Life Science

Have you ever wondered what the largest living organism on Earth is? Well, you might be surprised to learn that it's not a giant blue whale or a sequoia tree; it's a fungus!

By Mack Hayden

Psychologists who study the human personality often refer to the Big Five personality traits, a model that separates general characteristics into five categories: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and Neuroticism. This psychological model is also known by the acronyms, OCEAN and CANOE.

By Ada Tseng

We're about to dive into the world of parasitology, taking a close look at one of the most common parasitic worms infecting humans: Ascaris lumbricoides. This large roundworm is responsible for a type of intestinal nematode infection that affects millions of people worldwide, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

By Mack Hayden

If you're studying genetics, molecular biology or a related field, odds are good that you will need to learn how to read a codon chart (aka codon table) to better understand the genetic code.

By Marie Look

Understanding the major differences between indica vs. sativa strains of marijuana is important for cannabis use due to the different effects they incur on the human body and mind. Although both the indica strain and sativa strain can have medical benefits, they are used for different purposes.

By Karina Ryan

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average height in the United States is 5 feet, 9 inches (1.75 meters) for adult men and 5 feet, 3.5 inches (1.61 meters) for adult women. But some people can reach heights upwards of 7 or 8 feet (2.1 to 2.4 meters)!

By Sascha Bos

People talk to their pets every day: offering praise when they're good, reassurance when they're confused and affection when they're cuddling. We also speak to animals when they misbehave. "Why did you do that?" someone might ask their dog. Or we might scold the cat - "Don't touch that!" - as we move a family heirloom across the room.

By Jon Garthoff

In science, people commonly use the terms "hypertonic" and "hypotonic" when describing the concentration of solute particles in solutions. But what exactly is the difference when it comes to hypertonic vs. hypotonic solutions?

By Marie Look

You might have seen the TikTok trend and wondered, what is shadow work? Learning how to practice this form of self-reflection can improve your relationships.

By Katherine Millar

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?

By Laurie L. Dove

Your phone might look clean, but in reality, it's harboring germs, viruses and bacteria. So stop doomscrolling in the bathroom.

By Primrose Freestone

It's kind of amazing that no two fingerprints are alike, not even for identical twins! But why is that?

By Alia Hoyt

The Ophiocordyceps unilateralis fungus makes a mockery of ant free will. But how does it take over the ant body to control its host?

By Jesslyn Shields

Time to get nutty! How much do you know about all of the different types of nuts out there? Take this quiz and find out!

By Alia Hoyt

For what looks like a big old lump of putty, the human brain is a truly incredible thing. Think of it as the body's mission control center. Find out how much of a brainiac you are with our quiz.

By Alia Hoyt

Before the widespread use of DNA, establishing the paternity of a child was a tricky business. Ever heard of the oscillophore?

By Dave Roos

Researchers are studying the chemistry behind what makes cats go crazy for catnip. And whether or not the chemical compound could have medicinal benefits for treating diseases like cancer.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

Could manipulating the human brain's desire for sweet foods lead to new weight control methods and better treatments for eating disorders?

By John Perritano

Wouldn't keeping quiet help us get away from whatever's scaring us? What's the science behind the weird face and raw shout?

By Laurie L. Dove

What's the science behind fainting at the sight of blood? This BrainStuff video takes a look at the brain's internal toggle switch making some people hit the floor.

By Laurie L. Dove

New studies suggests your gait may be able to predict something deeper than just a temporary mood.

By Jesslyn Shields

What does it feel like to get a concussion? What are the mental and physical effects of this injury? And how can we best diagnose and treat them in the future?

Author Annalee Newitz (Gawker Media's Gizmodo editor-in-chief) talks to us about Earth's 5 mass extinctions, as well as the possibility that we live in one right now.

Christian Sager interviews Dr. Jennifer Watson on how parts of the brain affect why we are the way we are. Learn more about your physiological personality in this interview from HowStuffWorks. Music: Land on the Golden Gate - by: Chris Zabriskie

Intelligence tests are not often accurate measures of intelligence. Learn more about intelligence tests and some of the more inaccurate ones in this video from HowStuffWorks.