Dave is a freelance journalist who has contributed hundreds of articles to HowStuffWorks since 2007 reporting on every topic under the sun: history, culture, politics, economics, technology, religion and more. He’s also a regular contributor to History.com and a writer/researcher for Stuff You Should Know.
Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dave attended Duke University where he earned a B.A. in comparative religious studies and more importantly met his amazing wife Mandy. They have three kids and live in Boise, Idaho.
Recent Contributions
It's not every day you spend $1,500 on a kitchen gadget, even one that bills itself as 22 appliances in one. So, is it worth the price? We decided to investigate.
By Dave Roos
When it comes to buying that spooky-ish-looking Victorian mansion, the word is "buyer beware." No states mandate disclosure that a house is haunted and only a few require disclosure if the seller is asked directly.
By Dave Roos
A surprising percentage of Americans believe that Big Pharma is hiding the cure for cancer because there's a lot of money to be made treating the disease. Experts explain why this isn't true.
By Dave Roos
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From astronauts to doctors to an archaeologist, we present eight scientists whose contributions to science, engineering and math were inseparable from their identities as Indigenous Americans.
By Dave Roos
What do Donald Trump, Bob Dole and LeBron James have in common? A tendency to talk about themselves in the third person. But is it just egotism or is there a hidden benefit to saying your name rather than "I"?
By Dave Roos
For all our hand-wringing over the oil supply, it might shock you to realize that the solution to our dependence on fossil fuels lies right under our feet.
By Dave Roos
If you're considering a hobby or career as a "ufologist" or paranormal investigator, there are a handful of routes that don't involve being personally abducted or applying to a secret government shadow agency.
By Dave Roos
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The transportation sector is the second largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions is the U.S. Is it possible to reduce emissions without stiffing the importing and exporting of goods? You'll discover the answer in this article.
By Dave Roos
The pink and white blooms of the cherry blossom tree often herald the arrival of spring. But in Japan, the cherry blossom is also a well-loved symbol of fleeting beauty, nostalgia and loss.
By Dave Roos
If you're able to stream content while wandering large areas, feel free to thank mesh wifi! But what is mesh wifi, exactly? Read on to explore how wireless mesh networks deliver high-speed internet connectivity anywhere, anytime.
By Chris Pollette & Dave Roos
Why do we love looking at a perfectly stacked display of soup cans or six flower petals around a stamen? Our brains seem wired for it -- but why?
By Dave Roos
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Before the widespread use of DNA, establishing the paternity of a child was a tricky business. Ever heard of the oscillophore?
By Dave Roos
Your computer is working slower than molasses, but why? We look at five of the most common reasons and how to fix them, with the help of experts.
By Dave Roos
But that doesn't mean they worshipped them.
By Dave Roos
To U.S. taxpayers, April 15 comes with lots of scrambling and sweating to send some cash or paperwork to the IRS. But why does Tax Day fall on that particular date? And why is it on April 18 sometimes?
By Dave Roos
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It was the world's largest diamond when mined and today it's cut into nine gems that are all part of the British Crown Jewels. But since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, questions have emerged about its imperialist history.
By Dave Roos
It's been some 15 years in the making and is still under construction. What's the real story behind the Jeddah Tower's delay?
By Dave Roos
Hummmmmm. Annoyed yet? Imagine if you heard that sound every night no matter what you did. Likened to a diesel engine idling in the distance, the Hum is a sound some people can never get away from. It's even caused suicide. But is it real?
By Dave Roos
Whether from a clerical error or an improperly offered bonus, sometimes you end up with a fatter paycheck than you're supposed to get.
By Dave Roos
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Nutty Putty Cave, near Salt Lake City, Utah, was discovered in 1960 and sealed up forever in 2009. But why?
This fall festival is about food, faith, lights and gifts. But please don't call it an Indian Hanukkah.
By Dave Roos
What if there are colors within the visible spectrum that our brains can't perceive? In fact, there are. They're called impossible colors. But some researchers think they've discovered a way to see the impossible.
By Dave Roos
Let's take a look at some of the strongest metals on Earth and their surprising uses.
By Dave Roos & Sascha Bos
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This is one 'supermaterial' that might actually live up to its hype. So what is graphene really, and why is it so versatile?
Whether the circle is as big as planet Mars or as small as a tennis ball, the ratio of its circumference divided by its diameter will always equal pi (3.14). But why?