Featured Article: How Aerosol Cans Work
They dispense everything from hairspray to cleaning products to whipped cream. Without them, you'd be doing a whole lot of pumping. See more »
everyday science library
There's a lot of science at work in your daily life. Ever wonder how an aerosol can works or how light sticks work? Explore the science behind commonly used objects.
10 Science Experiments That Changed the World
A.A. Michelson calculated the speed of light with two mirrors and some ingenuity. History is full of experiments that alter our understanding of the world or advance medicine. Here are 10 of our favorites.
See more »
Aren't there machines that can detect liquid explosives?
Learn how a machine can detect liquid explosives in sealed containers.
See more »
Can you power an iPod with an onion?
What if your trusty white earbuds fell silent one day, and your charger was nowhere to be found? Would rifling through the vegetable drawer restore the music?
See more »
Could I power my computer or my TV with a bicycle generator?
I live in California, where we are having a power crunch. I have a hypothetical question: Could I power my computer or my TV with a bicycle generator? What I mean is, could I sit on a bicycle and pedal fast enough to generate enough power to run my computer?
See more »
Do "backscatter" X-ray systems pose a risk to frequent fliers?
The backscatter X-ray system that can see through clothes has begun its test run at the international airport in Phoenix. But privacy is only one concern facing its implementation.
See more »
How Aerosol Cans Work
They dispense everything from hairspray to cleaning products to whipped cream. Without them, you'd be doing a whole lot of pumping.
See more »
How Black Lights Work
Black lights look like normal lights, but they do something completely different. Switch one on, and fingernails, laundry detergent, highlighters, money and teeth will glow in the dark. Find out what why.
See more »
How Corrective Lenses Work
Eyeglasses are one of the most common sights in the world. Learn what goes into creating the lenses and how to read an eyeglass prescription.
See more »
How do the Ig Nobel Prizes work?
Whether you invented a revolutionary pair of skivvies or a way to turn cow manure into vanilla flavoring, we have an award for you. The Ig Nobels are proving that science isn't all seriousness and superstring theory.
See more »
How does glow-in-the-dark stuff work?
You can find glow-in-the-dark item everywhere these days. Have you ever wondered how these items produce their light? Find out the answer to that question in this article.
See more »
How Dry Cleaning Works
Want to know what happens to your clothes after you give them to the dry cleaner? Do they actually stay dry? Take a behind-the-scenes look at the dry-cleaning process!
See more »
How Electricity Works
Electricity completely surrounds us whether you're charging your cell phone or watching the sky light up during a violent thunderstorm. For most of us, modern life would be impossible without it, and the natural world relies on it.
See more »
How Fireworks Work
If you've ever been to an aerial fireworks show, then you know that fireworks have a magic all their own. Ever wonder how they make such incredible colors and designs? Learn all about these pyrotechnics!
See more »
How Hair Coloring Works
Got a few grays? Just want a new look? Well, if you are like 75 percent of women, you’re part of a billion dollar industry. (Men: You only spent $113.5 million last year on home coloring, so it’s time to catch up!)
See more »
How Instant Film Works
Before digital cameras, you needed instant film to get instant pictures. With instant-film photography, you can watch the image slowly come together in a matter of minutes. While it seems like magic, the process relies on elements of science. Find out how instant cameras give you the image in a snap.
See more »
How Light Sticks Work
You see light sticks everywhere during the holidays – especially Halloween. Have you ever wondered why these cool light sources glow? What's happening when you crack one? Take a look inside a light stick.
See more »
How Scientific Peer Review Works
Like any quality-control system, peer review was designed to scrutinize all new scientific discoveries, ideas and implications. So how does flawed research still slip through the system of checks and balances?
See more »
How Solar-powered Sunglasses Work
Most people wear sunglasses to protect their eyes -- or to just look cool. But are there possibilities for energy generation that we're missing out on?
See more »
How Sunglasses Work
Whether you're hitting the surf or the slopes or just spending a day on the lake, sunglasses are a must-have accessory. Find out if the $10 sunglasses are as good as the high-cost ones.
See more »
How the Scientific Method Works
You don't have to be a scientist in a white coat to use the scientific method. We all use it every day to make observations and solve problems.
See more »videos: everyday science
Related Ad Categories
