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.

A stained-glass window at the Coats Observatory near Glasgow, Scotland, depicts William Herschel.

How an Amateur Astronomer Discovered Uranus

7 Tough Facts About Tardigrades

A pretty accurate rendering of the Siberian “demon baby.”

When Diamond Miners Unearthed a Siberian “Demon Baby”

The key to a brighter smile? Hydrogen peroxide.

How Do Teeth Whiteners Work?

Ireland: Come for the Guinness, stay for the lack of snakes.

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.

It wasn't always associated with the holidays.

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?

The Yule Lads didn't always look like Santa.

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.

Prunes are a constipated person’s friend.

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?

This person is definitely not in New Jersey.

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?

Two black vultures whose poop comes with perks.

10 Animals Whose Poop Comes With Perks

Sometimes animal poop does double (ahem) duty.

Bees: Waugsberg via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0 / Thought balloon: Noto Project

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?

H.J. Meyers via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

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.

A Dad Invented an App That Lets Parents Freeze Their Kids' Phones Until They Text Back

Worried about your kid’s whereabouts? ReplyASAP is one way to get their attention.