Meg Duff

Meg Duff

Meg Duff is a freelance science journalist and audio producer based in Brooklyn and the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds an M.F.A from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. Her stories have also appeared in Slate Magazine, Bedford+Bowery, the climate law podcast Damages, and Apartment Therapy.

Articles by: Meg Duff

A 1920s illustration of an ancient Greek Bireme that has two decks of oars.

What is the 'ship of Theseus' thought experiment?

By Meg Duff published

The Greek writer Plutarch proposed this question: If a ship's planks are replaced over time due to wear and tear until none of the original pieces remain, is it still the same ship?

Moths and insects being attracted by the light of a lamppost, at night.

Why are insects attracted to artificial lights?

By Meg Duff published

Artificial lights can be deadly to the insects that fly around them, so why do these critters do it?

Adorable cat lying on top of an open book on a knitted blanket

Why do cats purr?

By Meg Duff published

Cats may purr because they're happy, but also for a slew of other reasons, including getting their owner's attention and stress.

A bearded capuchin cracks open a coconut with a stone.

Which animals have entered the 'Stone Age'?

By Meg Duff published

Humans aren't the only species that has entered the Stone Age. Who else is in the club?

Two coal miners standing on top of a massive pile of coal.

How does coal form?

By Meg Duff published

Coal takes tens if not hundreds of millions of years to form; it all starts with living plants that eventually fossilize.

World Map Topographic Map

Which is the largest continent? The smallest?

By Meg Duff published

Pangaea was one of the largest continents in world history, but now it's broken up. So which continent today is the largest, and which is the smallest?

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