Health

Retro Pepsi-Cola logos from the mid-20th century.

Pepsi-Cola was named for two ingredients that it doesn't (and possibly never did) contain.

Discover the history of the flu and its devastating impact on the world, from the deadliest influenza pandemic to today’s vaccines.

Would a smell by any other name evoke such delight?

Discover the science behind that irresistible “new car smell”—and whether it need to roll down your windows.

According to some strange old theories about the origins of birthmarks, a blemish on your behind meant you had the mark of the devil.

Using a toothbrush that doesn't belong to you isn't a romantic gesture. It's a health risk.

Churchill knew how to tackle those midday slumps.

Did you know that famous figures like Thomas Edison and Salvador Dalí were avid nappers? Learn more about their unique napping habits and the benefits they experienced here.

You really don’t want to know what’s lurking in that dip.

Fresh snow might look tasty, but just because it looks clean doesn’t mean it actually is.

A spud spat is brewing between tuber advocates and the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee over what it means to be a potato.

The wall-mounted dryers could be dirtier than a toilet seat.

Taking steps like moving your body, booking a trip, and tweaking your routine can keep you feeling balanced during the winter doldrums.

In 1900, the global average life expectancy was around 32 years old. Today, it's 71. How did this happen?

Fire trucks are a common sight at ambulance calls.

Why does the fire department show up for emergency calls if nothing is on fire?

In for 2024: kabocha squash with seaweed butter.

This soy and mirin braised kabocha squash with seaweed butter is both healthy and decadent.

Deciding to write 'disc' or 'disk' depends on what kind of disc it is. Sometimes.

Eating good food can leave you lighter in the wallet.

Eating well often comes at a premium price. Here’s why.

Participating in Dry January means that no booze at all is to pass your lips for the entire calendar month of January. Here's how it started.

Here’s how to stop those post-shower sweats.

Breaking out in a sweat after you take a hot shower is normal, but there are steps you can take to prevent it.

You may want to think twice about sneaking a cookie.

A recent study found a link between artificial sweeteners in ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of depression.

Good news! Wearing yoga pants may inspire you to go to the gym more often.

Got a New Year’s resolution to go to the gym more often? Here are a few tips to help you stick to your goals.

HSAs and FSAs don’t work in exactly the same ways.

The differences between HSAs and FSAs include how they’re set up, how much you can contribute, and who qualifies.

Several health ailments hindered the Tudors.

The powerful royal family was not immune to the many illnesses of the 16th century.

The bootleg chocolate bars are prompting health and safety concerns.

Think a human always has 206 bones? Think again.

Considering how familiar we all are with the human body—since we all have one—there is a surprising number of enduring myths about it.

Pop Star: How Pepsi Got Its Name

10 Facts About the Flu

What Exactly Is ‘New Car Smell’?

Cravings, Rabbits, and Witches: The Creepy Retro Explanations for Birthmarks

Why You Should Never Use Someone Else’s Toothbrush

10 Famous Modern and Historical Nappers

The ‘Seinfeld’ Double-Dip Is Exactly as Gross as It Seems, According to Science

Is It Safe to Eat Snow?

A Tuber Tiff: Potatoes May No Longer Be Considered a Vegetable

Bathroom Hand Dryers Might Be Blasting Us With Poo Particles

7 Ways to Beat Cabin Fever

Average Life Expectancies Have More Than Doubled Over the Past 70 Years—Here's Why

Why Do Fire Trucks Come When You Call for an Ambulance?

Want to Eat More Veggies in the New Year? Start With This Soy-Braised Kabocha Squash

Disc vs. Disk: What’s the Difference?

The Reason Healthy Food Is Often More Expensive Than Junk Food

A Brief History of Dry January

The Reason You Sweat After a Shower—and How to Stop It

Sugary Snacks and Drinks Could Be Making You Depressed

11 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Go to the Gym

HSA vs. FSA: What’s the Difference?

10 Medical Misfortunes that Plagued the Tudor Royal Family

The UK Is Drowning in Fake Wonka Bars

4 Big Misconceptions About the Human Body