Innovation

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?

By Kate Kershner

In the simple rubber hand illusion, a subject is made to believe a rubber hand is in fact his own. How does this clever parlor trick work, and how could it help shed light on body-related distortions?

By Julia Layton

It's been part of people's diets around the world for centuries, but has recently become a health-food staple. Are you one of the people who seek a little culture every day?

By Laura Castellano

Even in its simplest form, chocolate is a pleasure to eat. But these days, there are some truly quirky chocolate products out there that’ll blow your mind – and your taste buds. Click your way through this chocolaty gallery (and try not to drool too much).

By Rachel Frank

The idea of virtual reality has been around for a long time, but it wasn't always linked to computers and fancy gear. In fact, virtual reality technology got its start in film. Who created the first virtual reality experience?

By Nathan Chandler

We have NASA to thank for lots of technological innovations, from memory foam to polarized sunglasses. But what about TV technology? Find out how NASA influenced the way we view television.

By Stephanie Crawford

Everyone knows what a sandwich is. Most may even know how the snack got its name. But did you know who invented it? That's a tougher question to answer.

By Stephanie Watson

Primitive batteries date back a lot longer than you might guess. But when were scientists finally able to produce and store electricity and then use it to create a continuous, controllable current?

By Christopher Neiger

At one time, sharing files between computers meant carrying a box of punch cards from one machine to another. The Internet changed all that, but who's responsible for creating this network of networks?

By Jonathan Strickland

The grocery bag you're carrying breaks, and the eggs inside splat across your driveway. Yep, unloading groceries can be tedious, but that's nothing compared to the days before refrigeration, so grab a cold beverage and learn who you have to thank.

By Jonathan Atteberry & Desiree Bowie

Like so many other modern conveniences that we take for granted, the history of the elevator is more complicated than it may seem at first glance. Believe it or not, there's some controversy over who invented this commonplace contraption.

By Shanna Freeman

More than two-thirds of U.S. households play video games, according to the Entertainment Software Rating Board. Without the crazy ideas of a few pioneering folks, we might still be stuck playing marathon sessions of charades. So who do we have to thank?

By Jonathan Atteberry

We take X-rays so much for granted. We get them at the dentist's office and watch them while clearing luggage through security at the airport. But did you know they were discovered by accident?

By Josh Briggs

Ever since the very first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 1901, the famous honor and its honorees (like Aung San Suu Kyi) have gotten rabble rousers all fired up. What's so ironic about peace, love and understanding?

By Nicholas Gerbis

If you don’t know what tinnovation is, prepare to be amazed. These photos feature neat hacks that turn mere Altoid tins into utility items and art.

Before you hurriedly unwrap a stick of gum and twist the foil around the closest blown fuse, you may want to consider a few things. You could have a fixed fuse -- or a full-blown fire.

By Jessika Toothman

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.

By Julia Layton

Better than buttons? Maybe. Less time-consuming than laces? Definitely. As far as fastening mechanisms go, the zipper is a work of art. Learn exactly what makes up a zipper and how it all fits together so perfectly.

By Tom Harris

How do scratch-and-sniff stickers work? What makes them last for years and years?

Researchers are constantly developing fabrics that can help keep you cool, whether you're working out or trying to get a good night's sleep. But how do they work, and which are the best ones?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Many items enjoyed by people of all abilities were originally designed to help people with disabilities. Here are some inventions you may use every day that were originally for the disabled community.

By Alia Hoyt

Not only do we need to consume salt, we also need it for a variety of nonfood uses. But if it's so important, why do health organizations recommend that we closely watch our intake? Apparently, there can be too much of a good thing. Learn what happens when we overload on salt or get too little of it.

By Shanna Freeman

People have strong opinions about pizza -- in terms of passion, it ranks right up there with politics and religion. How did this Italian peasant food become a diet staple?

By Alia Hoyt

You stay behind at work and agree to close up alone. You go into the walk-in freezer to put away some food, and the door shuts behind you. You do everything you can think of, but you can't get it open. Now what?

By Katherine Neer

In movies, bad guys can take over an airplane and start shooting up the place. Wouldn't the plane explode or depressurize as soon as the bullet pierced its skin?

By Marshall Brain