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.
How One Grieving Father Got Lawn Darts Banned
What's the Difference Between Ketchup and Catsup?
Why Do Birds Fly South for the Winter?
What Does “SOS” Stand For?
You know it's a distress signal, but what does it actually stand for? A lot of people think it's an abbreviation for “save our souls.” (It's not.)
Why Do We Capitalize ‘I’?
Some languages capitalize several of their pronouns. Some don’t capitalize any of them. English just capitalizes ‘I’—but why?
Why Aren’t There B Batteries?
Once upon a time, there used to be B batteries, but they’re not manufactured anymore. Here’s why they disappeared from shelves.
How Big Is the Library of Congress?
The ”world’s largest public library,” the Library of Congress holds more than 160 million items.
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.