Kate Horowitz
Joined: Jan 16, 2014
Kate Horowitz is a science writer. She writes about pretty much everything, but especially likes to bring readers' attention to squishy, underrated organisms; chronic illness and disability; bodily functions; animal cognition; parasites; and the Moon. She lives in Washington, D.C., where she takes lots of walks and ogles other people's dogs.
Why Are Birds Attacking My Windows?
How an Amateur Astronomer Discovered Uranus
7 Tough Facts About Tardigrades
How Do Teeth Whiteners Work?
The main ingredient for a whiter smile? Hydrogen peroxide.
Why Are There No Snakes in Ireland?
Legend tells of St. Patrick using the power of his faith to drive all of Ireland’s snakes into the sea. It’s an impressive image, but there’s no way it could have happened.
Why Is Holly a Symbol of Christmas?
The hardy plant’s ability to stay vibrant through the winter made it a natural choice for pre-Christian winter festivals, but why is holly now associated with Christmas?
Iceland’s Yule Lads Bring Gifts, Steal Meat
Thirteen bearded wild men descend upon Icelandic homes to reward children who behave and punish those who don’t.
Why Do Prunes Make You Poop?
Prunes—the shiny, sweet dried fruits—are both exploited and ridiculed for their laxative properties. But do they really make you poop?
Why Can’t You Pump Your Own Gas in New Jersey?
It’s for your own good—or at least that’s the theory.
8 Adorable Animals That Are Surprisingly Violent
They’re cute. They’re cuddly. But beware: these undeniably adorable animals are dangerous.
6 Surprising Facts About Quokkas
You’ve seen photos of quokkas. But what are they? How do you pronounce their name? And are they really that happy-go-lucky?
10 Animals Whose Poop Comes With Perks
Sometimes animal poop does double (ahem) duty.
Honeybees Go "Whoop!" When They Bump Into Each Other
They make the adorable sound with their wings when they're startled. You can listen to them for yourself.
Are Left-Handed People Really More Creative?
We associate left-handedness with intelligence, out-of-the-box thinking, and artistic talent. But are these flattering generalizations backed up by science?
Remembering Nellie Bly, Rabblerouser and Pioneer of Investigative Journalism
Clever, gifted, and fearless, Nellie Bly—who was born on May 5, 1864—inspired both journalistic and social change in the late 19th century.