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Today's Mind-blower

10 Ways Grocery Stores Trick You Into Spending More

You walk in with a specific list and a firm budget, yet you end up spending more than you bargained for. Your grocery store just tricked you.

Survival of the Fittest

health
Why are people afraid of clowns?
Some blame coulrophobia, or the irrational fear of clowns, on Pennywise, the psycho clown in Stephen King's 1986 book "It.” But clowns started scaring people long before that.
entertainment
How Sword Swallowing Works
Sword swallowing is an extremely dangerous trick that doesn't involve illusions. How can it be real? We'll show you -- with explanations and diagrams of the interactions between swords and the upper GI tract. But don't try this at home!
people
10 Wrong Grammar Rules Everyone Knows
Will the grammar police really arrest you if you start a sentence with a conjunction or end one with a preposition? There's only one way to find out.
health
10 Surprising Ways to Lose Your Mind
Financial hardship. Work deadlines. A trip to Paris. Wait, what? A visit to the City of Light is enough to send you off the deep end?
science
Why can't we remember being babies?
A friend may joke that he remembers going through a long, dark tunnel into a blinding white light – and being hit on the bottom by a doctor. But in general, most people don't remember being born or learning to walk. Why is that?
electronics
How the Dyson Bladeless Fan Works
The Dyson Air Multiplier works like a fan, but it has no blades. Can it be as effective as a traditional fan? What's so different about it?
entertainment
How can someone walk across broken glass without getting hurt?
A magician or street performer walking barefooted across broken glass is a dramatic spectacle. Find out how people can walk across glass without hurting themselves.
science
10 Completely False ‘Facts’ Everyone Knows
The blood in your veins is blue. Glass is a slow-moving liquid. If you touch a baby bird, its mother will abandon it. Not so fast –- if you learned any of those "facts" in school, what you learned was wrong.
science
10 Awesome New Inventions You'll Never Hear About
Despite all the Slinkies, Band-Aids and BIC pens out there, many patented inventions that push the boundaries of innovation will likely never see widespread use, like this car that’s grown organically and emits pure oxygen.
science
10 Absolutely Worst Foods to Eat
We all eat things we probably shouldn't, and that's OK from time to time. But there are some foods that are such nutrition bombs that even occasional indulgence isn't exactly wise.
science
10 Unsolved Airplane Mysteries
Since 1948, more than 100 aircraft have gone missing while aloft and never been found. How is this possible? We'll look at some of these unsolved mysteries, as well as other bizarre airline mishaps.
health
10 Bipolar Disorder Myths
Sure, you know what bipolar disorder is. It’s that condition where you just have dramatic mood swings and you get lots done during the manic episodes … right? Not quite.
science
Is there a link between intelligence and mental illness?
Is there any truth to the stereotype of the mad scientist? Turns out there is a link between high IQs and mental illness. Researchers are still not sure why.
history
10 False History Facts Everyone Knows
If you think Newton discovered gravity when an apple fell on his head or Napoleon was extremely short, you may need a history refresher. These 10 “facts” are really fiction.
electronics
10 Myths About Video Games
Ever since they took the world by storm in the early 1980s, video games have been the stuff of legend. However, the video game world is so insular that you'd have to be a dedicated gamer to even hear some of these myths.
science
Top 5 Ways to Get Smarter
The human brain has a great capacity to adapt, rewire and grow. How can you help your noggin reach its ultimate potential?
home
How Lock Picking Works
In movies, burglars can open a lock using a paper clip. Is it really so easy? The basic process of picking a lock is simple, but it takes practice to get it right.
health
Top 10 Foods for Beautiful Skin
Selecting the right foods can help brighten your complexion from the inside out or the outside in. So should you skip the beauty counter and head for the grocery store instead?
science
What are the effects of isolation in the mind?
No man is an island -- unless he has a score of Twitter followers and Facebook friends but no one to go bowling with. Loneliness isn't just all in your head, but it definitely affects your brain.
animals
Do all creatures sleep?
Sleep might seem pretty simple, but scientists are still scratching their heads over questions surrounding the slumbering state. What does sleep mean to a whale, a brown bat, a migratory bird or even an invertebrate?
entertainment
10 Games That Take Minutes to Learn and a Lifetime to Master
Games like chess and checkers have been around for centuries for a reason: They're very easy to learn but difficult to master. What other games make the cut for this list?
health
How do they get the fat out of fat-free foods?
Wouldn't it be cool if there were some magical machine that just sucked all the fat out of all the foods we like but still left them tasting delicious? Yeah, not happening, so what is the deal?
money
10 Careers for People Who Love to Travel
Some people like to stay in. Others want to get away every chance they get -- if they can afford it. What if you could travel the world and get paid for it? Sound too good to be true? Here are 10 careers designed to satisfy anyone's wanderlust.
science
10 Worst Adaptations in the Animal Kingdom
Humans can certainly claim some of these, but sloths, giraffes and pandas wanted a piece of the action, too. The hyena adaptation, however, may just blow your mind.
home
10 First-time Homebuyer Mistakes
Buying your first home can be a dream come true, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Realistic planning is key to avoiding the pitfalls that await first-time homebuyers.
money
10 Telecommuting Careers That Can Make You Rich
Proof that we're living in the incredible future: We can conduct serious business in our pajamas. Which work-from-home jobs are the most lucrative?
health
10 Crazy Things Contacts Can Do
Contact lenses have been correcting vision for more than a century, but lenses today can make you look like a cat, monitor your blood sugar and maybe even make you a better athlete.
people
10 Strange American Traditions
If you normally mute commercials but spend Super Bowl Sunday analyzing every joke or camera angle, you know some American traditions can be kind of bizarre. What are 10 of the weirdest?
health
10 Reasons You Have a Runny Nose
Sniff, blow, wipe … sniff, blow, wipe … It's the seemingly endless cycle of a runny nose. But what makes our schnoz get soppy? Read on for some of the most common causes of reaching for the box of tissues.
adventure
10 Boardless, Pieceless Road Trip Games
Summer means road trip time, but how do you make those long hours in the car pass more quickly? Check out our road trip games list for some old favorites and new ideas.
science
10 Completely False ‘Facts’ Everyone Knows
The blood in your veins is blue. Glass is a slow-moving liquid. If you touch a baby bird, its mother will abandon it. Not so fast –- if you learned any of those "facts" in school, what you learned was wrong.
home
10 Things Your Cleaning Lady Doesn't Want You to Know
For a lot of people, there just isn't time to clean the whole house, top to bottom, every week. That's where the convenience of a maid service comes in. What risks are you taking by hiring someone else to do the dirty work?
health
Top 10 Things That Can Reduce Sex Drive
Few things in life can be as unsettling as having your libido disappear. Even more frustrating is not knowing why. Here, we'll discuss 10 things that can reduce sex drive.
people
10 People You Probably Didn’t Know Were Black
What do Alexandre Dumas, Pete Wentz and Alexander Pushkin have in common? We're not talking about literary talents -- they're all people whose African ancestry is not well-known. Who else is on the list?
health
10 Office Exercises You Can Do Secretly
A long day at the office leaves little time for exercising. But what if you could squeeze in a workout during your office routine -- without any of your coworkers asking, "What're you doing?" We've got a list of exercises that just fit the bill.
science
10 Performance-enhancing Drugs That Aren't Steroids
Lance Armstrong, Jose Canseco, Mark McGwire: The list of superstar athletes accused of -- or admitting to -- taking performance-enhancing drugs is almost as impressive as the number of sports that they compete in. And we're not just talking about steroids anymore.
science
10 Funny Inventions That Changed the World
People are always thinking up strange stuff that makes us chuckle, like, say, wafflemakers that churn out waffles in the shape of a keyboard. But these 10 inventions aren't just funny; we interact with them all the time.
electronics
10 Things to Look for When Buying a Laptop
Even though prices are lower than ever before, a laptop is still a significant investment. If you use the right criteria when shopping, you can feel confident that you're getting the best value for your money and the best machine for your needs.
money
10 Extreme Coupon Tips for Normal People
Would you believe it's possible to save more than 90 percent on your grocery bills? It takes measures many people would consider extreme, but saving serious money doesn't have to completely dominate your life.
adventure
Top 10 Causes of Running Pain
Running can be hard on your feet and legs -- you end up paying for all that impact eventually, right? Most serious runners can't avoid pain, but the key to managing it lays in knowing the kind of pain you're dealing with.
adventure
Top 10 Most Poisonous Plants
If you swallow these plants, you could wind up with stomach convulsions, blurred vision, amnesia -- you could even die. What shouldn't you taste on your next hike?
health
Top 10 Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
Thick, greasy sunscreen lotions may trigger an acne breakout for people with sensitive skin. But you've got to protect yourself against harmful rays. Which formulas should you choose?
recipes
10 Things You Can Make With a Can of Black Beans
Black beans are a versatile, tasty ingredient in soups, salads, chili and even brownies! Here are 10 things you can make with a can of black beans.
history
10 Medieval Torture Devices
Torture was a very popular form of punishment in the Middle Ages, but it also served as a social deterrent and as entertainment for the masses. These 10 devices show just how creative torturers became with their tools as a result.
home
10 Things You Should Do Two Months Before a Move
Moving pretty much always takes longer than you think it's going to take. So, be smart and plan ahead. There's lots of packing and organizing you can get out of the way two months in advance of your move.
recipes
10 Ways to Cook a Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest foods you can add to your diet. But, like anything, they can get boring if they're prepared the same way every time you eat them. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to spice them up.
science
Top 10 Industrial Revolution Inventions
During the Industrial Revolution, both innovation and the capabilities of large factories combined to thrust people from a predominantly agricultural existence into a more urban lifestyle. So what were the period's top inventions?
adventure
Top 10 Survival Tools
Let's say your vacation tour group ditches you in the outback. Or your car slips off an icy road in the middle of nowhere. Will you have the tools to save your life?
money
10 Tips for Effective Workplace Communication
Communication is as easy as breathing, but doing so with coworkers can be tricky. Someone could misconstrue a friendly e-mail, micromanage employees to death or even commit a cultural faux pas. Luckily, we'll show you how to avoid these missteps.
auto
What does the VTEC system in a Honda engine do?
Japanese automaker Honda is best known for their VTEC system. Almost all of their newer vehicles are equipped with VTEC engines. But what does it actually do and how does it maximize engine performance?
recipes
What exactly is Jell-O made from?
Everybody loves Jell-O, but very few people know what it's made from. Here's a hint: Vegetarians, steer clear.
science
Is it possible to generate electricity directly from heat?
Is it possible to generate electricity directly from heat? Thermocouples do it, with no moving parts.
health
What's the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol?
Unless you've been hiding under a giant cheeseburger for the past decade, you probably know that having high cholesterol is bad for you. But it's not all created equal, and knowing the difference will help you to make sense of your cholesterol test.
auto
What if I put diesel fuel in an automobile that required unleaded fuel only?
Pouring diesel fuel into an unleaded tank isn't the end of the world: your car won't blow up. However, it won't start either. You'll have to do some serious cleaning to get your car running again.
auto
Is it smarter to buy or lease a car?
It happens all the time. You see an ad on television for an amazing car you've always wanted, and the monthly payments shown are actually within your financial grasp. But is that "attractive lease offer" really all it's ed up to be?
health
Why do I lose weight while I sleep?
Some people notice that their weight fluctuates around their sleep. Why does this happen?
electronics
What's an NFC tag?
NFC tags are smart little chips that'll allow you to snag digital information with your smartphone at short range. Get the details on this up-and-coming tag technology in this article.
science
What is silica gel and why do I find little packets of it in everything I buy?
Many of the things I buy contain little packets of crystals. Some of them actually say "Silica Gel" on them, but many are unlabeled or say something like, "Do not eat." I have found these packets in electronics, vitamins and even in some pepperoni I
health
What causes hot flashes?
The strange feeling arrives suddenly. Intense heat feels like a blast furnace has just been ignited below the surface of your skin. As quickly as it arrived, it vanishes. What causes hot flashes?
auto
Why should you install a cold air intake?
A cold air intake is a fairly inexpensive modification and a lot easier to install than most other engine mods. But what does a cold air intake actually do?
science
How much water is there on Earth?
Water is one of the most abundant substances on the planet. About 70 percent of our planet is covered by ocean. Just how much water is there on Earth? Find out the answer to this question in this article.
auto
What if I put sugar in someone's gas tank?
Putting sugar in someone's gas tank has long been rumored to ruin someone's car. But does it really work? What could really disable a car?
science
What does Einstein's famous equation really mean?
It opened the door for numerous technological advances, from nuclear power and nuclear medicine to the inner workings of the sun. It even appeared in the title of a Mariah Carey album. Really. Can you define those three key variables, too?
science
Why is the world's biggest landfill in the Pacific Ocean?
What's as big as a continent and sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? A pile of garbage that extends 100 feet (30 meters) below the surface of the water.
auto
Do you have to change the oil every 3,000 miles?
The 3,000-mile oil change is part of the American consciousness. But where did the figure come from, and is it even right?
science
Do parallel universes really exist?
Remember that traffic accident you avoided the other day? In another universe, you died. Or at least you did according to the Many-Worlds theory.
electronics
Do violent video games lead to real violence?
Entertainment media has always made a great scapegoat for bad behavior and violence. But is it legitimate? Do violent video games really lead to real-life violence?
money
How do savings accounts work?
Basically, a savings account is a way for your money to earn money. That may be a bit simplistic, but in this article we'll dig deeper and help you determine how to save and decide which accounts are the best fit for your lifestyle.
health
Why does your sweat sometimes smell like ammonia?
You just exercised and worked up a good, healthy sweat -- except that "healthy" rarely smells like industrial strength cleaner, right? Why does sweat sometimes reek of ammonia, and what can you do to stop it?
electronics
How does a brushless electric motor work?
The brushless motor is more precise than a regular electric motor and it's also a great deal more efficient. Learn all about brushless motors and how the invention of transistors led to their development.
adventure
How long can you go without food and water?
Gandhi fasted for three weeks while he was in his 70s, but he had water to drink. How long can the average person last without food or drink?
computer
Does adding more RAM to your computer make it faster?
Up to a point, adding RAM (random access memory) will cause your computer to feel faster on certain types of operations. RAM is important because of an operating system component called the virtual memory manager (VMM).
science
What would happen if Mount Vesuvius erupted today?
At any moment, magma moving at 100 mph could rumble into the communities at this volcano's base. Scientists predict a massive eruption, but the question is when.
science
Is it true that scientists are predicting a really big earthquake will sink western California?
Is it true that scientists are predicting a really big earthquake will sink western California into the ocean, or break it off from the continent?
electronics
Inside an Electric Motor
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside an electric motor? We've taken apart a simple electric motor that you would typically find in a toy to explain how all the parts work. See the next page to get started.
computer
Computer Memory Pictures
The different types of computer memory can be confusing. Take a look at these pictures of RAM, ROM, flash memory and more to learn about what the various types of memory are up to in your computer.
health
Cooling the Burn: Sunburn Home Remedies Image Gallery
The sun. People have worshiped it for thousands of years. But only in the last century have people worshiped the sun by baking themselves to a golden tan, which often masks an angry red burn. Scroll through these photos for some sunburn home remedies.
home
Homes of the Future Pictures
Advancements in technology over the years has lead to the improvements of our living quarters. Any thing from energy saving techniques to cutting time and effort on every day things in the household.
health
Image Gallery: Skin Problems
These pictures showcase some common -- and not so common -- skin conditions. Learn how to tell the difference between different rashes and bumps.
science
Hurricane Sandy, October 2012
Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast of the United States on Oct. 29, 2012, causing extensive flooding and damage. Millions of homes, businesses and even hospitals lost power in the wake of the storm.
health
Bodily Organ Pictures
Have you ever wondered what your body looks like on the inside? Take a tour of your major bodily organs and learn about unusual organ conditions with these pictures.
recipes
Apples to Apples: What Variety is Best for What?
There are many types of apple varieties that work well in different dishes. Check out these pictures and find out which apple you should be using in your apple pie, apple cider and all sorts of delicious apple recipes.
history
Barack Obama Pictures
Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States after a hotly contested primary race and general election. Check out photos from his life and the 2008 Obama campaign in this gallery.
home
Perennial Flowers Image Gallery
These blooming plants will dazzle you with color year after year. Sit back, smell the hibiscus and check out these photos of some of our favorite perennials.
science
Submarine Pictures
Submarines are built in a dry dock just like other seagoing vessels. Take an inside look at these fully submersible wonders of technology.
auto
Car Engine Pictures
Car engines range from small, economic 4-cylinders to insanely powerful 16-cylinder beasts. Get revved up with full-throttle photos of how they all work.
science
Robot Pictures
Whether they’re adorable like ASIMO or creepy like the world's most lifelike androids, today's robots take on a range of shapes and sizes. But they're not all humanoid. This gallery also shows off a few that are inspired by the animal kingdom.
animals
Cat Pictures
Thinking of investing in a feline friend? House cats range in color, size, origin and more. Check out this cat image gallery to help you determine which breed you might suit your tastes best.
science
Image Gallery: Inside a Nuclear Power Plant
Tour the inside of a nuclear power plant with these illustrative diagrams to learn more about how nuclear power plants work.
health
Drug Pictures
With drug pictures learn about the most used, most addictive and most controversial drugs on the market. Take a look at drug pictures to learn more.
auto
Classic Car Pictures
These photos showcase some of the rarest, most sought after classic cars from the 20th century's most renowned automakers. Ready to take a drive down memory lane?
history
Harriet Tubman Pictures
These Harriet Tubman pictures will show photographs and illustrations of the leader of the Underground Railroad. Take a look at pictures of Harriet Tubman.
animals
Bird Pictures
Did you know that it's the possession of feathers, not the ability to fly, that distinguishes birds from other animals? Take a view of these bird pictures to see how many you recognize.
electronics
Car Gadget Pictures
Take a look at these car gadget pictures and see some of the cutting edge technology available for your car. Check out our car gadget pictures.
science
Volcanoes: Spewing Lava All Over the Countryside
Volcanoes are majestic -- and deadly -- geological formations. See pictures of the world's most incredible volcanoes and the damage they can cause.
money
Money Scam Pictures
Money scams have been separating people from their cash for hundreds of years. In this gallery, see some of the most ruthless scams of the 20th and 21st centuries, and learn what you can do to protect yourself.
auto
Brake Pictures
Be honest: Do you ever really give much thought to how your car slows down or stops? Browsing through these spectacular street car and race car brake pictures might change that.
electronics
Inside Hex Bugs Pictures
If you are a bug lover, this tiny gadget is just for you! The Hex Bug is a tiny robot that reacts to sound and touch. Take a look inside the Hex Bug.
health
Getting Beautiful Skin Pictures
These getting beautiful skin pictures show some great ways to take care of your skin. Check out beautiful skin pictures here.
auto
Car Smarts: Exotic Cars
Exotic cars inspire a legion of car enthusiasts to empty their wallets for a taste of life in the fast lane. Will you be at the front of the pack after racing through the exotic car quiz?
health
Strange Addictions Quiz
Some people's bad habits are out in the open, but most addictions are well-kept secrets. How much do you really know about the things people just can't stop doing? Take this quiz to test your knowledge.
animals
The Ultimate Bear Quiz
There's Paddington Bear, Winnie the Pooh, Rupert Bear and many more. While kids may like to snuggle up with their teddy bear, real bears are wild creatures that can be very dangerous. There are many different kinds of bears, each with different characteristics and habits. Take this quiz to learn more about bears.
health
Fact or Fiction: Breast-feeding
Parents make lots of choices before their little one arrives in the world: What shall we name him or her? How will we decorate the nursery? What doctor will be our pediatrician? One decision parents must grapple with is how to feed the baby. Some parents go for bottles and formula, while others choose to breast-feed. How much do you know about the latter option?
health
Light It Up!: True or False Smoking Quiz
How savvy are you about smoking? The answers to our 10-question quiz may surprise you. Learn interesting facts about smoking and your health.
health
Personality Disorder Quiz
Personality disorders affect millions of people worldwide. Think you know the gamut of these mental health conditions? Test your knowledge with this quiz.
money
Can You Spot the Better Deal?
Which credit card offers the best deal? Should you take the cash rebate on the new car or the low interest rate? You are bombarded with confusing financial questions every day. Here are 20 more.
auto
Car Smarts: Camshafts
The air and fuel mixtures that power your car's engine are controlled by valves that open and shut. The essential camshaft rotates and instigates the valve movement. But how exactly does this crucial engine part work? See how well you can shift mental gears and take the camshaft quiz.
health
Fact or Fiction: Cold Sores
Cold sores -- or fever blisters -- are an embarrassing part of life for many of us. Misconceptions abound about them, though. Can you separate the facts and fictions?
auto
Car Smarts: Transmissions
A car's transmission enables the engine to provide a wide range of output speeds. Without it, you'd be limited to just one gear. Test your knowledge of both automatic and manual transmissions in this quiz.
home
Bedbugs: Fact or Fiction Quiz
Bedbugs are making a comeback after being nearly eradicated by the pesticide DDT back in the 1950s. If you're afraid that your house may host the next big bedbug convention, this quiz will help you separate the hype from the facts when it comes to these blood-sucking little pests.
science
This is your brain on love: The Science of Love Quiz
Forget about hearts and flowers and poetry. Love is all in your head -- your brain actually. So let's strip out the romance and get down to the neurochemicals and physiology that release a swarm of butterflies when encountering a new crush.
health
Cancerous Moles Quiz
Most moles are harmless, but some can be dangerous. See if you know the difference between healthy and cancerous moles in this info-packed quiz.
home
Home Mortgage Quiz
We know that the mere mention of the word 'mortgage' might induce a cold sweat -- or make you want to take a nice, long nap instead of taking this quiz. But before you dismiss the topic as too boring or complicated, remember that lack of education is the reason that so many people are caught up in this mortgage mess. So doesn't it make sense to educate yourself? And this easy little quiz is just the way to get your feet wet.
health
Urinary Tract Infections Quiz
Do you or someone you know that suffers from a urinary tract infection? Take this quiz and test your knowledge on this disease.
home
Quiz: How well do you know your appliances?
There are so many appliances and tools we use today that we take for granted, yet for centuries people went without them. Imagine a world without toilets, refrigerators or computers! Take this quiz to see how much you know about the history of the appliances you couldn't do without.
science
Fact or Fiction: Earthquakes
Earthquakes, like volcanoes, happen all the time -- but most of them are so minor we can't even feel them. They're also similar to volcanoes in that we can't fully predict them, and scientists are always waiting for the next big one to occur.
home
April Showers, May Flowers: The Full-on Flower Quiz
Prepare yourself for a full crop of bud-busting trivia. From pollination to cultivation to symbolism, we’ve got it all covered (and fertilized and watered). Does plant prowess come naturally to you?
adventure
The Ultimate Bicycle Quiz
Learning to ride a bicycle seems to be a universal experience for children around the world. Whether you've been riding bicycles since you were a child or just recently started pedaling, how much do you know about this elegant and simple vehicle?
science
Wild World: Solar Cell Quiz
Solar cells are on everything from pocket calculators to the roofs of buildings. So exactly how do they turn light into energy?
health
Skin Deep: The Tattoo-removal Quiz
Indecisiveness and a love of body art are two traits that don't go well together. But if you find yourself wishing you'd never gotten that tattoo, you could be in luck. Test your tattoo-removal knowledge with this quiz.
health
Anatomy 101: Human Body Quiz
You remember a little ditty about the thigh bone being connected to the hip bone, which was in turn connected to the backbone. But what else do you remember about human anatomy? The answers to this quiz are all inside of you -- literally.
auto
The Honda EV-STER: Honda's Sexy Electric Car Quiz
Revealed at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, the Honda EV-STER -- a concept electric sports car -- seems to have more in common with Tesla’s Roadster than it does with any of Honda’s current models. Do you think you know enough about this latest Honda concept to pass the test?
recipes
America's Favorite Foods Quiz
The United States is known as a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine shows influences from countries all over the world. Just how much do you know about American food?
health
Quiz: Are you too self-conscious?
Some people can laugh off a potential faux paus, while others dwell on it for days -- or even years. How self-conscious do you feel -- and what's normal? Test your knowledge and learn how to combat self-consciousness with this quiz.
shows
What Do Those Tabs On Rearview Mirrors Actually Do?
Sure, rearview mirrors are cool - but how do they actually work? How can the same piece of glass have two different amounts of reflection? Join Josh as he explains the science behind these handy devices.
shows
5 Reasons You Need More Sleep Now
Forget just feeling full of vim and vigor. Getting enough sleep can effect your memory, weight and maybe even brain diseases.
shows
The Internet of Things
By 2020, there will be 50 billion devices connected to the Internet. In this video from Fw:Thinking, Jonathan Strickland takes us on a tour through a living room of the future to see how this "Internet of Things" will impact our daily lives.
shows
Chester Greenwood and Earmuffs
As a big-eared child in Maine, Chester Greenwood was used to freezing weather. Of course, that doesn't mean he enjoyed it. Learn how his Stuff of Genius kept ears across America toasty (and made Chester famous) in this podcast.
shows
Death
I'm going to die. You're going to die. Everyone is going to die. But since it's such a natural part of existence, why do so many people do so much to avoid even thinking about it?
shows
The World's Underground Bases
How many underground bases exist today? Is there any way to figure out what's stored in the world's various secret bunkers? Learn more in today's video.
shows
Why Do We Sleep?
Sleeping is frustrating for many of us. So why do we have to do it? Ben and Lauren review several possibilities and reveal all the bad things that can happen if you sleep too much... or not at all.
shows
Stuff to Blow Your Kid's Mind: Static Electricity
Have you ever wondered why doorknobs occasionally shock you? The answer involves static electricity. Join Julie and Robert as they explain static electricity in a fascinating (and hair-raising) experiment.
shows
Could a parasite turn you into a zombie?
Many science-fiction stories focus on the idea of possession -- the concept of some alien force dominating otherwise normal people and forcing them to behave in strange ways. Could any of these stories be based in fact?
shows
Daniel Fahrenheit and the Mercury Thermometer
Daniel Fahrenheit built several types of thermometers, but his Stuff of Genius wasn't restricted to a few temperature measuring devices. Tune in and learn how Daniel Fahrenheit invented the system that bears his name today.
shows
The Gorgon: Tentacles of Medusa
What are we to make of this strange, mythic creature with vipers for hair and a petrifying gaze? Join Dr. Anton Jessup once more in the University basement for a discussion on this unnatural monster’s connections to natural-world biology.
shows
Sleep: Men vs. Women
Men tend to need less sleep than women, but insomnia affects more women. What gives? Cristen explores the science how biological sex interacts with sleep.
shows
What in the Name of God is the The Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon?
Have you ever heard of the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon? If you haven't, get ready, because you're about to start hearing about it over and over. Confused? Just watch.
shows
Hands are Weird: 5 Things About Them
They're kind of weird and floppy looking. But without them we'd be pretty helpless. Learn more about the humble hand in this video from Stuff to Blow Your Mind.
shows
11 Most and Least Popular Boys' Names of the Past Century
Can you guess which boys' names reigned supreme during the 20th-century decades?
shows
Why We Can't Not Smile
Smile and the world smiles with you. Why? Because we don't have a choice. Find out why we're hardwired to do it, who does it the most and the health benefits of flashing your pearly whites.
shows
How Do Accents Work?
Have you ever wondered how accents work? Tune in to this episode of BrainStuff to find out about the ever-evolving accent.
shows
Human Experimentation: Part I
It's a grisly, tragic fact that many of modern medicine's life-saving procedures and techniques come from horrendous experimentation. But what, exactly? How much do we know about history's unethical experiments?
shows
What is your brain not telling you?
Just because your brain recognizes something, doesn't mean you see it. Learn more about what your brain is keeping from you in this episode from Stuff to Blow Your Mind.
shows
Percy Spencer and the Microwave Oven
Today, microwave ovens are a common sight in kitchens across the world -- but who invented them? Tune in to learn how Percy Spencer accidentally struck upon the Stuff of Microwaving Genius.
shows
5 Really Expensive Things That Were Accidentally Destroyed
One of the things about priceless masterpieces is that they tend to be really expensive. So when they're accidentally broken a pit tends to form in the stomach. Watch and learn about five expensive items that suffered a terrible fate.
shows
The Sexual Double Standard
What do we mean when we say that there's a "sexual double standard" for men and women, and where did it come from?
shows
The Blob: Amoebic Horrors Revealed
You may call it an ooze or a shoggoth, but we all know to beware the Blob. And now Dr. Anton Jessup is here to discuss the links between this terrifying amorphous monstrosity and the very real organisms of the natural world.
shows
Robert Jarvik and the Artificial Heart
Robert Jarvik wasn't the first person to patent an artificial heart, but his design was the first heart successfully implanted in a human patient. Tune in and learn how Jarvik's Stuff of Genius gave new hope to heart patients in this episode.
shows
How can a plane vanish?
How can humans lose entire planes? Tune in to learn more about famous disappearances, current searching techniques, and theories about what happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.