Rachel Fairbank
Rachel Fairbank is a freelance science writer based in Texas. When she is not writing, she can be found spending time with her family, or at her local boxing gym.
MORE BY Rachel
Use ‘Body Doubling’ to Increase Your Productivity
Doing tasks in the presence of other people can help increase motivation and productivity.
How to Keep Your Swim From Damaging Your Hair
Swimming is both fun and a great workout—but it's not so easy on your hair.
How to Raise Chickens Even If You Live in a City
You may think it’s not really an option for you—but you might be wrong.
The Difference Between Mat and Reformer Pilates (and Why It Matters)
Here's how to decide which type of Pilates is a better fit for you.
How to Help a Child Who Struggles With Executive Function
Executive function is what helps us plan, prioritize, and complete tasks—and some kids struggle with it more than others.
Add This Sneaky Speedwork Into Your Long Runs
Surges add variety to your long runs, and help improve your speed.
How to Get Your Reluctant Toddler to Poop in the Potty
"Stool toileting refusal" is quite common—here's how you can get past it.
The Best Way to Bribe a Toddler to Eat Their Veggies
Science agrees: Desperate times call for desperate measures, and bribery works.
How to Avoid Dead-End Tasks at Work (Without Risking Your Job)
Unsurprisingly, women end up doing a disproportionate amount of these tasks.
How to Avoid Passing Your Fears on to Your Children
Children notice more than we realize—here's how to make sure our kids aren't inheriting our fears.
The Seven Different Types of Jerks at Work (and How to Deal With Them)
Not all work jerks are created equal—here's how to deal with the one in your office.
Why You Should Add Chicory to Your Coffee
To start with, it's a delicious way to cut down on your caffeine consumption.
The Difference Between Post- and Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccines (and When You Need Them)
Left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal, but the vaccines are almost 100% effective.
Creative Uses for Peeps (the Very Best Candy of Them All)
Making s'mores? Baking a cake? Give Peeps a chance.
How to Deal With A Brilliant Asshole At Work
Brilliant jerks are more trouble than they are worth. Here's how to cope.
How to Treat Your Kid’s Cuts and Bruises Quickly, According to a Boxing Cutman
As a parent, sometimes you have to work fast—much like the professionals.
What Is 'Brain Fog' (and When Is It Serious?)
The term brain fog can mean a lot of different things. Here's when to see a doctor.
How To Recognize Signs of an Eating Disorder in Kids And Teens
Eating disorders in kids and teens are on the rise. Here's how to spot the signs.