Big Questions Answered, How and Why

A hiker crosses a ravine on a log through Olympic National Park’s rainforest.

Two factors explain why Seattle, Portland, and surrounding areas get all that precipitation.

No one wants to go through a nuclear war.

Cockroaches have a reputation for being indestructible. But they may not be as totally immune to radiation as people think.

A 15th-century queen might have something to do with it. Plus, why the heck vampires have them.

Houses can have a lot of architectural quirks.

These little spaces often spark curiosity and nostalgia, though few people know their history.

Though the gray band is safe to eat, it’s not particularly appetizing.

Counterintuitively, pouring water over yourself on a humid day might not cool you off.

While 100 percent humidity might seem to suggest there should be pure rain showers, there may not even be a hint of drizzle. So what does it mean to reach peak humidity?

The stringy white glob hanging off an egg yolk is a chalaza. Here’s what it does and when you should remove it.

Not everyone enjoys classical music blaring out of gas station loudspeakers. And that's the point.

Gas stations know what they’re doing when they play Bach at the pump.

Cracking your car’s rear window can be a highly unpleasant experience—and physics is to blame.

You deserve a bowl full of non-spoiled ice cream.

No one wants to discover a freezer full of spoiled ice cream. Here’s how to tell if the creamy treat is still good—and how to make sure it’s safe to eat for as long as possible.

Digital blood pressure monitors allow people to check their systolic and diastolic numbers at home.

You can’t actually feel your blood pressure, but it’s one of the body’s most important indicators of cardiovascular health. Here’s the lowdown on how blood pressure works—and what it means for your overall wellness.

Calling police officers “cops” dates to the 19th century.

Cutting down on syllables is just one reason ‘cop’ became synonymous with ‘police officer.’

Where this bizarre expression came from, how its meaning has evolved, and where you might have seen it used.

A fallout shelter sign left over from the Cold War still visible in Brooklyn, New York.

Tens of thousands of fallout shelter signs, with three yellow triangles in a black circle, are visible on building façades today. They serve as grim reminders of the hottest flashes of the Cold War. So why are they still around?

Telling him you're checked out will only take a few minutes.

If you have the time, opting for a quick checkout might save you a bit of money and make someone else’s day a whole lot smoother.

Olives: You either love them or hate them.

What sets green and black olives apart? It’s more than just color.

Accidental 911 calls happen more often than you may think.

You never want to butt-dial the cops by mistake. But if you do, here’s what happens next.

It looks like something has him on edge.

An extra-fluffy tail doesn’t just look cute—it’s your cat’s way of communicating how they feel.

It sounds like a myth, but hot drinks really can make you cooler.

Malted milk powder makes all the difference.

One key ingredient separates a malt from a milkshake.

Deadbolts are a pretty good theft deterrent.

Our favorite type of door lock has a somewhat morbid name.

They haven’t been mandated by the EPA since 2012, but California has kept them around.

Baby viewing windows were once a staple of hospital maternity wards across the country, but now they feel like a relic from a bygone era. Read on to learn about their history—and the real reasons why they vanished.

Anxiety is a normal feeling to experience.

Feeling anxious can be normal and sometimes even healthy. Missing out on life because of that anxiety is not.

BIG QUESTIONS

Why Is the Pacific Northwest So Rainy?

Could Cockroaches Really Survive a Nuclear War?

Why Is a V-Shaped Hairline Called a “Widow’s Peak”?

What Are Those Little Doors in Old Houses For?

What’s the Tough, Gray Band Inside My Steak?

Why Isn’t 100 Percent Humidity Always Rain?

What’s the Little White Thing in an Egg?

The Surprisingly Harsh Reason Gas Stations Play Classical Music

Why Does Driving With a Car’s Rear Windows Down Hurt Your Ears?

How Do You Know If Ice Cream Has Gone Bad?

How Does Blood Pressure Work?

Why Are Police Officers Called “Cops”?

Why Do We Say “Over My Dead Body”?

Why Do We Still See Fallout Shelter Signs?

What Happens If You Don’t Check Out of a Hotel?

Green Olives vs. Black Olives—They're Not as Different as You May Think

What Happens If You Call 911 by Mistake?

Why Is My Cat’s Tail All Puffed Up?

Does Drinking a Hot Drink Really Cool You Down?

Malt vs. Milkshake: What’s the Difference?

Why Is It Called a “Deadbolt”?

What Are Those Weird Sleeves on California Gas Pumps?

Why Did Baby Viewing Windows Disappear From Hospitals?

What’s the Difference Between Feeling Anxious and Having Anxiety?