About Patty Rasmussen

Patty Rasmussen is a freelance writer based in the Atlanta area. She’s written about everything from Major League Baseball to economic development to the reason why calico cats are almost always female. Patty enjoys writing for HowStuffWorks because it means she’s usually picked first for trivia teams.

Recent Contributions

Polio Doctor Jean Macnamara's Work Reminds Us That Viruses Can Be Vanquished

Dame Jean Macnamara's research helped eventually lead to the Salk vaccine for polio. Her lasting legacy as an advocate for people with disabilities still lives on today.

By Patty Rasmussen Apr 1, 2020 History / Historical Figures

What You Need to Know About Chloroquine and COVID-19

U.S. President Donald Trump has been touting the malaria drug chloroquine as a possible miracle drug for coronavirus. Should we all be taking chloroquine?

By Patty Rasmussen Mar 24, 2020 Medicine / Medications

What Is Social Distancing and How Do We Do It Right?

Social distancing is definitely not something most of us are used to. After all, we humans are social creatures. So what is it exactly, and how are we supposed to do it?

By Patty Rasmussen Mar 15, 2020 Wellness / Preventive Care

What's the Difference Between Quarantine and Isolation?

You've probably heard the word "quarantine" a lot in relation to the coronavirus. But how is it different from patient isolation?

By Patty Rasmussen Feb 25, 2020 Diseases & Conditions / Infectious Diseases

Squirrels Can Be Left- or Right-handed

But, squirrels that strongly prefer one hand over the other aren't as good at learning, one study suggests. What does this mean for you and me?

By Patty Rasmussen Jan 28, 2020 Mammals / Rodents

What's the Best Way to Leash Your Dog?

Retractable leashes, martingale collars, slip leads, harnesses, choke chains – this dog walking business is way more complicated than you thought. So, with all the options out there, what is the best way to leash your dog?

By Patty Rasmussen Jan 23, 2020 Dogs / Dog Care

Elk Are Huge, Aggressive and Unpredictable

Elk are some of the most majestic animals in the world, but also some of the most aggressive. Here's what you need to know about the territorial elk.

By Patty Rasmussen Jan 21, 2020 Mammals / Hoofed Mammals

Penguins: The Monogamous Tuxedoed Birds That 'Fly' Underwater

There are up to 26 species of penguins in the world, most of whom mate for life, and while none of them can fly, they swim like Olympic champs.

By Patty Rasmussen Dec 9, 2019 Birds / Waterfowl

Bald Eagles Aren't Really Bald, Plus 6 Other Facts

The national bird of the United States has taken on iconic status as the avian avatar of freedom, but its wingspan and steely gaze guarantee its status in the pecking order of prey birds as a symbol of strength.

By Patty Rasmussen Dec 5, 2019 Birds / Birds of Prey

Goofy-looking Emus Are Leggy, Flightless and Very Friendly

The female emu may lay the eggs, but the male emu does all the caretaking. And that's just one fascinating thing we learned.

By Patty Rasmussen Nov 22, 2019 Mammals / Other Mammals

What's the Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon?

You might think the difference is only in the name, but it's more than that. The slight variations in recipes, aging and even geography make whiskey and bourbon two different alcohols.

By Patty Rasmussen Nov 12, 2019 Food Facts & Fun / Beverages

Why You Should Stop Raking Fall Leaves, Stat!

Stop bagging those leaves and putting them curbside to be hauled off to the landfill. There's a better way — for your lawn and the environment.

By Patty Rasmussen Nov 6, 2019 Lawn & Garden / Lawn Care

Massive 'Angel Oak' Has Witnessed 500 Years of South Carolina History

On Johns Island, South Carolina, stands an oak tree so big and beautiful that people come just to stand under its branches and feel the magic.

By Patty Rasmussen Nov 6, 2019 Botany / Flowering Plants, Shrubs and Trees

Vincent van Goat and Friends Help Vanquish Western Wildfires

Wildfires have become a frightening reality in California and elsewhere as climate change creates drastically drier conditions. Using goats to eat underbrush and create firebreaks is now a routine part of the firefighting arsenal.

By Patty Rasmussen Nov 5, 2019 Forces of Nature / Natural Disasters