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.

Featured Article:  How the Young Scientist Challenge Works

Do you think back to your science classes with a feeling of nostalgia and interest? Or do you remember them with a sense of panic and dread? Well, the Young Scientist Challenge is designed to help kids love the subject. See more »

10 Science Experiments That Changed the World

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.

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Aren't there machines that can detect liquid explosives?

Aren't there machines that can detect liquid explosives?

Learn how a machine can detect liquid explosives in sealed containers.

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Can you power an iPod with an onion?

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?

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Could I power my computer or my TV with a bicycle generator?

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 c

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Do "backscatter" X-ray systems pose a risk to frequent fliers?

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.

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How  Mirrors Work

How Mirrors Work

For such a pedestrian item, mirrors resonate deeply in the human psyche. They represent truth and illusion at the same time, and this dichotomy has shown up in literature time and again.

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How Aerosol Cans Work

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.

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How Black Lights Work

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.

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How Corrective Lenses Work

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.

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How does glow-in-the-dark stuff work?

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.

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How Fireworks Work

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!

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How Hair Coloring Works

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!)

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How Instant Film Works

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 ou

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How Light Sticks Work

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.

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How Scientific Peer Review Works

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?

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How Solar-powered Sunglasses Work

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?

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How Sunglasses Work

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.

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How the Scientific Method Works

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.

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How the Young Scientist Challenge Works

How the Young Scientist Challenge Works

Do you think back to your science classes with a feeling of nostalgia and interest? Or do you remember them with a sense of panic and dread? Well, the Young Scientist Challenge is designed to help kids love the subject.

See more »
How Tinnovator Aaron Dunlap Works

How Tinnovator Aaron Dunlap Works

College student Aaron Dunlap genuinely feared losing power for his smartphone. Instead of bending down and looking for outlets, he designed an Altoids tin USB charger and became an entrepreneur in the process.

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