BIG QUESTIONS

Is There An International Standard Governing Scientific Naming Conventions?

For animals, the 18th-century naturalist Carl von Linné introduced the system of binominal nomenclature, where animals have names composed of two parts.

What's the Difference Between a Killer's Signature and M.O.?

If you're a fan of true crime—or crime-based TV—chances are you've heard the terms 'signature' and 'M.O.' thrown around. We asked former FBI agent and author John Douglas to break down the difference for us.

What's the Difference Between An Attorney and A Lawyer?

The two terms seem interchangeable, but historically, there was a clear difference between a lawyer and a practicing attorney.

What Makes a Pet an Emotional Support Animal?

An animal doesn't need to be a pig, a peacock, or something just as unconventional to qualify. What constitutes an emotional support animal has little to do with the pet itself and more to do with its owner.

The Reason We Celebrate Flag Day

Support for Flag Day, a sometimes-overlooked holiday, was ignited during the Civil War. But there was a commercial purpose behind it.

What's the Difference Between A Dead and Live Virus?

A virus straddles the fuzzy boundary between living and dead, which is why biologists and doctors talk about "inactivated" viruses, not "dead" viruses.

What Is the Kitchen Like on the International Space Station?

The ISS doesn't have a full-fledged kitchen like we picture here on Earth, but there are sections designated for the astronauts to prepare food and eat.

What Do the Numbers and Letters on a Boarding Pass Mean?

They may seem like a random jumble of letters and numbers, but they contain key information about your flight. Here's how to read your boarding pass like a pro.

What's the Difference Between Pool and Billiards?

Sinking a ball in a side pocket is usually referred to as pool, but is a billiard game the same thing? We investigate.

How Can Cockroaches Survive Nuclear Attacks If They Can Be Killed By Insecticide?

We've all heard the old saying that the only thing that would survive a nuclear winter would be cockroaches (and maybe some Twinkies). So then why are they susceptible to bug sprays?

Why Were Dinosaurs So Large and Why Don't Animals of That Scale Exist Today?

Why aren't elephants and giraffes the size of brontosauruses and other dinosaurs that we know were enormous?

What Caused Pangea to Break Apart?

The ocean basins are constantly opening and closing, so what caused Pangea to break apart is slowly putting the next supercontinent together.

What Do the Terms on Energy-Saving Light Bulbs Mean?

Hardware store aisles are filled with light bulbs that promise cost savings. But what do these terms really mean?

What's the Difference Between a Rabbit and a Hare?

They're both cute and fluffy with big ears, but that's where the similarities end. It gets even more complicated when bunnies and jackrabbits are thrown into the mix …

Do Cats Understand Their Own Name?

Cats are undeniably smart, but do they have an understanding of their own identity? Researchers in Tokyo may have found the answer.

What Is The Difference Between An Inc., Ltd., Co., and LLC?

Incorporated. Limited. Company. Limited Liability Company. Essentially, the difference comes down to who is in charge and who assumes responsibility for any liabilities.

What Is One Hour Martinizing?

A New York chemist found a way to make dry cleaning safer and faster, so of course he named the process after himself.

If the Moon is Gradually Moving Farther Away From Us, Will Its Gravitational Pull Ever Cease on Earth?

Theoretically, the Moon could move far enough away to no longer have a hold on Earth. But quite a number of other big events would likely take place first.

What Is the Shelf Life of Donated Eyes?

Whole eyes can be donated for both research and education purposes, but the various tissues in donated eyes can be used to repair the eyes of living patients.

If March 15 Is the Ides of March, What Does That Make March 16?

The Romans referred to the days of the month by their relation to the 'Kalends,' the 'Ides,' and the 'Nones.' If Caesar had been killed any other day, his famous warning might have sounded much less ominous.

Why Has More Than One Person Solved Einstein's Equations?

Unlike simple equations like the quadratic equation, most equations do not have nice, simple, general solutions.

Do Flight Attendants Know When There's an Air Marshal on Their Plane?

There's not a Federal Air Marshal on every flight, but there is a specific protocol that must be followed when an armed law enforcement is flying the friendly skies.

Why Do People Toss Beads During Mardi Gras?

Each year, more than 1 million people descend on New Orleans for Mardi Gras, an organized parade of debauchery and alcohol-induced torpor where plastic beads are tossed as a kind of currency.

Why Do We Say 'Bless You' When Someone Sneezes?

Humans have been conditioned to say "bless you" after someone has sneezed for centuries. Why do we do it?

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