Big Questions Answered, How and Why

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Accidental 911 calls happen more often than you may think.

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.

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

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

Malted milk powder makes all the difference.

One key ingredient separates a malt from a milkshake.

Deadbolts are a pretty good theft deterrent.

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

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

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.

Anxiety is a normal feeling to experience.

Feeling anxious can be normal and sometimes even healthy. Missing out on life because of that anxiety is not.

The cocoon is on the left and the chrysalis is on the right.

Confused about pupae, chrysalises, and cocoons? Discover the key differences between these metamorphic terms.

Residents of Washington, D.C., have no governor, no voting representation in Congress, and only limited local authority. The reason is simple: D.C. isn’t a state. Let’s break down the history and future of D.C. statehood.