BIG QUESTIONS

The dreaded 'wrong pipe' calamity can strike at any time.

What Really Happens When Food Goes Down the 'Wrong Pipe'?

It's a bit of an oversimplification, but the food you eat really can take a wrong turn before it hits your stomach.

Whether you experience pain with a vaccine shot may depend on what type you're getting.

Why Do Some Vaccines Hurt More Than Others?

Some shots can barely be felt while others feel like you've been punched in the arm. Is it technique, the vaccine, or something else?

Wildfires have reached historic proportions this year.

What Exactly Is a Gigafire?

The August Complex fire ravaging California is being called a "gigafire," and it's every bit as imposing and destructive as the name implies.

There's a good chance his parents have dimples, too.

Why Do Some People Have Dimples?

Genetics probably play a part in dimple formation, and so does a muscle called the “zygomaticus major.”

MDs and DOs are both reputable health care providers. The difference is one of philosophy.

MD vs. DO: What Is the Difference?

Some people are confused by the DO designation for health care providers, but it's not really so unusual.

Who wouldn't be screaming in this situation?

Why Are Humans Afraid of Bugs?

Our ancestors may have predisposed us to fear spiders, insects, and other many-legged creatures, but there's a lot more to it.

Are Halloween Pumpkins Edible?

The pumpkins sold around Halloween for carving and decoration aren't the same pumpkins used in pies.

Hands are built-in tools for detecting bad breath.

Why Can’t You Smell Your Own Breath? There Are a Few Theories

In order to cure halitosis, you have to realize you have bad breath in the first place. Here’s why that’s hard to do.

Air quality in airplane cabins has become a growing concern during the coronavirus pandemic.

Just How Clean Is the Air On an Airplane?

The coronavirus has brought new attention to air quality on airplanes. And while it's better than you think, there are still risks to consider.

What does it mean when a politician approves of a message in a campaign commercial?

Why Do Politicians Need to Say 'I Approve This Message' in Their Ads?

Anyone running for federal office is required to endorse their own television ads. While it's supposed to make their political statements more honest, it might be having the opposite effect.

Dogs appear to be running in their sleep. Why?

The Reason Dogs Run In Their Sleep

Dogs tend to get a little exercise in even when they're resting. Is it really because they're dreaming about running?

What Makes Bread Dough Rise?

When your bread dough doubles in size overnight, you have a hard-working team of microorganisms to thank.

It's not exactly the "safety in numbers" situation you might be imagining.

What Is Herd Immunity?

The facts on where it comes from, how it works, and whether it could happen with the novel coronavirus.

Alfred Nobel on the front of the Nobel Peace Prize medal.

How Does the Nobel Peace Prize Nomination Process Work?

Only certain people can submit nominations, and the Nobel Committee isn’t allowed to reveal nominees or nominators until 50 years later.

Airplane fuel sometimes needs to be jettisoned.

The Reason Why Fuel Dumped From an Airplane Doesn't Reach the Ground

Planes sometimes need to dump fuel to keep their weight down for a safe emergency landing. Here's why it doesn't hit anything.

Skillet vs. Sauté Pan: What’s the Difference?

Ironically, a skillet is better for sautéing than a sauté pan is. (But sauté pans have their own skill set.)

"What did I tell you about the elbows, Susie?"

Why Is It Considered Rude to Eat With Your Elbows on the Table?

Even Emily Post, the queen of table manners, sometimes graced the tabletop with her elbows. What gives?

Your sheets need to be washed on a regular basis.

Here's How Often You Should Be Washing Your Sheets

Bedsheets may look clean, but they harbor a variety of nasty things—from dust mites to, yes, even poop.

These seemingly random digits can tell you a lot.

What Do the Numbers on Barcodes Mean?

Barcode scanners don’t need to register the number below the barcode, but it can tell you a lot about a product.

Fabric softener acts as a lubricant for your laundry.

What Does Fabric Softener Actually Do?

Fabric softener is supposed to reduce friction and wrinkles and prolong the life of your clothing. But there are some downsides to using it.

Pharmacists are happy to help. But only after you've walked through the entire store.

The Reason Pharmacies Are Usually Located in the Back of a Store

There's an excellent reason why pharmacy locations like CVS and Walgreens make you walk all the way through the store before picking up your antibiotics.

Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?

Your cat's habit of sleeping all day isn't a sign of laziness—it's a survival instinct that's baked into their genes.

A baby's laugh can offer a lot of insight into their development.

Why Do Babies Laugh?

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

Who Was Jim Crow?

The name "Jim Crow" appears throughout many U.S. history books, but he was a caricature—not a real person.

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