Big Questions Answered, How and Why

Does Safely Ejecting From a USB Port Actually Do Anything?

Is your computer just being overly dramatic when it warns you not to just yank out your flash drive?

Typhoon Nepartak swirling over the Pacific Ocean on July 6, 2016

Why Are Hurricanes and Typhoons More Common in the Pacific?

A “typhoon” and a “hurricane” are the same kind of storm, they just go by different names.

Why Do Champagne Corks Expand After the Bottle is Opened?

Age has something to do with it.

Who's Responsible for Self-Driving Car Accidents?

Get ready for non-driver's insurance.

Why Am I So Hungry After Swimming?

There's a good reason for why you want to hit the snack bar upon leaving the pool.

Can a Person in Space Survive Without a Spacesuit?

Sci-fi writers, take note.

Why Is Jet Lag Worse After You've Traveled East?

Researchers use math to explain why jet lag happens and how travel direction plays a role.

Do Men Have a Monthly Hormone Cycle?

Is “manstruation” real?

Does the Way You Cut a Vegetable Change Its Flavor?

Chopping, slicing, and dicing can have different results.

Why Do We Use Salt and Pepper to Flavor Food?

If variety is the spice of life, why do we always use these two seasonings?

What's the Difference Between a Font and a Typeface?

It's confusing. And it's technology's fault.

Could a Former President Ever Become Vice President?

It all comes down to how you like your Constitution: literal, or liberally intepreted.

Why Do We Refer to Splitting a Bill as "Going Dutch"?

The concept dates back nearly 150 years, and refers to a point of pride among German immigrants.

Why Does the Snooze Button Only Give You 9 More Minutes of Sleep?

Why not make it an even 10?

Why Is Cheese So Expensive in Canada?

It’s all thanks to a little something called supply management.

Why Do Canadians Drink Milk in Bags?

It’s not just the Canadians who drink milks in bags—Minnesota and Wisconsin are getting in on the action, too.

How Do Contestants Collect Prizes on ‘The Price Is Right’?

Are there hidden costs attached to those big prizes? Turns out, all winners on "The Price is Right" are expected to pay up before taking possession of their prizes.

Why Is Lined Paper Called 'College Ruled'?

There are many different types of lined notebook paper. To help tell them apart, you might have to break out a ruler.

Why Are Weekends Two Days Long?

You can thank hangovers.

Chris Ware/Keystone Features/Getty Images

What's the Difference Between a Coffin and a Casket?

Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. And it's all in the shape of things.

Why Are Cats Such Picky Eaters?

There's a good reason why Mr. Whiskers turns his nose at a change in his food.

Does Tapping a Soda Can Really Prevent It From Fizzing Over?

The practice is meant to settle the fizz, but how does it work?

How Does Someone Become a Superdelegate?

It’s an extremely powerful position, but how does one actually land the gig?

Flickr User Francis Storr // CC BY-SA 2.0

What’s the Difference Between a 'Good Source Of' and an 'Excellent Source Of' on Food Labels?

They mean specific things. "Natural," however, is a different story.

BIG QUESTIONS