Contributor

Kristin Houser

Managing Editor

Contact

[email protected]

Kristin Houser is the Managing Editor of Freethink. Her articles on science and technology have been featured in NBC News, RealClearDefense, 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.

Kristin is currently based in Pittsburgh, and prior to joining Freethink, she was a staff writer for Futurism, launched an LA-based music blog, and wrote several animated and live action web series.

Genetics

Supercentenarians’ DNA reveals clues to human longevity

A human longevity study involving people over the age of 105 has found that genetic variants linked to DNA repair appear to contribute to a longer life.

Kristin Houser

Neuroscience

New brain-computer interface turns mental handwriting into text

A new brain-computer interface translated a paralyzed man’s “mental handwriting” into text on a computer screen.

Kristin Houser

Apps

How a smartphone app is helping suppress HIV

An HIV app that uses gaming elements to motivate people to stick to their ART regimen was able to increase viral suppression in a small study.

Kristin Houser

Entertainment

How will movie theaters survive post-pandemic?

Chicago musician Chance the Rapper is releasing his new concert film, “Magnificent Coloring World,” exclusively through AMC Theatres.

Kristin Houser

Biology

"Octopus vision" may help prevent human blindness

A new medical device that gives optometrists a fast, easy way to monitor a key macular degeneration risk factor was inspired by octopus vision.

Kristin Houser

3D Printing

Startup turns sawdust “ink” into 3D printed wood

Massachusetts startup Forust can make 3D printed wood with a natural-looking grain out of two wood waste products: sawdust and lignin.

Kristin Houser

Biology

New blood test could predict the onset of labor

Stanford University researchers have identified blood-based biomarkers that can be used to predict the onset of labor in pregnant women.

Kristin Houser

World’s first VR opera to open in London

“Current, Rising,” the world’s first VR opera, promises to immerse audiences in a “hyper-reality” made possible by technology.

Kristin Houser

Astronomy

Algorithm quickly simulates massive universes in high-res

A new algorithm lets astrophysicists produce high-res cosmological simulations of large parts of the universe far more quickly than was previously possible.

Kristin Houser

Sustainability

World’s biggest jeweler will only sell lab-created diamonds

Jewelry company Pandora has announced plans to start using only lab-created diamonds in its products, officially turning its back on diamond mining.

Kristin Houser