Featured
Alkali
Alkali, an inorganic chemical compound that functions as a base (the opposite of an acid).
CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS
Chemical compounds are substances that form when two or more elements are joined together. Most of the atoms that form living organisms and the Earth's crust are in compound form. Check out these great articles on chemical compounds.
Stuff You Should Know
-
How Alcohol WorksAbout two-thirds of all adults partake in this mind-altering substance, yet many do not consider it a drug. But if you've ever seen someone who's had too much to drink, you know that alcohol has profound effects on the mind and body. See more »
-
How Anesthesia Works
If the idea of being completely knocked out by a cocktail of drugs while doctors operate on you freaks you out, you're not the only one. But that's not what anesthesia is all about it -- and it might scare you less if you understand how it works. See more »
-
How Aphrodisiacs Work
Most of us have heard the talk about oysters and chocolate, and maybe you've read an article about the stimulating effects of ginseng. But garlic, licorice and cucumber? Learn about the history of aphrodisiacs and whether they've been proven to be effective. See more »
-
How Caffeine Works
About 90 percent of Americans consume some form of caffeine every day: It's our most popular drug by far. What's so special about this stimulant? See more »
-
How Crack Cocaine Works
Crack cocaine, like many other illegal drugs, leads to addiction, death, increased crime rates and imprisonment. But crack is also in a class of its own: This drug targets the inner city almost exclusively and carries with it addiction rates unmatched by most other drugs of its kind. See more »
-
How LSD Works
Can you pass the acid test? That electric Kool-Aid changed the fabric of 1960's American counterculture. So what's it's like to trip on LSD? See more »
-
How Magic Mushrooms Work
Mushrooms -- they're not just a pizza topping. This psychotropic fungus has guided many an adventurer on a trip. How do shrooms make their magic? See more »
-
How Marijuana Works
Marijuana isn't just a recreational hazard for hippies and philosophy majors -- its main psychoactive chemical has been found in Egyptian mummies. What's the big deal about this leafy green plant? See more »
-
How Medical Marijuana Works
Imagine spending your days racked with pain or losing pound upon pound because nausea leaves you unable to eat. Now imagine that someone offers you a wonder drug to cure all your ills. The problem? It's illegal. See more »
-
How Meth Works
As far as stimulating the human central nervous system, meth can hold its shaky, toothless head high. What about this drug makes its sleepless, twitchy, paranoid users so insatiable? See more »
