Alia is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has contributed content to HowStuffWorks for going on a decade now. She’s also been published by TLC, Animal Planet, Yahoo! Shine, the ill-fated but completely awesome health and wellness site Upwave and a number of corporate clients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), and might someday get around to setting up a professional website. Until then, check her out on LinkedIn.
She and her husband are proud parents to three handsome, too-smart-for-their-own-good boys. Alia is a passably not terrible tennis player, lover of all things dance and music, brownie-obsessed, avid reader and off-key car singer. Her two favorite types of people are those who have a healthy sense of humor and those who actually read articles in their entirety before posting comments.
RECENT CONTRIBUTIONS
What in the world did Grandma mean when she used words like "tarnation"?
For those on the list waiting for a kidney donation, it could be years before their name comes up. One doctor is hoping to shorten this wait by retransplanting already donated kidneys.
Online dating apps are aiding social integration because people are interacting with others to whom they previously had no access.
Could they be getting in the way of success? They might. If they're too tight.
If you're one of those people who can't resist putting your fingers to work when you spot a pimple on your face, there's a scientific reason for why it feels so good.
While most generalizations are gross, Americans who have traveled to Europe probably have noticed that certain practices they take for granted are non-existent there. Likewise, Europeans who visit the U.S. are amazed at some habits Americans have.
Doctors' waiting rooms often have signs that a fee will be charged for no-shows or late arrivals. So, should patients ask doctors for reimbursement when they have to wait a long time?
Most of the scientific attention to birdsong has been paid to the male of the species. But many female birds sing too — and scientists are starting to understand how important it is to study them as well.
There's a musical name for dread and it is 'Dies Irae.' How did this 13th century Latin hymn become the go-to tune for conjuring up movie scares?
Many people with Type 1 diabetes are deliberately skipping or manipulating their insulin doses in order to lose weight. But this can have very serious consequences.
You know to clean toilets and wash dishes, but some things aren't as obviously in need of a good scrubdown. Take this quiz to find out your how your cleaning skills stack up.
Researchers looked at several studies before finding inconclusive results.
What would happen if you didn't (or couldn't) move your bowels for several weeks? Let's just say you'd be in a crappy situation.
All those dust mites, body oils and drool do a number on the cleanliness of your pillow. Grossed out yet?
New research shows that homo sapiens weren't the first folks to decorate their caves with artwork. Neanderthals actually did it thousands of years earlier.
A surprising number of people do, but why? And are there any downsides to doing it?
It doesn't get more awkward than the check arriving and no one knows who's paying for what. Is it rude to expect birthday guests to pay for their own meal?
HowStuffWorks talks to three modern-day "Megs" to find out how they were inspired by the character's bravery, ambition and intelligence to pursue real-life scientific success.
With so many germs flying about this time of year it can be tricky to figure out what ails you. Take this quiz to test your cold versus flu IQ!
The announcements of Kylie Jenner's 'surprise' baby and Beyonce's pregnancy with twins were two of the most liked Instagrams of all time. Why do celebrity babies excite the public so much?
