BIG QUESTIONS

Many pregnant people struggle with nausea and vomiting, especially during the first trimester.

Why Is It Called “Morning Sickness” If It Can Last All Day?

Nausea and vomiting are the bane of many a pregnant person’s first trimester. And despite the name, the symptoms aren’t just limited to the morning.

A hiker crosses a ravine on a log through Olympic National Park’s rainforest.

Why Is the Pacific Northwest So Rainy?

Two factors explain why Seattle, Portland, and surrounding areas get all that precipitation.

No one wants to go through a nuclear war.

Could Cockroaches Really Survive a Nuclear War?

Cockroaches have a reputation for being indestructible. But they may not be as totally immune to radiation as people think.

Why Is a V-Shaped Hairline Called a “Widow’s Peak”?

A 15th-century queen might have something to do with it. Plus, why the heck vampires have them.

Houses can have a lot of architectural quirks.

What Are Those Little Doors in Old Houses For?

These little spaces often spark curiosity and nostalgia, though few people know their history.

What’s the Tough, Gray Band Inside My Steak?

Though the gray band is safe to eat, it’s not particularly appetizing.

Counterintuitively, pouring water over yourself on a humid day might not cool you off.

Why Isn’t 100 Percent Humidity Always Rain?

While 100 percent humidity might seem to suggest there should be pure rain showers, there may not even be a hint of drizzle. So what does it mean to reach peak humidity?

What’s the Little White Thing in an Egg?

The stringy white glob hanging off an egg yolk is a chalaza. Here’s what it does and when you should remove it.

Not everyone enjoys classical music blaring out of gas station loudspeakers. And that's the point.

The Surprisingly Harsh Reason Gas Stations Play Classical Music

Gas stations know what they’re doing when they play Bach at the pump.

Why Does Driving With a Car’s Rear Windows Down Hurt Your Ears?

Cracking your car’s rear window can be a highly unpleasant experience—and physics is to blame.

You deserve a bowl full of non-spoiled ice cream.

How Do You Know If Ice Cream Has Gone Bad?

No one wants to discover a freezer full of spoiled ice cream. Here’s how to tell if the creamy treat is still good—and how to make sure it’s safe to eat for as long as possible.

Digital blood pressure monitors allow people to check their systolic and diastolic numbers at home.

How Does Blood Pressure Work?

You can’t actually feel your blood pressure, but it’s one of the body’s most important indicators of cardiovascular health. Here’s the lowdown on how blood pressure works—and what it means for your overall wellness.

Calling police officers “cops” dates to the 19th century.

Why Are Police Officers Called “Cops”?

Cutting down on syllables is just one reason ‘cop’ became synonymous with ‘police officer.’

Why Do We Say “Over My Dead Body”?

Where this bizarre expression came from, how its meaning has evolved, and where you might have seen it used.

A fallout shelter sign left over from the Cold War still visible in Brooklyn, New York.

Why Do We Still See Fallout Shelter Signs?

Tens of thousands of fallout shelter signs, with three yellow triangles in a black circle, are visible on building façades today. They serve as grim reminders of the hottest flashes of the Cold War. So why are they still around?

Telling him you're checked out will only take a few minutes.

What Happens If You Don’t Check Out of a Hotel?

If you have the time, opting for a quick checkout might save you a bit of money and make someone else’s day a whole lot smoother.

Olives: You either love them or hate them.

Green Olives vs. Black Olives—They're Not as Different as You May Think

What sets green and black olives apart? It’s more than just color.

Accidental 911 calls happen more often than you may think.

What Happens If You Call 911 by Mistake?

You never want to butt-dial the cops by mistake. But if you do, here’s what happens next.

It looks like something has him on edge.

Why Is My Cat’s Tail All Puffed Up?

An extra-fluffy tail doesn’t just look cute—it’s your cat’s way of communicating how they feel.

Does Drinking a Hot Drink Really Cool You Down?

It sounds like a myth, but hot drinks really can make you cooler.

Malted milk powder makes all the difference.

Malt vs. Milkshake: What’s the Difference?

One key ingredient separates a malt from a milkshake.

Deadbolts are a pretty good theft deterrent.

Why Is It Called a “Deadbolt”?

Our favorite type of door lock has a somewhat morbid name.

What Are Those Weird Sleeves on California Gas Pumps?

They haven’t been mandated by the EPA since 2012, but California has kept them around.

Why Did Baby Viewing Windows Disappear From Hospitals?

Baby viewing windows were once a staple of hospital maternity wards across the country, but now they feel like a relic from a bygone era. Read on to learn about their history—and the real reasons why they vanished.