What Makes Lightning Bugs Glow?
With their enchanting evening glow, fireflies are one of the most iconic aspects of suburban American life, but how does this light actually work?
Read MoreTiffany Betts
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Stories By Tiffany Betts
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The Tragic Reason Why Squirrels Run In Front Of Cars
If you have a car, you've likely had an encounter with a seemingly suicidal squirrel running in front of your car, but what drives this behavior?
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If You've Ever Wondered Why Opossums Play Dead, Here's The Answer
America's most famous marsupial, the opossum, is renowned for its ability to escape danger by feigning death, but what's really happening here?
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Well Actually, Twinkies Don't Last Forever
Twinkies, the famous snack cakes, have a reputation for longevity, but the truth behind this persistent food preservation myth isn't so simple.
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A Strange Thing Happens When You Open A Shaken Soda Can On The Ocean Floor
Opening a can of soda only to be greeted by an explosion of fizz is a common experience, but something different happens at the bottom of the ocean.
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The Deadliest Cat In The World Is Smaller Than You Think
Although tigers and cheetahs may be the most powerful and fastest cats around, this diminutive cousin has them beat when it comes to lethality.
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Without Dimples, Golf Balls Would Be Impossible To Use
If you've ever wondered why golf balls are covered with those dimples and aren't smooth, it turns out the dimples are pretty important.
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Fish Don't Sleep Like Humans. Here's What They Do Instead
For a long time it was thought that fish don't sleep, and truthfully, they don't sleep like we do, but they do engage in regular periods of rest.
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The Largest Flying Bird Today Is Nothing Compared To This Prehistoric Terror
From harpy eagles to albatrosses, there are some big birds out there in the wild, but one prehistoric bird dwarfs anything else alive today.
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The Reason Why Milk Jugs Have Dimples
Plastic milk jugs are a ubiquitous part of the American supermarket landscape, but one feature of these containers has divided online opinions.
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How Donald Trump's Golden Dome Missile Defense System Will Theoretically Work
A new defense initiative aimed at intercepting missiles before they can hit the U.S. has been announced, but how will this Golden Dome work?
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How Does Baking Soda Get Rid Of Odors So Well?
It's common knowledge that placing an open box of baking soda in a stinky fridge can eliminate the smells, but why does this actually work?
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Why Your Straw Looks Like It's Broken In Water
Rather than always traveling in a straight line, like you'd expect, light can change directions based on the medium its traveling through.
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The Only Time A Helicopter Landed On Top Of Mount Everest
Mount Everest is not a safe place for people or flying machines, which makes the fact that a helicopter landed there kind of incredible.
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What It Really Means When Eggs Float In Water
Have you ever gone to boil some eggs and found that some sink to the bottom while others float at the surface? What's causing those eggs to float?
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What Happens To Your Body When You Chew Gum (Especially Peppermint)
Most people probably view chewing gum as a habit of little consequence, but it turns out that chewing gum can have a direct effect on your brain.
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Why Can't All States Usually See The Northern Lights?
Thanks to the 1859 Carrington Event, the northern lights have been seen in all 50 states (even Hawaii), but that's usually not the case, here's why.
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Why Do Babies Stare At You? It Could Be Tied To Your Appearance
Have you ever wondered why that baby in the restaurant won't stop staring at you? It's probably more than just the crumbs on your face.
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If You Thought Helium Was Cool, This Gas Makes Your Voice Super Deep (But It Can Be Pretty Dangerous)
Most people have experienced the simple pleasure of giving themselves a chipmunk voice with helium, but there's also a gas that does the opposite.
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We Figured Out How High John Walker Can Jump In Thunderbolts*
Superheroes, by definition, have super abilities, but with the power of science, and a bit of math, we can quantify how super they really are.
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The Big Reason Your Hair Still Feels Dirty After Taking A Shower (And It's Not Your Shampoo Or Conditioner's Fault)
If you've ever taken a shower and after washing your hair it still came out greasy, the problem may not be your shampoo, it may be your water.
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The Reason You're A Night Owl Might Not Be Your Fault
Do you find yourself staying up late every night because you're not getting tired until well after midnight? It might not be entirely your fault.
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What You Should Know About Those Red And Yellow Dots On Your Tires
Those red and yellow colored dots on the sides of your new tires don't mean they're defective or on sale, they're much more important than that.
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If You Can't Remember Your Drive Home, Science Has An Answer For That
Ever driven somewhere you've been to hundreds of times before and completely lose all track of time and space? Don't worry, you're not alone.
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Did You Know That Auroras Can Actually Make Sounds?
Of all the natural phenomena, the northern lights are one of the most beautiful to look at, but did you know you can also listen to them?
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How Long Does It Take For Astronauts To Recover After Returning To Earth?
Outer space is an extreme place, that's why it's not surprising that astronauts need some time to recover after the return to Earth.
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Why Candles And Soap Could Bring An Unexpected Pest To Your Home
Of all the roommates you could be stuck with, one of the least desirable is a mouse, which may be enticed by your fancy soap or candles.
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