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.
At HowStuffWorks, we're always curious, and 2008 gave us a lot to be curious about -- financial bailouts, skyrocketing food prices and, of course, the Google algorithm. Here are our top 10 questions of the year -- answered. What are yours? See more »
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 »
Learn how a machine can detect liquid explosives in sealed containers.
See more »
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 »
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
See more »
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 »
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.
See more »
They dispense everything from hairspray to cleaning products to whipped cream. Without them, you'd be doing a whole lot of pumping.
See more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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
See more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
See more »
