Dr Claire Asher
Dr Claire Asher is a science journalist and has a PhD in Genetics, Ecology, and Evolution (GEE) at the University of Leeds. Her first book, Brave Green World: How Science Can Save Our Planet, was published in 2021.
Recent articles by Dr Claire Asher
What ever happened with the Bermuda Triangle?
Turns out there's no much truth to the legend.
The strange science behind the 'rainbow' tree
This stunning, brightly coloured tree has neon stripes running along its trunk making it look as if it has been painted.
Snake Island: The bizarre true story of Earth’s most venomous isle
The deadly golden lancehead snakes living on Snake Island have fast-acting venom which cause a range of nightmarish symptoms.
Vampires, Yetis, the Kraken… Here’s what monsters could actually be real, according to science
Here are the real-life explanations for the creatures that haunt our imaginations.
What is guttation?
The build-up of water inside plants is released via sap through specialist pores in the leaf.
Is there a known limit on how tall a tree can grow?
The tallest tree in the world hasn’t reached the maximum height a tree can grow... yet.
What gives clouds their shape?
Why are some clouds puffy and other clouds wispy?
Climate CSI: How counting tree rings can unlock environmental mysteries
At its core, dendrochronology is the science of using tree rings to date and analyse events in the past. But how does it work? Here's a closer look at this fascinating process.
What is the best way to dry clothes indoors?
The ideal way to dry wet laundry is to hang it outside on a warm, sunny day, but that’s not always possible.
Can animals be allergic to humans?
Allergic alpacas and sneezing sloths - can animals be allergic to humans?
Why your chewing gum could be secretly destroying the planet
Sticky situation: Is your chewing gum outliving your great-great-great-grandchildren?
Can a contact lens get stuck behind your eye?
It's a common concern.
What is holy fire disease?
And yes, it still exists today.
How to build the ultimate snowman, according to science
Not all snow is created equal.
What’s the difference between wave energy and tidal energy?
Scientists and engineers are developing ways to capture these renewable resources.
Is there such a thing as left brain vs right brain?
Right-brained people are often described as creative and artistic, whereas left-brained people are thought of as analytical and mathematical.
Does massage work?
We've been enjoying a relaxing back rub for millennia, but does it actually work?
Why do animals migrate?
Many animals make long, treacherous journeys year after year, so why do they go to all that effort?
What is synaesthesia?
Approximately 4 per cent of people experience some type of synaesthesia.
Why do our veins look blue?
It's not because deoxygenated blood is blue.
How many birds are killed by wind turbines?
The use of wind turbines to generate electricity is a popular, sustainable and renewable energy source. But what effect does it have on the bird population?
Why is human skin so fragile?
Our skin is so delicate that we can even cut it with a piece of paper.
Can a corpse filled with trapped gas explode when cremated?
You were only supposed to blow the doors off... Exploding decomposing bodies are unlikely during cremation unless someone forgot to take the pacemaker out of dear uncle Joe.
Is my neighbour’s noise harming my health?
It's not just your neighbour's noise you need to worry about...