Ailsa Harvey

Ailsa is a staff writer for How It Works (opens in new tab) magazine, where she writes science, technology, history, space and environment features. Based in the U.K., she graduated from the University of Stirling (opens in new tab) with a BA (Hons) journalism degree. Previously, Ailsa has written for Cardiff Times magazine, Psychology Now and numerous science bookazines. Ailsa's interest in the environment also lies outside of writing, as she has worked alongside Operation Wallacea (opens in new tab) conducting rainforest and ocean conservation research.

Articles by: Ailsa Harvey

A heavily pregnant, African-American woman wearing and orange dress is sat on her couch holding her bump. She is grimacing as if she is starting labor

Signs of labor: 6 clues baby is on the way

By Cari Nierenberg, Ashley P. Taylor, Ailsa Harvey, Yasmine S. Ali, MD published 23 August 22

Reference Find out how to spot the common signs of labor and discover some things you can do to promote labor

A close-up of a saw-scaled viper, one of the world's deadliest snakes.

10 of the deadliest snakes

By Ailsa Harvey, Jeanna Bryner published 28 July 22

An encounter with one of these venomous snakes could cost you your life.

Whirlpools: Facts, formation and survival tips

By Ailsa Harvey published 11 May 22

Reference Whirlpools form when fast-flowing currents in oceans and rivers constantly change direction. What do they look like and can you escape from one?

World's 'shark tooth capital' teemed with even more extinct species than we knew

By Ailsa Harvey published 5 May 22

Florida is sometimes referred to as the "shark tooth capital of the world," and new research documents the now-extinct species that have been discovered there.

A pair of sauropods share a tender moment, in the trailer of a new documentary series about life during the Cretaceous.

Cretaceous dinosaurs come to life in stunning footage from 'Prehistoric Planet'

By Ailsa Harvey, Mindy Weisberger published 22 April 22

'Prehistoric Planet,' a five-part documentary series, transports viewers into the mesmerizing world of the Cretaceous period.

Swiftie scientist names millipede species after Taylor Swift

By Ailsa Harvey published 22 April 22

A newfound millipede species from the Appalachian Mountains was named after the famous singer by the scientist who described the arthropod (and is a devoted Swift fan).

How do bees make honey? From the hive to the pot

By Ailsa Harvey published 13 April 22

Reference How do bees make honey? By producing masses of this sweet substance, honeybees can stay active throughout the winter period.

A cancer diagnosis of lung cancer, showing up in an axial plane chest MRI scan.

Cancer diagnosis: Detection, testing and research

By Ben Biggs, Ailsa Harvey published 6 April 22

Reference Cancer can affect any part of the body, requiring doctors to employ robust methods such as MRI scans, blood tests and computed tomography to detect and classify it.

Pet ID tags: Can this tech help find lost pets?

By Ailsa Harvey published 24 March 22

Reference Smart pet ID tags can give pet owners an extra pair of eyes if a beloved pet goes missing.

Jaws of Life: Invention, tools and uses

By Ailsa Harvey published 23 March 22

Reference The Jaws of Life are the favoured hydraulic tool for safely removing car crash victims. The equipment can cut car frames apart and lift crushing weights from passengers.

Laser surgery: Cosmetic and life-saving procedures

By Ailsa Harvey published 23 March 22

Reference Laser surgery harnesses cutting-edge technology to provide cosmetic, sight-saving and life-saving procedures.

Building demolition: History, methods and record breakers

By Ailsa Harvey published 15 March 22

Reference Building demolition technology has developed to bring down skyscrapers in a matter of seconds.

Women's suffrage timeline: How American women won the vote

By Ailsa Harvey published 8 March 22

Reference Over 100 years ago, and after decades of protest, women's suffrage was granted in the U.S.

The five (and more) human senses

By Alina Bradford, Ailsa Harvey published 8 March 22

Reference There are five basic human senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. Other senses also help us understand and perceive the world around us.

Hamsters: Diet, habits & types

By Alina Bradford, Ailsa Harvey published 3 March 22

Reference Hamsters are small rodents that are commonly kept as house pets.

7 facts about the vagina

By Linda Thrasybule, Ailsa Harvey published 22 February 22

Reference Women's vaginas are often misunderstood. Here are the facts.

Body after birth: 18 post-pregnancy changes to look out for

By Laura Geggel, Ailsa Harvey published 22 February 22

Reference Pregnancy transforms the body, and some of these changes remain after birth.

10 energy-saving life hacks: How to save on electricity bills & more

By Ailsa Harvey published 19 February 22

Countdown As energy prices soar, it can be difficult to keep control of your energy bills. These simple life hacks can help reduce your energy consumption and save money.

How do solar panels work?

By Michael Dhar, Ailsa Harvey published 11 February 22

Reference Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing an alternative, renewable energy source

7 Roman inventions: Incredible feats of ancient technology

By Ailsa Harvey published 8 February 22

Reference For centuries the Roman Empire introduced new innovative technologies across the ancient world. Evidence of these Roman inventions and lessons still live on today.

What is friction?

By Tia Ghose, Ailsa Harvey published 8 February 22

Reference Friction plays an important part in many everyday processes, such as converting the energy of motion into heat.

What are Sea-Monkeys?

By Ailsa Harvey, Live Science Staff published 4 February 22

Reference These brine shrimp pets come to life in water, but where did they originate in nature?

50 interesting facts about Earth

By Stephanie Pappas, Robert Roy Britt, Ailsa Harvey published 4 February 22

Reference We've collected some of the most interesting and amazing facts about Earth

Male fertility: 10 tips for men trying to conceive

By Cari Nierenberg, Ailsa Harvey published 26 January 22

Reference There are several things a man can do to increase the chances that he will get a woman pregnant.

What's the difference between fruit and vegetables?

By Ailsa Harvey, Live Science Staff published 26 January 22

Reference The difference between fruit and vegetables can vary across botanical and culinary fields