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Oisin Curran is a freelance writer, editor and researcher, as well as regular contributor to HowStuffWorks. He writes on subjects ranging from the Antikythera Mechanism and the Fermi Paradox to Tardigrades and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Oisin also is the author of two novels, including his debut novel, Mopus.
Recent Contributions
Who Really Struck It Rich During the California Gold Rush?
When you think of the California Gold Rush, you probably think a lot of people made millions off that gold, right? Some did, but it wasn't from panning for it.
How 'Scarface' Al Capone Became the Original Gangster
Al Capone was one of the most notorious gangsters in American history, ruling the streets of Chicago with an iron fist. So why did it take tax evasion to bring him down?
The Delightfully Eccentric World of Shel Silverstein
The wildly successful author of numerous children's books, Shel Silverstein was also a poet, musician, illustrator and man of many talents. He even lived in the Playboy mansion for a time.
4 Views of 'Little Women' on Film
This classic celebrated its 150th anniversary of publication in 2018. With a new film adaptation coming out this month, we look at how various movie versions of "Little Women" were tweaked to fit the times.
How 'Pretty Boy' Floyd Became the FBI's Public Enemy No. 1
Charles "Pretty Boy" Floyd lived a life of crime robbing banks, stealing cars and killing his rivals. Then J. Edgar Hoover named him Public Enemy No. 1 and a massive manhunt was on.
A Portrait of John F. Kennedy, America's Youngest President
John F. Kennedy was the youngest man ever elected to be president of the United States. But his term was tragically cut short when he was assassinated in Dallas at age 46.
Honey Ryder, Octopussy and 23 Other Iconic Bond Girls
In honor of the 25th 007 film, "No Time to Die," we're celebrating these 25 Bond Girls, whose looks all but gave them a license to kill.
6 Famous Outlaws of the Wild, Wild West
You know most of their names, but here are the fascinating stories of how six criminal masterminds of the old West lived and died.
The Ambush and Death of Gangster John Dillinger
Dillinger was named Public Enemy No. 1 by the FBI, but, in the end, it was a woman who set him up and brought him down.
The Cold-blooded Assassination of Outlaw Jesse James
Well before he died, Jesse James was a legend. He was a hero even to the man who shot him in the back.
How Billy the Kid Really Died
Billy the Kid, whose legal name was Henry McCarty, was almost certainly killed by Lincoln County, New Mexico, Sheriff Pat Garrett, though questions have always lingered about what really happened.
Pillow Fighting Isn't Just Child's Play, It's a Real Sport
Forget Ultimate Fighting. Pillow fighting is the real ultimate sport.
How Did Bonnie and Clyde Really Die?
We know they died in a hail of gunfire, but who set this criminal couple up and how many shots were fired?
How to Prepare for a Flood
NOAA is expecting widespread flooding throughout the United States this spring. Are you ready?
Nevada's Fly Geyser Is a Manmade Wonder
The decades-old geyser was created by accident when a geothermal company tried to drill a well. Now the strange geyser is open to tourists for the first time ever.
5 Cool Cats in the Wild
When we think of big cats in the wild, we most likely think of lions and tigers. But there are so many more amazing wild cats you've probably never even heard of. Here are five.
Chainsaw Lobster Among New Deep-sea Species Found in Java Sea
The first-ever deep-sea exploration of West Java seas netted more than 12,000 marine creatures, including some new species of crabs, prawns and lobsters.
Seeds of World's Rarest Trees and Crops Can't Be Banked
Seed banks like the Svalbard Vault in Norway are saving seeds for our future. But a new study found not all seeds can be banked.
Georgia Tech Using Campus Wastewater to Grow Veggies
We flush a shocking amount of perfectly good water down the toilet every day. An environmental engineer has a better idea.
Database of 18,000 Retracted Scientific Papers Now Online
The blog Retraction Watch released an online database of more than 18,000 papers and conference materials that have been retracted since the 1970s.
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