BIG QUESTIONS

Are Humans Still Getting Taller?

You've probably noticed, either from museum exhibits or visits to colonial houses, that humans these days are generally taller than we used to be.

What’s the Difference Between a Stalactite and a Stalagmite?

Well-meaning geologists ended up confusing plenty of folks when they named stalactites and stalagmites. Both of these similar-sounding structures—typically formed in limestone caves—are capable of stretching over 27 feet in length. But what's the differen

Why Do Speed Skaters Use Such Weird Ice Skates?

If you watch the speed skaters during this year’s Winter Olympics, you’ll certainly notice something strange about the footwear they’re sporting. With a hinged blade that moves independently from the boot, modern speed skates look nothing like hockey or f

How Does A Honeybee Colony Think?

As any kid with a mason jar can tell you, the honeybee isn't the smartest animal on the planet. But oddly enough, a honeybee colony is actually pretty intelligent. How does the group make decisions when the individuals can't?

Where Did the Chicken Nugget Come From?

Matt Soniak answers today's Big Question.

Is Your Sense of Direction Innate?

Some people are like homing pigeons: Drop them off anywhere, and they’ll find their way around. Other people, though, can’t tell when they’re holding a map upside down. Are the directionally challenged just bad learners? Or are some of us just lucky to be

How Do You Pronounce "Sochi"?

Before Sochi was selected as the host of the 2014 winter Olympics, not many people had heard of it, so it didn't have a widely known English pronunciation.

How Does Caffeine Work?

Caffeine isn’t the kickstarting jitter-drug you think it is. If anything, it’s a sneaky imposter.

Why Do We Call Athletic Uniforms “Jerseys”?

Super Bowl XLVIII is this weekend, and both teams have already selected their designated uniforms for the occasion. But have you ever wondered why we call these athletic garments “jerseys” in the first place?

How Do Squatter’s Rights Work?

“Squatter’s rights” isn’t a list of specific rights, but refers to a specific form of adverse possession, a legal principle that we inherited from England and has been around, in one form or another, for ages.

Why Does Q (Almost) Always Go With a U?

Leaving aside for now the few foreign loanwords (e.g., Qatar, Iraq) where Q shows up without a U, an English Q is the only letter that can't go anywhere without a partner. Why does a Q always need a U? We can blame it on a whole bunch of our alphabetic an

Can You Actually Be Bored to Death?

Kind of. Boredom won’t directly kill you on its own, but it does make it more likely that a handful of other things will put you six feet under.

Who Are the "Black Widows" Threatening the Olympics?

Security experts in Sochi are concerned about “black widow” terrorists, a group of female suicide bombers. Where did they come from?

What Are the Seven Seas?

The term is mainly used figuratively today, but in the past it depended on whom you asked as different cultures gave different answers.

Why Can't Some Men Grow Facial Hair?

Facial hair is a symbol of virility and wisdom (not to mention a wonderful enhancement to a male body). But that doesn't mean a man who suffers from boy face—meaning, he can't cultivate a beard—isn't wise or manly. So why can't some men grow facial hair?

Why Do Hollywood Movies Cost so Much to Make?

As they say, it takes money to make money, and Hollywood is certainly spending its fair share.

Do You Really Have to Wait an Hour to Swim After Eating?

No one knows when, exactly, parents began terrifying their children with the prospect of a post-lunch drowning. But there are a few theories as to why.

Where Does the Term "Honeymoon" Come From?

From reality TV shows to The Beach Boys’ croons of Aruba and Jamaica, references to honeymoons are everywhere. But where did the term "honeymoon" first come from?

Is a Dog's Mouth Really Cleaner Than a Human's?

They're both filthy, but which is the most filthy?

Can You Catch Up On Sleep?

When we pull an all-nighter to study for a test or put together a presentation, we assure ourselves we’ll just make it up later—but can you really catch up on lost sleep?

What Causes Baldness?

If you’ve got a receding hairline, don’t be so quick to blame it on your baseball caps or your grandpa.

Why Isn't There Canned Broccoli?

When it comes to buying canned vegetables, we usually find the same handful of choices: peas, beans, corn, carrots, beets, tomatoes. Why don’t we see broccoli or green peppers in a handy-dandy can?

What Causes Audio Feedback?

We’ve all heard it before: A deafening squeal coming from the speakers at a concert or event that causes everyone in the audience to plug their fingers in their ears and shout, “Make it stop!”

Why Do We Put Salt on Icy Roads?

Winter is officially here, and for those of you at more northern latitudes, you know what that means: snow and ice. And while walking in a winter wonderland is certainly wonderful, slipping and sliding can mean some nasty injuries.

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