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Everyday Innovations
Have you ever wondered how black lights, or mirrors work? This collection of articles will explain the workings of some of the most common inventions and innovations you come into contact with everyday.
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Why Are Legal Pads Yellow?
They're instantly recognizable — mostly for their color. We're talking about yellow legal pads. So who decided they'd be yellow, anyway?
Toilets: The Past and Future of the Flush
The toilet hasn't evolved much in 400 years, but modern science is hoping to change that.
A Teen-designed App Could End Lonely School Lunches
The app aims to make the school cafeteria a kinder and more welcoming place for all students. But will it work?
Guy Who Set the Paper Airplane World Record Shows How It's Done
Paper airplanes are much more than child's play.
Will Nissan's New Self-Driving Chair Usher in a Golden Age of Sloth?
As if it weren't enough for the robots to steal human jobs, the era of autonomous furniture is apparently upon us.
How Hair Dye Turns Your Hair That Great Shade of Pink or Purple
Ever wonder what's happening as your hair changes color? Permanent hair dyes physically and chemically change each hair, whether it's mermaid blue or bleach blonde.
Hand Sanitizer Is Great at Preserving Insect DNA
Inexpensive hand sanitizer (as well as antifreeze) can preserve insect DNA for several days, helping citizen scientists to easily send specimens to researchers.
How Ice Sculpting Works
Ice sculptures can range from small tabletop pieces to entire buildings. In this fundamentally temporary medium, art and engineering combine to form sparkling, breathtaking effects.
This Bossy Desk Decides When You Stand Up and Sit Down
Sure, you've heard about the benefits of standing desks. But what about a "smart desk" that decides when you stand or sit?
HowStuffWorks: How Porta Potties Work
You can find porta-potties at festivals, construction sites and concerts across the planet – but how do they work? Get a closer (non-messy) look here.
How Porta-Potties Work
Using a portable toilet at an outdoor concert or festival might be disgusting. But it sure beats going in a field! Now, imagine if your job were to clean out those suckers.
How Do Fireworks Explode in Specific Shapes?
Nothing quite thrills like seeing fireworks light up the night sky. A lot of design and planning goes into creating the awe-inspiring shapes we've come to love.
Is glass really a liquid?
Whether it's checking your look in a mirror or using a smartphone, we've come to rely on glass so much that it's nearly impossible to imagine life without it. But what exactly is this remarkable material? Solid, liquid or other?
How Elastic Works
It holds your Skivvies up, secures your ponytail and generally keeps athletes, rock stars and the general public outfitted in stretchy comfort. Ready to learn about the elastic fantastic?
Who invented sports drinks?
When you think of sports drinks, chances are Gatorade comes to mind. But was it the first one? Or just the beneficiary of clever marketing?
Who invented the spork?
Behold the humble spork! Made of the cheapest plastic and seen mostly at public school cafeterias and fast food chains, it doesn't have an inspiring pedigree. But it's been around for a long time.
How Paper Shredders Work
Despite a ho-hum name, paper shredders have an extraordinary (and juicy) history featuring the likes of Oliver North, Enron and all sorts of spies. What story will thrust this commonplace technology back in the limelight next?
Who invented MP3s?
You probably listen to digitally encoded music on a regular basis, but have you ever wondered who pioneered the tech that allows you to carry thousands of songs in your pocket?
How do erasers erase?
Ahhhh, the good old No. 2 pencil and its oft-used eraser. Have you ever wondered exactly what science is at work when that pink, rubbery lifesaver eradicates your blunders?
How Adhesive Tape Works
In 1925, after an auto paint job gone wrong, a young research assistant was struck by the idea for adhesive tape. But how does tape actually stick, and how are we able to peel it off a roll?
How Stethoscopes Work
Stethoscopes started as a way for 19th-century doctors to put some distance between themselves and grubby patients. Today though, this simple listening tool is one of the best ways to diagnose a range of problems.
Who invented the sleeper sofa?
Next Thanksgiving when you find yourself sleeping on Aunt Martha's pullout sofa, it might cheer you up to know that the convertible bed has a long, illustrious history.
Who invented the revolving door?
It's one of those age-old dilemmas – who goes through the revolving door first. It probably doesn't matter. Rumor has it that the inventor didn't want to hold a door open for anyone.
How are bendy straws made?
It bends to your will, it has nifty ridges, and it allows patients and little kids alike to slurp along with everyone else. How did the flexible straw begin its days?
Who invented the safety pin?
It holds together straps, serves as a makeshift button or body art and even dresses up nicely as a friendship pin. Who do we have to thank for this simple wire workhorse?
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