Matt Soniak
Joined: Nov 21, 2012
Matt writes about science, history, etymology and Bruce Springsteen for both the website and the print magazine. His work has also appeared in print and online for Men’s Health, Scientific American, The Atlantic, Philly.com and others. He tweets as @mattsoniak and blogs about animal behavior at mattsoniak.com. He lives in Philadelphia with his girlfriend, two cats and a large collection of bourbon whiskeys.
Why Do We Capitalize ‘I’?
Why Aren’t There B Batteries?
How Big Is the Library of Congress?
Do Sharks Really Not Get Cancer?
As the thinking goes, sharks don’t get cancer, so the pills will keep you from getting it, too. But there’s a problem with that theory.
Where Does the Easter Bunny Come From?
Where did the idea for a rabbit that gives away eggs really come from? Trace the origins of the Easter bunny, from pagan festivals to the influence of 18th century German immigrants in America.
What Does Marijuana Do to Spiders?
According to forest rangers who were led to a hilltop grow site by under-the-influence animals in Italy, deer who’ve consumed marijuana plants are “unusually frisky” and “abnormally high-spirited.” This got us wondering what kind of effect marijuana had o
Why Do We Scream “Geronimo” When Jumping Out of Airplanes?
Uncover why people yell “Geronimo!” when they jump—and what it has to do with a beer-fueled boast.
The Origins of 10 Food Phrases
From ‘piece of cake’ to ‘the apple of my eye,’ these food-related phrases have fascinating histories.
How Foxes Might Use Earth's Magnetic Field to Hunt Prey
Foxes are highly skilled hunters, which allows them to eat a variety of small animals.
How Do Baby Birds Breathe Inside Their Eggs?
Discover the fascinating ways eggs provide everything a baby bird needs, including oxygen through a sophisticated system of membranes and air pockets.
Did a Cow Really Cause the Great Chicago Fire of 1871?
Many believed the origin of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was a cow kicking over a lantern. A map of the fire’s path suggested otherwise.
Why Don’t We Want to ‘Open a Can of Worms’?
Opening a can of worms, metaphorically speaking, is trying to solve a problem and ending up in more trouble. And the idiom really does refer to actual worms.
Why Does Snow Squeak When You Step On It?
Snow crunches underneath your feet during the winter months and makes a loud sound. Turns out, science is the reason why it does.
What Are Frankincense and Myrrh, Anyway?
Frankincense and myrrh are a fragrant part of traditional Christmas celebrations, but what exactly are these pebble-like perfumes?
Why Does the New Year Start on January 1?
Ever wonder why the new year officially starts on January 1? Turns out, you can thank Pope Gregory XIII—and Julius Caesar.