Chris Opfer has written about everything from genetically-modified rats on the Galapagos Islands to Middle Eastern barbers who use homemade flame throwers to cut hair. His work has also appeared in The Atlantic, The Village Voice, New York Magazine, Pacific Standard and American Way, among other publications. Chris is a graduate of James Madison University and currently based in New York City.
Recent Contributions
Welcome to Yellowstone, a natural wonderland that's home to stunning vistas, vibrant plant and animal life ... and a massive and potentially devastating supervolcano.
By Chris Opfer
We think we know all about spiders - they spin webs to trap prey; if they bite you, you might die. And if you find one in your house, you should set it free. But what if all these beliefs are a web of lies?
By Chris Opfer
A stunning array of strange and ferocious aquatic beasts patrolled Earth's waters long before they became the stuff of legends and "Jurassic Park" movies. One could eat a great white shark in one gulp.
By Chris Opfer
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Open-front public toilet seats are U-shaped, while those in private residences are O-shaped. What gives?
By Chris Opfer
With all the Internet spying going on out there, it seems like it would be easy to know who's viewing your Facebook profile. Lots of apps promise they can, but can they really?
There's a thunderstorm brewing with some serious lightning. Fortunately you're safe in your car because of its rubber wheels. Or are you? And let's not get started on your rubber-soled sneakers!
By Chris Opfer
Not only do bug zappers mostly kill beneficial insects, they also can serve you up a side of bacteria with your burger.
By Chris Opfer
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Sans gravity, would we all just bounce up and down like astronauts on the moon? No. It would look a little more like a Michael Bay movie.
By Chris Opfer
The core of our planet is about as hot as the sun. Could it ever cool down? That's one thing you don't want to happen.
By Chris Opfer
On the fourth Thursday in November, Americans will gather to eat turkey and sweet potatoes, just like that first Thanksgiving ... Actually, not like that first dinner. Join us as we debunk some of the many Thanksgiving myths.
By Chris Opfer
A helium shortage threatens more than just the balloon industry. Way more. Here's what at stake should we run out of this gas - which is a real possibility.
By Chris Opfer & Sascha Bos
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Air traffic control specialists (ATCS), known also as air traffic controllers, are the crossing guards of the friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) skies.
By Chris Opfer
Military types are looking to drones to fly the deadly skies.
By Chris Opfer
Our planet's path around the sun defines life on Earth. What would happen if it changed?
By Chris Opfer
As you leave home on a winter morning, you may wonder whether to turn off your heat, turn it down or let it maintain a cozy temperature. Which will save the most energy and money? The answer might surprise you.
By Chris Opfer
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Your body replaces billions (with a b!) of cells every day. In about 100 days, 30 trillion be replaced, but does that mean you're a new person, too?
Maybe you could care less about grammar. After all, it's a doggy-dog world? No. That might sound right, but it's one of 10 common phrases people say wrong.
By Chris Opfer
The term "semi-automatic weapon" is used in the U.S. media often. But what does it really mean? Is it just another term for a machine gun?
By Chris Opfer
Who's the worst in the restroom? The person who drips on the seat, talks on the phone or hogs the mirror? We put all three - and some others - on our list of annoyances.
By Chris Opfer
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Jackie Robinson is rightfully lauded for breaking Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947. But there were many unsung players who paved the way for Robinson's momentous breakthrough.
By Chris Opfer
So maybe you don't have a great credit history, or you're having trouble coming up with a down payment. Renting to own is one way to become a homeowner -- but it has its pitfalls.
By Sarah Siddons & Chris Opfer
If you're contracted to work for a company, the money you receive is called "nonemployee compensation." You might just call it cash. Why does the name matter?
By Chris Opfer
The Americas have been hit with some major hurricanes throughout the decades. But which were the worst ones in history?
By Chris Opfer & Sarah Gleim
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The oceans are rising, and they're threatening to take down some of the world's brightest cultural gems. Here are 10 of the most notable spots endangered by climate change.
By Chris Opfer
Climate change and industrial activity are wiping out large sections of the world's largest rainforest.
By Chris Opfer