Topic

Science & Nature

A collection of 186 issues

The Explosive Science of Popcorn: How 135 PSI Turns a Tiny Kernel into a Fluffy Treat

Inside every popcorn kernel is a drop of water. When heated, this water turns to steam, building pressure to an explosive 135 PSI—nine times that of a car tire! This forces the kernel to rupture, instantly expanding the starchy interior up to 50 times its original size.

The 61-Second Minute: How 27 Leap Seconds Secretly Broke the Internet

Since 1972, 27 leap seconds have been added to our clocks to sync atomic time with the Earth's slowing rotation. While keeping us aligned with the sun, this tiny adjustment has caused major chaos for computer systems, prompting a global decision to abolish them by 2035.

From Pest to Pub Star: Unpacking Australia's Weirdest Sport, Cane Toad Racing

In Australia, the reviled cane toad, a toxic invasive pest, is the star of a quirky pub sport: cane toad racing. This bizarre tradition, especially popular on Australia Day, transforms an ecological disaster into a unique and controversial cultural spectacle.

Your Tongue Is Probably in the Wrong Place Right Now. Here’s Why It Matters.

Did you know your tongue's resting position is crucial for your health? For better breathing, facial structure, and even sleep, your entire tongue should be gently pressed against the roof of your mouth, not sitting at the bottom. This simple change can make a surprising difference.

Size Matters: The Icelandic Penis Museum's Comical Quest for a Worthy Human Specimen

The Icelandic Phallological Museum's quest for a human penis specimen hit a snag when its first donation ended up a shriveled mess. This prompted the curator to publicly declare he was waiting for 'a younger and a bigger and better one,' kicking off a bizarre international competition.

The Smokescreen of Stress: How Cigarettes Trick Your Brain and Fuel Anxiety

Think smoking calms you down? It's a chemical trick. Nicotine rewires your brain, and the 'relief' you feel is just a pause from the withdrawal symptoms it creates. This illusion traps you in a long-term cycle of heightened anxiety and depression.

The Nicotine Paradox: How a 10-Second Rush to Calm Actually Fuels Your Anxiety

Nicotine delivers a dopamine rush to your brain in under 10 seconds, creating a fleeting sense of calm. This illusion masks a dangerous cycle: the relief is merely from withdrawal, and over time, nicotine rewires your brain to increase your baseline anxiety, deepening the addiction.

Meet the Epaulette Shark: The Astonishing Apex Predator That Walks on Land

Meet the Epaulette shark, a unique Australian predator. This small reef dweller can walk on land using its fins to hop between tide pools and can survive for hours with little to no oxygen by shutting down parts of its brain. It's a true marvel of evolution and adaptability.

The Impossible Case of Phineas Gage: The Man Who Survived a Hole in His Head

In 1848, railroad foreman Phineas Gage miraculously survived a 13-pound iron rod blasting through his skull. While he physically recovered, his personality changed drastically, providing the first major evidence linking the brain's frontal lobes to personality and social behavior.