Life Science
From the smallest microbe to the largest mammal, Life Science explores the origins, evolution and expansion of life in all its forms. Explore a wide range of topics from biology to genetics and evolution.
Why do people sing in the shower?
10 Bizarre Treatments Doctors Used to Think Were Legit
Ancient Egyptian Pregnancy Test Survived Millennia Because It Worked
Can You Crack This Nuts Quiz?
The Science Behind Your Cat's Catnip Craze
Clever App Uses Smartphone Camera to Identify Plant Species
Your Phone Is a Germ Factory, So Stop Taking It to the Toilet
Why Even Identical Twins Have Different Fingerprints
Which Emerged First: Viruses or Living Cells?
Howstuffworks Interviews: Extinction Level Events with Annalee Newitz
What's the worst extinction in Earth's history?
Why did Neanderthals become extinct?
DNA From Beethoven's Hair Reveals Poor Health and Family Secrets
Who’s Your Daddy? The History of Paternity Testing
What are the likely outcomes of mankind's new knowledge of the human genome?
Why can't we remember being babies?
The Big, Bad Brain Quiz
No More Sweet Tooth? Science Turns Off Sugar Cravings in Mice
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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?
Your phone might look clean, but in reality, it's harboring germs, viruses and bacteria. So stop doomscrolling in the bathroom.
DNA extracted from locks of Beethoven's hair confirmed the history of his health problems, but what else did it shine a light on?
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It's kind of amazing that no two fingerprints are alike, not even for identical twins! But why is that?
By Alia Hoyt
Did viruses show up on Earth before or after living cells? A microbiologist uses the fossil record to explain.
By Kenneth Noll
The Ophiocordyceps unilateralis fungus makes a mockery of ant free will. But how does it take over the ant body to control its host?
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
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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.
Could manipulating the human brain's desire for sweet foods lead to new weight control methods and better treatments for eating disorders?
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New research shows that for people with misophonia, or an aversion to specific sounds, the brain is overactive in key areas.
We may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but plants? A smartphone app has that covered.
Wouldn't keeping quiet help us get away from whatever's scaring us? What's the science behind the weird face and raw shout?
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.
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New studies suggests your gait may be able to predict something deeper than just a temporary mood.
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?
Both can make you feel lousy, but there are a few important differences between the causes of bacterial and viral infections – knowing the details can help improve your health.
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.
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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
The mass extinction event that killed off the dinosaurs is probably the most well-known, but it definitely isn't the worst.
Hint: It wasn't because an enormous comet or asteroid struck Earth.
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.
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Jack Black does it. Wyclef Jean does it. And chances are, you do it, too. Everyone's a rock star in the bathroom. And there's a scientific explanation behind our soapy musical stylings.
By Debra Ronca
From tobacco smoke enemas to whirling chairs, doctors have tried almost everything to cure human disease.