Innovation

Comic book character Popeye is synonymous with being strong thanks to all the iron in the spinach he eats. But lately, there's been some talk that spinach is not all that good a source of iron and, in fact, it got the claim by error.

By Laurie L. Dove

Gravity dictates the structure of the universe, from the way cosmic bodies form to the way they orbit more massive planets or stars. Has it always played such a starring role in our cosmic history?

By Robert Lamb

Gravity is great, but if we could figure out how to selectively reduce its effects, we could cut the energy demands of travel and transportation. Don't cheaper airline tickets sound pretty good?

By Robert Lamb

These days, remote controls seem to, well, control our lives. Most people tend to have piles of them strewn about their living rooms. But where did this ubiquitous technology come from? Where is it headed?

By Nathan Chandler

The World Wide Web is bursting with information, so much so that it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of data available to us. How can we sort through and make sense of it all? That's where Web mashups come in.

By Nathan Chandler

We're used to bar codes saving us time in the grocery store, but some applications of this handy technology might actually save your bacon. What are some potentially life-saving applications of bar code tech?

By Stephanie Crawford

2-D bar codes are being used in some interesting ways. Visit HowStuffWorks to learn everything about 2-D bar codes.

By Jonathan Atteberry & Austin Henderson

Energy drinks are everywhere, but how exactly are they supposed to give you energy? What's really in them, and are they safe? Find out.

By Stephanie Watson

Five metallic balls on slender threads sit side by side. As one on the end hits the rest, the one on the opposite end rises and falls. Why don't the balls in the middle move? It's complicated.

By Chris Schulz

Does a chocolate a day keep the doctor away? Before you stock your fruit bowl with chocolate bars, you might want to read this article first.

By Shanna Freeman

Breastfeeding is a healthy way to feed young children, but busy schedules and other factors may keep mom from being available when baby's hungry. Breast pumps can help bridge that gap.

By Melanie Winderlich

Many people consider caviar, unfertilized sturgeon eggs, to be a delicious delicacy. But how exactly is this luxury harvested, and what is the proper way to eat it?

By Laurie L. Dove & Austin Henderson

People donate their bodies to science all the time, usually after death. Here, we highlight 10 scientists who experimented on themselves while they were still alive. Not always such a good idea, eh Dr. Jekyll?

By Josh Clark

Nuclear plants provide the world with much of its electricity. Learn why Uranium-235 is ideal for nuclear power, in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

People have been making (and drinking) wine for 8,000 years -- which means lots of innovations both now and in the past, from creating Champagne to quirky wine labels.

By Becky Striepe

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?

By Kate Kershner

The concept of virtual reality is nothing new, but we bet you didn't know that a quirky, math-loving, dreadlocked dude is famous for coining the term. Meet Jaron Lanier.

By Gerlinda Grimes

Going green isn't just a fad anymore; it's now a way of life for millions. Want to get started? Look no further than your kitchen. In fact, a simple water filter is all you need to start eco-friendly cooking.

By Marie Willsey

Sure, Nobel Prize winners get money, a medal and bragging rights, but the rest of us often benefit from their accomplishments, too. Meet 10 of these game-changing people.

By Nathan Chandler

Salt is something most of us use without thinking about it. But with so many options available, how do we know what's best?

By Shaun Chavis

You've seen them. Those iconic, mesmerizing liquid sculptures that dance inside a glass bottle, casting a warm and nostalgic glow. Yes, we're talking about the lava lamp. But, how do lava lamps work?

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors & Austin Henderson

In her legendary 60-year career, Jane Goodall has made being an intrepid scientist, environmentalist, writer and teacher look easy.

By Jesslyn Shields

Explore the ingenuity of Eli Whitney's cotton gin, a machine that transformed cotton processing, reshaped industries and influenced economies.

By Desiree Bowie

Learn how the invention of the world's first motorcycle in the 19th century shaped the future of mobility and revolutionized two-wheeled transportation.

By Desiree Bowie

Joseph Nicéphore Niépce is responsible for the first photo ever taken. Almost lost to time, the image used a process called heliography.

By Yara Simón