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Joseph Stromberg

Joseph Stromberg

Former Vox Staff

Writes about science. And sometimes other things. Previously of Smithsonian magazine and Buffalo, New York.

Latest articles by Joseph Stromberg

Coffee is now a substitute for chewing tobaccoCoffee is now a substitute for chewing tobacco
Almanac

The way we chew now.

By Joseph Stromberg
Focus groups shape what we buy. But how much do they really say about us?
Money

Even in the age of big data, brands can’t quit the focus group.

By Joseph Stromberg
Hope you enjoyed 2016. It’s going to last one second longer than usual.Hope you enjoyed 2016. It’s going to last one second longer than usual.
Science

The “leap second,” explained.

By Joseph Stromberg and Brad Plumer
How cars went from boxy to curvyHow cars went from boxy to curvy
Play
Video

The big shift from boxy cars in the ‘80s to curvy cars in the ‘90s, explained.

By Joseph Stromberg and Christophe Haubursin
Why you shouldn’t drive slowly in the left lane
Video

Can we all agree that the left lane is only for passing?

By Joseph Stromberg and Christophe Haubursin
Why cars went from boxy in the ‘80s to curvy in the ‘90sWhy cars went from boxy in the ‘80s to curvy in the ‘90s
Explainers

The story behind the most underappreciated design shift in automotive history.

By Joseph Stromberg
Why do traffic jams sometimes form for no reason?Why do traffic jams sometimes form for no reason?
Technology

Scientists have solved the infuriating mystery.

By Joseph Stromberg
The leap second: why 2016 will be exactly one second longer than expectedThe leap second: why 2016 will be exactly one second longer than expected
Climate

The speed of Earth’s rotation keeps changing ever so slightly.

By Joseph Stromberg and Brad Plumer
Is Friday the 13th unlucky? Research says no.Is Friday the 13th unlucky? Research says no.
archives

Here’s why you don’t need to worry.

By Joseph Stromberg
Highways gutted American cities. So why did they build them?Highways gutted American cities. So why did they build them?
Video

A story of highway engineers, institutional racism, and the auto industry.

By Joseph Stromberg

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