Hannah Loss

Hannah Loss

Live Science Contributor

Hannah Loss is a science journalist based in Boston. She covers the environment and has written for Scientific American, Sierra and Inside Climate News. Hannah graduated from Tufts University with a B.A. in English and environmental studies. She received a Master's degree in journalism from NYU's Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. 

Articles by: Hannah Loss

A photo of palm trees along a rough coastline being buffeted by incredibly strong winds

What's the fastest recorded wind speed?

By Hannah Loss published

Wind can whip up to surprising speeds, depending on if it's natural or human made.

A necklace with large emeralds and diamonds against a black background

Which are rarer: diamonds or emeralds?

By Hannah Loss published

The rarity of precious gemstones comes down to the geologic process of their formation.

An artist's rendering of the earth viewed from space, with the sun in the background

Which way does Earth spin? What about the other planets?

By Hannah Loss published

While Earth spins in the same direction as the sun, that's not the case for every planet in the solar system.

red giant star illustration

How many stars in the Milky Way die each year?

By Hannah Loss published

Stars die at different rates depending on how they kick the bucket.

An illustration of a T. rex opening its mouth in a wooded environment

T. rex was as smart as a crocodile, not an ape, according to study debunking controversial intelligence findings

By Hannah Loss published

A new study debunks previous findings that the dinosaur's intelligence was similar to that of primates, finding instead that they're about as smart as modern-day crocodiles.

Mine, tunnel front, silhouette of a standing worker.

What would happen if you drilled all the way through Earth?

By Hannah Loss published

Intense pressure and sweltering temperature would accompany a trip down through Earth's layers and out through the other side. However, this trip would be possible only in science fiction.

Large iceberg floating in the arctic sea

Why does ice float?

By Hannah Loss published

Why does ice float in water, instead of sinking to the bottom? It has to do with water's density and molecular structure.

Norway Lemming (Lemmus lemmus) among autumn coloured bearberries and blackberries.

Do lemmings actually jump off of cliffs?

By Hannah Loss published

Do these tundra-inhabiting rodents actually jump to their deaths as depicted in a 1958 wildlife documentary?

The hydrogen fuel tank of a Toyota vehicle on display.

Is hydrogen a metal?

By Hannah Loss published

Hydrogen is not a metal on Earth, but scientists keep trying to create metallic hydrogen under high pressure to unlock a new superconductor.

Dog holding shredded toilet paper roll in its mouth in the bathroom.

Why do dogs eat poop?

By Hannah Loss published

Life's Little Mysteries Poop eating is a natural behavior in dogs; although it may disgust humans, it usually poses no threat to your canine's health.

Salmon Copper River King and Sockeye Fish on ice in public market closeup.

Why is fish so smelly?

By Hannah Loss published

Fish smell is from degrading lipids and bacterial reactions that increase in potency over time.

Young person of color preteen girl sneezes into her arm in pharmacy.

Why do coughs linger after a cold?

By Hannah Loss published

Coughing is helpful during sickness to protect the lungs from infection. But lasting inflammation may irritate the nerve reflexes that cause coughing.

A male common kingfisher defecates wile sitting on a branch

Do birds pee?

By Hannah Loss published

Birds do produce urine, but it doesn't come out the same way it does in humans. How birds pee may be an evolutionary adaptation that benefits flight.