
Kathryn Hulick is the author of Strange But True: 10 of the World's Greatest Mysteries Explained, about the science behind paranormal mysteries, including ghosts, aliens, sea monsters and more. A sequel about the future of technology comes out in 2020. Hulick also writes regularly for Science News Explores and Muse magazine.
Her favorite part of writing about science is getting to speak with researchers in many different fields. Once, she spoke with an expert on parallel universes while he was shoveling snow from his driveway.
Hulick lives in Massachusetts with her family and most enjoys hiking, gardening and learning about robots.

All Stories by Kathryn Hulick
- Tech
Can a robot ever become your friend?
Social robots can teach, help and keep people company. What would it take for machines to form real friendships with people? And do we even want that?
- Tech
Insect-inspired drones work together to 3-D print structures
For the first time, flying drones have 3-D printed structures. In the future, such drones might be able to build in hard-to-reach places.
- Tech
Will the internet soon reach the one-third of people without it?
Access to the internet is a human right, yet much of the world can’t get online. New tech has to be affordable and usable to end this digital divide.
- Tech
A shape-shifting robotic tooth-cleaner might one day brush for you
A swarm of billions of magnetic, bacteria-killing nanoparticles can be shaped into bristles to fit any surface, including between teeth.
- Materials Science
These fabrics change color as they stretch
Stretchy, color-shifting cloth may lead to new art, fashions and sensors. A century-old Nobel-prize-winning invention served as its inspiration.
- Health & Medicine
How wriggling, blood-eating parasitic worms alter the body
Parasitic worms eat blood and make people sick, but they may also help prevent or treat some diseases.
- Tech
Welcome to the metaverse
The idea of the metaverse comes from science fiction. But technology could make such immersive virtual worlds a reality.
- Tech
This leaping robot can out-jump anything — animal or machine
Such a bounding bot might someday help explore the moon.
- Tech
Virtual critters evolve bodies that help them learn
A combination of evolution and learning may lead to more intelligent and agile robots.
- Materials Science
Engineers borrow a tree’s cellulose to toughen new materials
Cellulose gives plants their strength. Engineers are turning this renewable, environmentally friendly resource into brand new materials.
- Humans
Is the sky really blue? It depends on what language you speak
English speakers talk about color a lot but rarely about smell. Researchers are learning how those who speak other languages sense the world and why differences arise.
- Tech
These flying robots protect endangered wildlife
Flying drones make conservation work much easier. Around the world, drones and artificial intelligence help scientists study or protect endangered animals.