Matt Ribel - Washingtonian

Matt Ribel

Freelance Writer

Matt Ribel is a freelance writer interested in science and subcultures. His work has appeared in Wired.

How Elon Musk’s Sci-Fi Hyperloop Failed

News & Politics

How Elon Musk’s Sci-Fi Hyperloop Failed

Before his misadventures in government efficiency, Musk promised to revolutionize commuting with a subway that would speed passengers between DC and Baltimore in a matter of minutes. The project was a farce—and a sign of things to come.

February 12, 2026

Human Decomposition Has Been a Mystery–Until Now

News & Politics

Human Decomposition Has Been a Mystery–Until Now

At George Mason University's "body farm," forensic scientists are studying human decay, the better to help solve homicides.

George Mason University, Science

April 7, 2025

She Recovered From a Severe Covid Vaccine Complication. Is the Government Doing Enough for Others Who Were Less Fortunate?

News & Politics

She Recovered From a Severe Covid Vaccine Complication. Is the Government Doing Enough for Others Who Were Less Fortunate?

An uncommon reaction left Cristina Calvert fighting for her life. She survived and is healthy, but others with injuries are struggling to receive compensation from the “black hole” federal program meant to help them.

covid, Government, pandemic

November 25, 2024

Meet the NIH Detectives Cracking Medicine’s Toughest Cases

Health | News & Politics

Meet the NIH Detectives Cracking Medicine’s Toughest Cases

When people suffering from mysterious afflictions have nowhere left to turn, they come to NIH’s Undiagnosed Diseases Program in Bethesda, where a team specializing in ultra-rare genetic disorders takes on cases that have stumped the medical world—and offers patients new hope.

NIH, rare disease

May 7, 2024

Can Long-Demonized Psychedelic Drugs Improve Your Mental Health?

Health | News & Politics

Can Long-Demonized Psychedelic Drugs Improve Your Mental Health?

A Rockville cancer clinic is at the forefront of a budding renaissance in psychedelic medicine. Can doctors there unlock the mental-health benefits of the long-banned drugs?

July 31, 2023