Rachael Rettner

Rachael Rettner

Contributing Writer

Rachael was a Senior Writer for Space.com sister site Live Science. She has a masters degree in journalism from New York University's Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and a Master of Science in biology from the University of California, San Diego. Her work has appeared in Scienceline, The Washington Post and Scientific American.

Articles by: Rachael Rettner

Virus particles

Researchers revamp famous alien-hunting equation to predict spread of COVID-19

By Rachael Rettner published

A famous equation used in the search for alien life has inspired a new model that estimates the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins on a spacewalk in 2013.

Space Radiation Doesn't Seem to Be Causing Astronauts to Die from Cancer, Study Finds

By Rachael Rettner published

That may be true for the short missions astronauts have gone on so far. But Mars will be a different story.

Herpes viruses float over a red background.

Spaceflight Triggers Herpes Viruses to 'Reawaken'

By Rachael Rettner published

Stephen Hawking in 2006

Stephen Hawking Turns 76: How Has He Lived So Long With ALS?

By Rachael Rettner published

Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking turns 76 today, reaching an age well beyond what was expected when he was diagnosed with ALS decades ago.

An MRI of an astronaut's brain before (panel A) and after (panel B) a long-duration spacefight.

Here's How Space Travel Changes the Brain

By Rachael Rettner published

Astronauts who spend prolonged time in space experience noticeable changes to their brain's structure, a new study finds.

Solar Eclipse Lawsuit: Couple Sues Amazon Alleging Faulty Glasses

By Rachael Rettner published

A couple in South Carolina has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging that the company sold faulty solar eclipse glasses that did not adequately protect their eyes during last week's eclipse.

a close up of a person's eye

Eclipse Watchers in California Reportedly Put Sunscreen on Their Eyeballs

By Rachael Rettner published

Some eclipse watchers reportedly put sunscreen on their eyeballs during last week's eclipse.

Oregon eclipse crowd

Did the Solar Eclipse Damage Your Eyes? Here's How to Tell

By Rachael Rettner published

Many watchers of today's solar eclipse may have glanced at the sun without proper eye protection. But how do you know if you've hurt your eyes?

The International Space Station as seen in a photo taken in 2010.

Next Stop for Parkinson's Disease Research: Outer Space

By Rachael Rettner published

In an effort to find new treatments for Parkinson's disease, researchers are sending their experiments to space.

A boy squinting in the sun

If the Sun Is 93 Million Miles Away, Why Can't We Look Directly at It?

By Rachael Rettner published

During next month's solar eclipse, you may be tempted to gaze directly at the sun, but you absolutely should not do this without the proper eye protection.

Mission to Mars Vehicle

Why Extroverts Could Cause Problems on a Mission to Mars

By Rachael Rettner published

On long-term space missions, such as missions to Mars, having an extrovert on board could have several disadvantages, a new study suggests.

Colon Health

Space Travel May Increase Chances of Colon Cancer

By Rachael Rettner published

Cosmic radiation from space travel may increase the risk of colon cancer.

The docked space shuttle Endeavour is featured in this image photographed by an STS-134 crew member onboard the International Space Station on May 21, 2011 during flight Day 6 activities. Earth's horizon and the blackness of space provide the backdrop for

Spaceflight May Compromise Immune System, Study Finds

By Rachael Rettner published

A long journey in space may actually compromise the immune system and make astronauts more susceptible disease.

Astronauts may require medications in space to treat minor illnesses, but researchers don't know what exposure to the unique elements of space flight will do to medications over the long term. To find out, researcher Lakshmi Putcha, from the NASA Johnson

Space Medicines for Astronauts Don't Have the Right Stuff

By Rachael Rettner published

Medications used to treat astronauts in zero gravity might not work as well as they do on Earth.

Sun Surprisingly Active During Low Point in Cycle

Sun Surprisingly Active During Low Point in Cycle

By Rachael Rettner published

Even during low points in the Sun's solar cycle, solar winds still bombard the Earth, a new study finds

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