Contributor

Kristin Houser

Staff Writer

Contact

kristin.houser@freethink.com

Kristin Houser is a staff writer at Freethink, where she covers science and tech. Her written work has appeared in Business Insider, NBC News, 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.

Prior to joining Freethink, Kristin was a staff writer for Futurism and wrote several animated and live action web series.

Coronavirus

We may need fewer ventilators for COVID-19 patients than we expected

A new study found that healthcare workers may be using ventilators for COVID-19 patients when they really don’t need to be.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

FDA authorizes first at-home coronavirus test kit

The FDA has authorized LabCorp’s at-home coronavirus test kit, meaning people no longer need to leave their houses to find out if they have COVID-19.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

A new device is protecting healthcare workers from airborne coronavirus

Researchers have developed a system for protecting healthcare workers while they treat coronavirus patients in need of respiratory support.

Kristin Houser

Paleontology

Scientists find what looks like DNA in a dinosaur fossil

Researchers have found what appears to be DNA in a dinosaur fossil — a discovery that could radically change our understanding of DNA’s ability to survive.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Ghana uses drones to speed up coronavirus testing

In Ghana, Zipline is helping speed up coronavirus testing by using drones to deliver test samples, and it wants to bring the service to the U.S.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Microsoft’s “Plasma Bot” helps you donate plasma for COVID-19

Microsoft is launching a "Plasma Bot" to make it easier for coronavirus survivors to donate plasma for research and trials.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Chinese coronavirus vaccine advances to next trial phase

CanSino Bio’s Ad5-nCoV was the first Chinese coronavirus vaccine to be tested in humans. Now it’s the first in the world to enter Phase II trials.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Modifying the measles vaccine could stop the coronavirus faster

To stop the coronavirus from spreading, researchers are working on a vaccine that would use the measles vaccine as its delivery vehicle.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Scientists find a way to quickly ID coronavirus mutations

A new tool that allows scientists to quickly identify coronavirus mutations could help experts track and treat COVID-19.

Kristin Houser

Coronavirus

Contact-tracing tech advances, the new saliva test, and more COVID-19 updates

In our weekly news roundup, we take you inside the fight against COVID-19 to explore the solutions on the frontlines of an unprecedented global response.

Kristin Houser