SCIENCE

These books altered history in ways big and small.

46 Books that Changed the World

Here, in no particular order, are just a few of history’s most influential tomes—and how they made humanity look at things in a new light.

A strawberry moon rising over the Manhattan skyline.

Venus and a Strawberry Moon Will Brighten Skies This Weekend

June's strawberry moon will be accompanied by an extra-bright Venus this Saturday.

A photograph on display at the Bradbury Science Museum at Los Alamos National Laboratory shows the first thermonuclear test on October 31, 1952.

9 Explosive Facts About the Manhattan Project

America’s greatest physicists assembled under the Manhattan Project to create the deadliest weapon the world had ever seen—an atomic bomb.

Your dishwasher probably isn't broken—it all comes down to science.

Why Does Plastic Never Fully Dry in the Dishwasher?

Plastic containers are usually still covered in water after they’ve been through the dishwasher. Blame science—not your dishwasher.

🎇 New mud volcano discovered in Norwegian waters

Watch a Newly-Discovered Mud Volcano Erupt Underwater

Scientists recently recorded an underwater mud volcano—the second discovered in Norwegian waters.

The Interesting Etymologies of 71 Everyday Words

Here’s (at least) one interesting way station each of these common words made on its journey to the present day, whether it’s an analysis of the Latin roots, a hypothesis about a proto-Indo-European origin, or a pivotal change in meaning.

Never forget the last names of Henry VIII's wives or the order of the planets with these mnemonic sentences.

13 Mnemonic Sentences To Boost Your General Knowledge

“A Big Secret Conceals Her Past” will help you remember the names (and order) of Henry VIII's wives.

These facts will have you making this face.

15 Facts You’ll Wish You Had Never Learned

We can’t promise you’ll ever feel the same way about pasta, pools, or your own face.

Swimming is an all-body workout—bladder included.

The Reason Swimming Makes You Need to Pee

Going for a dip? You'll probably have a wee bit of trouble. Here's why.

This Blue Marble Earth montage shows many stunning details of our home planet.

8 Amazing Facts About Earth

Our planet is spinning more than 1000 mph at the equator while simultaneously zipping through space at 67,000 mph.

Why Does Sand Stick to Everything?

Everything except volleyball players, we mean.

During this penumbral lunar eclipse, visible in Lahore, Pakistan, in 2017, Earth's main shadow did not cover the moon.

Catch the Shadowy Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Coming in May

About a third of all lunar eclipses only ever hit the “partially illuminated” shadow of the Earth's penumbra. Here's how to see it happen this May.

Anglerfish Mating Is Horrific—and Here’s How It Works

If you thought modern-day dating was rough, just wait until you find out how these deep-sea dwellers get it on.

10 Fascinating Facts About Corpse Flowers

The rare, giant plant is equal parts fascinating and foul.

Three tornadoes on the ground at the same time near Dodge City, Kansas, on May 24, 2016.

12 Powerful Facts About Tornadoes

A 2011 tornado threw a 36-ton railcar 400 feet. Here's what you need to know about these super-powered storms.

Barnum Brown changed paleontology and pop culture forever by discovering Tyrannosaurus rex.

How Barnum Brown Discovered ‘T. rex’ and Became History’s Greatest Fossil Hunter

Like his most famous discovery, fossil hunter Barnum Brown was larger than life.

Turns out that gas stove might not be all it's cracked up to be.

Should You Replace Your Gas Stove With an Electric One? Here’s What Chefs and Scientists Say

The debate over gas vs. electric stoves is hotter than ever. But now that professional chefs and scientists are weighing in, there's a clear frontrunner.

Brian Mueller (super soaker), New Africa (light bulb and seat belt), Feng Yu (duct ape), los_jan (toilet), non123 (Walkman), 3DMI (Hubble), Areeya_Ann (birth control pills) // Shutterstock; Julia Lemba (backgrounds) // iStock via Getty Images Plus

The Stories Behind 20 Inventions That Changed the World

From blood banks and barcodes to the Super Soaker and the pizza box, here are the fascinating stories behind inventions that changed the world.

Can Plants Die of Old Age?

Houseplants can die of old age, but likely not within your lifetime.

An ice-free Antarctica is barely recognizable.

What Antarctica Looks Like Under All That Ice

If you've wondered what the land underneath Antarctica's ice actually looks like, science has an answer.

There have been major advancements in Oreo science.

Plot Twist: Science Has Figured Out If You Can Split an Oreo Cookie Perfectly

Researchers at MIT looked at "postmortem crème distribution" to see if two Oreo wafers can have an equal amount of filling after being twisted.

Some cheese should be treated with suspicion.

What's the White Stuff on Cheese?

There's a fine line between delicious and disgusting.

Your love of dipping fries in milkshakes can be explained by science.

The Surprising Science Behind Why People Dip Fries in Milkshakes

It seems to go against logic, but the appeal of milkshake-dipped French fries is backed by the science of taste.

DNA Analysis of Beethoven's Hair Reveals New Clues About His Death

The composer suffered from hearing loss and a number of mysterious ailments before his death at age 56. His hair is providing some answers.