BIG QUESTIONS

It's not exactly the "safety in numbers" situation you might be imagining.

What Is Herd Immunity?

The facts on where it comes from, how it works, and whether it could happen with the novel coronavirus.

Alfred Nobel on the front of the Nobel Peace Prize medal.

How Does the Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Process Work?

Only certain people can submit nominations, and the Nobel Committee isn’t allowed to reveal nominees or nominators until 50 years later.

Airplane fuel sometimes needs to be jettisoned.

The Reason Why Fuel Dumped From an Airplane Doesn't Reach the Ground

Planes sometimes need to dump fuel to keep their weight down for a safe emergency landing. Here's why it doesn't hit anything.

Skillet vs. Sauté Pan: What’s the Difference?

Ironically, a skillet is better for sautéing than a sauté pan is. (But sauté pans have their own skill set.)

"What did I tell you about the elbows, Susie?"

Why Is It Considered Rude to Eat With Your Elbows on the Table?

Even Emily Post, the queen of table manners, sometimes graced the tabletop with her elbows. What gives?

Your sheets need to be washed on a regular basis.

Here's How Often You Should Be Washing Your Sheets

Bedsheets may look clean, but they harbor a variety of nasty things—from dust mites to, yes, even poop.

These seemingly random digits can tell you a lot.

What Do the Numbers on Barcodes Mean?

Barcode scanners don’t need to register the number below the barcode, but it can tell you a lot about a product.

Fabric softener acts as a lubricant for your laundry.

What Does Fabric Softener Actually Do?

Fabric softener is supposed to reduce friction and wrinkles and prolong the life of your clothing. But there are some downsides to using it.

Pharmacists are happy to help. But only after you've walked through the entire store.

The Reason Pharmacies Are Usually Located in the Back of a Store

There's an excellent reason why pharmacy locations like CVS and Walgreens make you walk all the way through the store before picking up your antibiotics.

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

Your cat's habit of sleeping all day isn't a sign of laziness—it's a survival instinct that's baked into their genes.

A baby's laugh can offer a lot of insight into their development.

Why Do Babies Laugh?

Tiny people giggle at everything from tickling to peek-a-boo to silly faces. But do they really have a sense of humor?

Who Was Jim Crow?

The name "Jim Crow" appears throughout many U.S. history books, but he was a caricature—not a real person.

Who Were the Actual Brooks Brothers?

Four actual brothers formed the Brooks Brothers clothing brand after their father had started the menswear business in 1818. It survived scandal and changing styles—but the current economic downturn may be a different story.

Does Putting a Penny in the Microwave Really Make It Shrink?

Putting metal in the microwave is never a good idea—especially if you're inspired by a viral social media hoax.

Why Do We Say ‘Spill the Beans’?

The phrase was around long before Kevin Malone dropped his famous chili in season five of ‘The Office.’

The IAAF has required Olympic gold medalist Caster Semenya to take medication to lower her testosterone levels—a demand she has actively fought against.

What's the Difference Between Sex and Gender?

Though 'sex' and 'gender' are often used interchangeably, each word has its own distinct meaning and applications.

Barack Obama walks on the colonnade after leaving the Oval Office for the last time as President on January 20, 2017.

What Benefits Do Presidents Get After They Leave Office?

The Former Presidents Act, which was passed by Dwight Eisenhower in 1958—largely to help Harry Truman, who struggled financially after leaving the Oval Office—entitles ex-presidents to a handful of benefits.

Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

If you always respond to your tail-chasing dog with laughter and belly rubs, he might just be in it for the attention.

Cloth face masks can help slow the spread of coronavirus. But do they need filters, too?

Do Carbon Filters in Face Masks Offer More Protection Against Coronavirus?

A growing number of cloth face masks for sale online are offering a carbon or other type of filter. Do they help?

Cats are not sleeping in sinks solely to annoy you. That's just a bonus.

Why Do Cats Like to Chill Out in Sinks?

The joy of pet ownership can decline when a cat refuses to budge from the place where you'd like to wash your face.

Why Do Cats 'Slow Blink' at People?

Attempting to decode cat behavior can lead to madness. But we do have some idea of why cats like blinking at us.

If you're looking for a caffeine fix, you know that orange pot isn't going to help.

Why Are Decaf Coffee Pots Orange?

Both decaf and regular coffee drinkers know what the orange spout and handle on a carafe means, but they may not know why the color was chosen.

If you ever find yourself in a Mac and Me-type situation, it's best to know what to do.

What Should You Do In the Unlikely Event You Meet An Alien?

We've all seen 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.' But if you find an alien in your backyard—who you gonna call?

This woman is going to make a quick stop at Whole Foods' bakery section before book club.

Why Does Altitude Affect Baking?

Don’t blame yourself for those bone-dry brownies you made in Aspen—blame the air pressure (or lack thereof).

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