Alia is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has contributed content to HowStuffWorks for going on a decade now, with a specialty in health writing. She’s also been published by TLC, Animal Planet, 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
While most psychologists believe that brainwashing is possible under the right conditions, some see it as improbable or at least as a less severe form of influence than the media portrays it to be. So how does someone get brainwashed?
By Julia Layton & Alia Hoyt
These seven foods are banned in at least some, if not all, of the states in America. Have you tried any of them?
By Alia Hoyt
You've heard this advice a million times, and perhaps it even brings you comfort when you're in gator territory. But is it really true?
By Alia Hoyt & Amy Hunter
Advertisement
Never wish a jockey good luck by saying "break a leg." Horses with broken legs might face a grim future, but does that mean they must be euthanized?
If your sweet tooth is aching, what are you likely to reach for? Ice cream, cheesecake, any cake? If you're American, you're most likely to pick one of these 10 desserts.
By Alia Hoyt & Sascha Bos
The money tree has long been a symbol of good fortune in Asia. But how did the plant get its name?
A dropped or stalled WiFi connection that occurs repeatedly can really mess up your day. If this keeps happening to you, read on for some explanations and solutions.
By Alia Hoyt
Advertisement
Many struggle over what to say when someone dies. Comforting a loved one during a difficult time can be hard, especially if you can't express your condolences in person. Here are our suggestions.
By Alia Hoyt
You can order almost anything online, but money orders are hard to find. Still, there are many alternatives to send money to friends and relatives.
By Alia Hoyt
Everyone's familiar with the green-eyed monster called jealousy. But why do people have those feelings, and why are they associated with the color green?
By Alia Hoyt
Emotionally sensitive people sometimes get a bad rap from others. But being an empath can be a gift, as long as you take care of it. So how do you know if you're one?
By Alia Hoyt
Advertisement
People who hallucinate typically see, hear, feel, smell or otherwise experience things that simply aren't real. Often, these sensory fake-outs indicate a serious medical condition.
By Alia Hoyt
People often make vision boards at the start of the year. Some swear by vision boards for making their dreams come true. But is there any science to back that up?
By Alia Hoyt
Poison sumac is even more toxic than its cousins, poison ivy and poison oak, in its ability to cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
By Alia Hoyt
Surprisingly, living in a city with a high level of natural radiation doesn't have any ill effects.
By Alia Hoyt
Advertisement
Politicians and celebrities often lie or exaggerate claims that can be easily verified, but why?
By Alia Hoyt
You may be familiar with the medieval "Black Plague," but did you know that bouts of plague still break out today? Find out what causes an outbreak, why plague still exists and how the plague has influenced history.
By Tracy V. Wilson & Alia Hoyt
Everyone cries. For some it's an emotional response, while others just shed tears when chopping onions. Are tears a way for us to cleanse our bodies?
By Alia Hoyt
It's 11:11 on your phone's clock. This is what's known as an angel number. Is the universe trying to send you a message?
By Alia Hoyt
Advertisement
Queen Elizabeth II reigned over England for a record-breaking 70 years. But with King Charles taking the throne, how does the line of succession look now?
By Alia Hoyt
Some months are bursting with popular birthdates and others are stone cold out of the picture. Which are the most and least popular birthdays and why?
By Alia Hoyt
It's hard to say what is the most dangerous animal in the world; you're not comparing apples to apples. But when it comes dangerous, these four top the list.
By Alia Hoyt
British slang is known to contain some of the most colorful colloquialisms in the world, so queue up as we bandy about a few cheeky ones.
By Alia Hoyt
Advertisement
It's a chicken-or-egg situation: What came first? Perplexed people need wonder no longer, as we've sussed out the answer to this ancient riddle.
By Alia Hoyt
Help! Honeybees are invading your home! This happened to our writer and she finds out from the experts why this occurs, what to do about it and whether home remedies work.
By Alia Hoyt