How Poison Ivy Works

Poison ivy is often very difficult to spot. But if you come into contact with it, you'll soon know by the itchy, blistery rash that forms on your skin. Learn how poison ivy causes that rash, and how to get rid of it.

How Venus Flytraps Work

Plants that eat other creatures? It sounds like a genetic experiment gone awry. But there's actually nothing unnatural about it; carnivorous plants have been around for thousands of years. Find out all about the Venus Flytrap.

Can grass seed grow on a lava rock as well as it can grow on soil?

Grass seed can grow just about anywhere, just as long as they have plenty of water and nutrients. Can grass grow on lava rocks as well as it can on soil, though? Find out the answer to this question in this article from HowStuffWorks.

How can the grass on the greens at a golf course be so perfect?

How can the grass on the greens at a golf course be so perfect? What are they doing that's different from a normal lawn? Could my lawn look like this?

How can there be seedless grapes? How can they reproduce?

There is a good chance that if you go to the grocery store and buy a bunch of grapes that they will be of the seedless variety. If the grapes are seedless, how are they able to produce new grapes? Find out the answer to that question in this article.

How does catnip work?

If you've ever placed catnip near a cat, you will notice that the plant causes the cat to react in an extremely unusual way. It will roll around and kick its legs. What is it in catnip that causes cats to have this reaction? Find out in this article.

Where does cork come from?

We can find cork in just about any wine bottle. Have you ever wondered where the cork comes from and how is the cork made into a bottle stopper? Find out the answer to those questions in this article from HowStuffWorks.

How do Mexican jumping beans work?

I am a cartoon nut. I've noticed that a fair number of cartoons feature "Mexican jumping beans." For example, Speedy Gonzalez is trying to outwit a foe and uses Mexican jumping beans to escape. What I want to know is: Are Mexican jumping beans for real? And if they are, how do they work?

How do plants compare to solar cells when it comes to collecting solar energy?

How do plants compare to solar cells when it comes to collecting solar energy? Would you get more power from an acre of ground by putting solar cells on it or by raising plants?

How does hemp work?

How does hemp work? What do rope and "organic clothes" and drugs have to do with each other?

What are frankincense and myrrh?

The three wise men in the story of Christmas carried gold, frankincense and myrrh. What are frankincense and myrrh? Can you still get them these days?

What is fertilizer and why do plants need it?

What is fertilizer and why do plants need it? What do the three numbers on most bags of fertilizer mean?

What is the difference between a hardwood and a softwood?

What is the difference between a hardwood and a softwood? How hard does a tree have to be to be considered hardwood?

Why is cotton more absorbent than nylon?

Towels are always made of cotton, and they work really well at absorbing water. On the other hand, water-repellant jackets are made of nylon, and they work pretty well at keeping you dry. Why is cotton more absorbent than nylon?