NEWS

The National Archives Is Looking for Volunteers With a “Superpower”: Reading Cursive

The agency needs help deciphering the flowing penmanship of the past.

Use the Salt Trick to Reduce Hot Oil Splatter While Cooking

A simple trick will keep your counters splatter-free.

The History of How Each Month’s Full Moon Got its Name

Each month’s full moon marks the changing seasons.

Definition Detective Quiz #22

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Certain smells become less pungent in cold air.

What’s Really Happening When You “Smell” Snow?

The sensation is real, but it doesn't have to do with odor.

Gen Z is all about the Duniverse—and Timothée and Zendaya.

15 of the Best Movies That Define Gen Z

From childhood favorites to critically acclaimed indie hits, here are some of the best Gen Z movies (so far).

Some situations require sterilization, while sanitizing works fine in others.

Sanitize vs. Disinfect vs. Sterilize: What‘s the Difference?

Learn the key differences between sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing to properly clean your home and protect your health.

Winter isn't always great on cars, but it still has its upsides.

16 Clever Car Hacks That Make Driving in Winter So Much Easier

Winter maintenance isn't always fun, but these clever car hacks can make navigating icy roads and snow flurries a lot easier.

The Surprisingly Literal Reason We Call Letters “Uppercase” and “Lowercase”

The terms are more literal than you might have assumed.

A scene from the La Brea Tar Pits with models of Ice Age animals.

10 Fascinating Facts About the La Brea Tar Pits

There’s a gooey time capsule in the heart of Los Angeles, left over from an era when saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, camels, and giant sloths prowled southern California.

Tune Twist Quiz #26

It’s time to play Tune Twist, where we translate the lyrics of popular songs into multiple languages and then back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?

Why Is It Called a “Manila” Envelope?

There’s a surprising connection between the capital of the Philippines and mailing important documents.

20 Albums Turning 50 in 2025

Some true classics are turning the big 5-0 this year, from Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’ to Rush’s ‘Fly by Night.’

Might want to change into a clean pair, though.

Is Sleeping With Your Socks on Actually a Good Thing?

You might think it’s gross, but some sleep experts swear that the key to a better night’s rest is sleeping with your socks on.

Feeling like garbage? That’s your immune system at work.

12 Fantastic Facts About the Immune System

Without our immune system, we wouldn't last very long: this complex network of organs and cells fights off pathogens and helps maintain our health.

This Apple Frangipane Tart Is an Impressive End to Any Meal

Make this classic French pastry recipe your next baking project.

11 Odd Old-Timey Valentine’s Day Traditions

From writing a salty letter of insults to rid yourself of unwanted attention to using a key to ward off epilepsy, here are 11 of the oddest old-timey Valentine’s Day traditions from years past.

Can You Match the Slogan to the Fast Food Chain?

See if your knowledge of fast food advertising is super-sized.

Why Are Oft-Repeated Jokes or Stories Sometimes Called “Old Chestnuts”?

There are several theories as to where this phrase came from—and none of them involves the nuts.

1 Fact About Every Best Picture Oscar Winner

The Oscars have given out 96 awards for Best Picture in their long history. Here’s one thing you should know about each film, from ‘Wings’ to ‘Oppenheimer.’

GAMEBABY: Phone armor with retro gaming superpowers

Transform Your Phone Into a Playable Game Boy With This Clever Case

Instead of breaking your old Game Boy out of storage, snap the GAMEBABY case onto your iPhone.

11 Animals That Can Purportedly Predict the Weather

Groundhogs aren't the only creatures with the powers of prognostication. From badgers to woolly bear caterpillars, these other animals are said to predict the weather.

What’s the Kennection? #150

All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?

The good news? You won't have to do it very often.

How to Wash Your Favorite Winter Coats at Home

Get a complete guide for how to wash winter coats, including fleece jackets, down parkas, and more.