Big Questions Answered, How and Why

Why do we feel so uncomfortable on someone else’s behalf? Breaking down the science behind secondhand embarrassment.

There’s a two-part history to the origins of why we call pants a “pair” when it’s only one item of clothing. We explore the interesting background here.

Is it the same flame from Greece to the games? Here’s how the Olympics keep the torch for the relay lit during its journey.

You’re not really wishing someone a good ‘bye.’ ‘Bye’ is just an abbreviation—and ‘good’ is sort of a mistake.

An image of a person talking next to an image of a “winter weather ahead” sign

You’re far from the only one who does it, so why do we resort to weather when making small talk?

Do you swear you think back to your childhood when you smell a certain type of cookie? There’s a science behind the phenomenon.

A close-up of a drink at Lauderdale Marina.

You don’t think twice before squeezing a lemon into your drink while you’re dining out, but you might want to.

You’ll need to look back to Ancient Roman history to learn how the modern-day months got their names—and what they were called before.

TV presenter Tessniem Kadiri poses in an elevator

There are reasons beyond proving the opportunity to check your hair and outfit.

Let’s take a look at the different processes for creating life-saving vaccines for multiple diseases.

Tiny people giggle at everything from tickling to peek-a-boo to silly faces. But do they really have a sense of humor?

Have you ever noticed there’s a pin-sized hole in each coffee cup lid? There’s a reason for that.

Those mysterious white lines you often see on the road right before a storm aren't just for show.

A speech bubble with the words “that’s woke” inside.

Where the word “woke” came from and how it’s used today.

It’s not just because you’re spending more time indoors.

Ever wonder why the new year officially starts on January 1? Turns out, you can thank Pope Gregory XIII—and Julius Caesar.

Giant piles of nasty, filthy snow will still line your streets, long after the most recent winter storm. What gives?

End-of-year smooching has roots in the parties of ancient Rome, but Thomas Edison had a part to play, too.

Jesus’s birthday is subject to interpretation, and there are plenty of intriguing theories to explain how we landed on December 25 to celebrate Christmas.