Jessie Szalay
Jessie Szalay is a contributing writer to FSR Magazine. Prior to writing for Live Science, she was an editor at Living Social. She holds an MFA in nonfiction writing from George Mason University and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Kenyon College.
Latest articles by Jessie Szalay

Camel Spiders: Facts & Myths
By Jessie Szalay published
Camel spiders are not spiders, and they don't eat camels — or people. These arachnids became infamous after the Gulf War.

Coral Snakes: Colors, Bites, Farts & Facts
By Jessie Szalay published
Coral snakes are small, vibrantly colored, highly poisonous snakes found in Asia and in the Americas. When threatened, they make a popping sound with their cloacas — essentially a fart.

Rattlesnake Facts
By Jessie Szalay published
Rattlesnakes are found throughout North and South America. Their distinctive rattle warns intruders to stay away!

Funnel-Web Spiders: Families, Bites & Other Facts
By Jessie Szalay published
Funnel-web spiders build funnels out of their webs. Some of these spiders are among the most venomous in the world.

Garter Snake Facts
By Jessie Szalay published
Garter snakes are some of the most widespread snakes in North America. They can be found from Florida to Alaska.

Corn Snakes: Morphs, Colors & Other Facts
By Jessie Szalay published
Corn snakes are nonvenomous snakes found primarily in the southeastern United States. They are popular as pets, and selective breeding has produced many varieties, or morphs.

Types of Spiders & Spider Facts
By Jessie Szalay published
There are 40,000 types of spiders in the world. All of them bite, but spider bites are rarely deadly.

Avocados: Health Benefits, Risks & Nutrition Facts
By Jessie Szalay published
Avocados are a versatile fruit that are packed with nutrients and are a great way to add healthy fat to your diet.

Dental Health & Kids: A Guide for Every Age
By Jessie Szalay published
Learn about keeping your kids’ teeth healthy and strong from infancy on and setting them up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and good dental hygiene practices.

Gingivitis & Periodontitis: Symptoms & Treatment of Gum Disease
By Jessie Szalay published
Gingivitis and periodontitis, two types of gum disease, are fairly common, but can be stopped or their symptoms lessened with effective care.

What Is Plaque?
By Jessie Szalay published
Dental plaque is a sticky, clear film of bacteria that forms on teeth. It causes dental problems, so plaque should be removed regularly.

Aspirin: Dosage & Side Effects
By Jessie Szalay published
Aspirin is a common pain reliever. Learn how aspirin works, what "baby aspirin" is for, what aspirin's side effects are, and whether you should give aspirin to your dog.

Ferdinand Magellan: Facts & Biography
By Jessie Szalay published
Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan led the first voyage around the world.

John Smith of Jamestown: Facts & Biography
By Jessie Szalay published
The blending of history and legend has created a distorted image of the Jamestown leader, especially with the story of his rescue by Pocahontas.

Sistine Chapel: Facts, History & Visitor Information
By Jessie Szalay published
The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican is renowned for its Renaissance art, especially the ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
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