 245–90 million years ago, Ichthyosaurs controlled the oceans, averaging six to

Bioflorescence Abounds By Jessica Melanson, Journalism, 2014 Fluorescence in fish often goes hand in hand with ever-controversial genetic modification — like fluorescent zebra fish used in cancer research, or the popular pet, GloFish, the only genetically modified pet allowed to be sold in the United States. Yet in a new and unexpected discovery, scientists have identified over

Stringray Robots for Ocean Exploration Science is always looking to learn from nature to improve the efficiency of machines and processes. As the world looks to explore the oceans that cover more than two-thirds of the planet’s surface, scientists are starting to move closer to building more efficient vehicles based on marine animals themselves. Researchers

Liberty and Justice for All By Jordyn Hanover, Behavioral Neuroscience 2017 “He made me do it!” This common defense is a phrase every person has probably heard at some point in their lives, for reasons ranging from eating an extra cookie to going to a party instead of studying. In the criminal justice system, a new

The Blood-filled Mosquito that Could By Marta Palermo, Behavioral Neuroscience, 2017 Picture it. It’s forty six million years ago and you’re in what is known today as Northwest Montana. Surrounding you are monumental trees, tall, rocky peaks, horses and rhinos and more of the exotic fauna of this prehistoric time. In a nearby lake, after a

Fabian Cousteau’s Mission 31 is a “Go” By Shannon Jones, Marine Biology, 2016 On Thursday, November 21, the Northeastern Alumni Center hosted Fabien Cousteau, a world-renowned scientist who is the grandson of Jaques-Yves Cousteau. He spoke about his grandfather’s goals, his experiences with the ocean, his own dreams for marine science, and his new project, Mission

An Interview with Angela Herring: Northeastern’s Resident Science Writer By Gwen Schanker Angela Herring has had plenty of experience with interviews, although she’s normally the person taking notes and not the one answering questions. As Northeastern’s only official science writer, Herring explores any and all interesting scientific topics through research and interviews, and then shares her