SCIENCE

Lightning strikes over the Freedom Tower (a.k.a. One World Trade Center) in New York City.

Did Ben Franklin Really Invent the Lightning Rod?

Ben Franklin’s famous experiment with the kite and key gave him a better understanding of the nature of electricity. But did that event lead to the lightning rod?

9 Interesting Facts About the Ribs

Thanks to binding her ribs in tight corsets, Guinness World Record holder Cathie Jung has a waist that is the same circumference as a jar of mayonnaise.

Bee Team: Bumblebees Can Cooperate To Push LEGO Bricks, According to Science

Bees demonstrate a surprising understanding of needing a helping hand to tackle obstacles.

8 Myths About Dead Bodies, Debunked

Corpses are less scary than you think.

‘T. rex’ Might Have Been as Smart as a Crocodile (But Not As Smart As We Thought)

Previously, a study suggested that the king of the dinosaurs was as intelligent as a primate. New data hints that this may not have been the case.

Everything you knew about normal human body temperature is a myth.

The 98.6°F Myth: Why Everything You Think You Know About Body Temperature Is a Lie

The average body temperature isn't actually 98.6°F, a fact scientists have known for at least three decades. So why does this myth persist?

Wetness is a battle between cohesive and adhesive forces.

Is Water Wet? The Answer is Surprisingly Elusive

It depends on the properties of water, the definition of wetness, and whether you can trust when your senses inform you if something is wet or not.

A replica of the Denisovan finger bone discovered in 2010.

9 Facts About the Denisovans, Our Mysterious Human Ancestor

The Denisovans went extinct around 30,000 years ago. Scientists are just beginning to unravel their genetic legacy.

Bigfoot Sightings Are Probably Just Bears, Study Finds

A researcher found a significant correlation between Bigfoot sightings and black bear populations.

Why Does Weed Make You Hungry?

Marijuana really does give you the munchies—here's the science behind why.

Why Do Kids Eat Their Boogers?

Catching a kid picking their nose isn’t too unusual, but have you ever wondered what makes them want to actually eat their boogers? Discover more about the science behind mucophagy and its enduring appeal to youngsters.

The Lyrids meteor shower will light up skies around Earth Day.

The Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks on Earth Day in 2024

Make some time for the Lyrid meteor shower and you’ll probably see shooting stars zooming across the heavens every few minutes.

A stained-glass window at the Coats Observatory near Glasgow, Scotland, depicts William Herschel.

How an Amateur Astronomer Discovered Uranus

In 1781, William Herschel looked through his telescope and saw Uranus.

Indian cabbage white butterfly (left), luna moth (right).

What’s the Difference Between Moths and Butterflies?

Both develop from caterpillars and both have impressive wings, but if you know what to look for, it's easy to tell moths and butterflies apart.

An illustration of Samuel Morse and company sending the first telegraph message from 'The Story of the Nineteenth Century of the Christian Era,' 1900.

‘What Hath God Wrought’: The Biblical Phrase That Made Scientific History

The origins of ‘what hath God wrought’ go much farther back than the first telegraph message.

Surprisingly, there is truth in this advertising.

Does Febreze Really “Trap” Bad Odors?

When you spritz some Febreze into the air, it actually uses compounds called cyclodextrins to trap those odor-causing molecules.

Mars rover captures first ever sound of dust devil

7 Fascinating Facts About Martian Dust Devils

Martian dust devils have been intriguing astronomers and climatologists for decades. Here’s some amazing trivia about these red planet whirlwinds.

Map showing the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse.

NASA's Interactive Eclipse Map Tells You Where and When to Get the Best View

If you want to experience the solar eclipse on April 8, this interactive tool has everything you need to know.

10 of the Biggest Earthquakes in History

From a surprise temblor in the Mississippi Valley to colossal ruptures and tsunamis around the Pacific Ring of Fire, these are some of the biggest earthquakes in modern times.