Latest articles by Natalie Wolchover
22 inventions that changed the world
From the wheel 5,500 years ago to the birth control pill, these 20 inventions had huge ramifications and have helped humans shape the world around us.
15 Martian objects that aren't what they seem
From Martian 'faces' to blueberries and bears, the Red Planet has long tricked human minds into seeing signs of life that aren't there.
What Is Passover?
Passover is one of the most important Jewish holidays, celebrating the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. In 2023, it begins the evening of April 5.
When did Democrats and Republicans switch platforms?
Reference When did Democrats and Republicans switch platforms, changing their political stances — and why? The Republicans used to favor big government, while Democrats were committed to curbing federal power.
Dog vision: What colors can dogs see?
Reference How dogs see the world is very different to humans, and can only distinguish between blue and yellow hues.
The meaning of colors: How 8 colors became symbolic
Reference How can red mean love AND war? Why is purple royal? Life's Little Mysteries answers these questions and more.
What Is a Drought?
Droughts are one of the most damaging types of weather-related phenomena, but classifying them is difficult.
How Do You Weigh an Atom?
You can't use a scale, but there's another method for weighing an atom.
The 18 biggest unsolved mysteries in physics
The more we learn about the universe, the more questions seem to arise. Our picks for the biggest open questions remaining in physics.
25 Weird Things Humans Do Every Day, and Why
With a little contemplation, many everyday human behaviors seem truly bizarre.
New Theory on Why Men Love Breasts
Straight men are programmed to love breasts so that they'll play with them during sex, which triggers the woman's maternal bonding circuitry.
5 Seriously Mind-Boggling Math Facts
Many people think of math as boring, but it's anything but.
The 9 Most Bizarre Medical Conditions
Next time you break a limb or come down with scurvy, be thankful it's not something much, much worse.
What If Doping Were Legal?
Doping is already thought to be widespread among elite athletes, but if doping were legal, many athletes would probably take it to extremes.
Did Lioness Really Befriend Baby Antelope?
A photo series showing a lion being gentle with a baby antelope has been misrepresented as an example of interspecies friendship.
Did NASA's Voyager 1 Spacecraft Just Exit the Solar System?
NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft has met two criteria indicating it has left the solar system, the first manmade object to do so.
The Real Reason Wine Goes with Cheese Revealed
Scientists have discovered why the world's most famous food pairings, from wine and cheese to meat sandwiches and a pickle, combine an astringent food with a fatty food.
What If We Didn't Have Spit?
Spit may be the most underrated of all body fluids. Here's what life would like without it.
What Is Internet Use Disorder?
Excessive Internet use has many of the symptoms of drug addiction. It may soon be classified as a legitimate mental illness.
The Physics of the First-Ever Supersonic Skydive
A daredevil will skydive to Earth from 23 miles up on Oct. 8, achieving supersonic speeds during his freefall. Experts explain the physics of this unprecedented act.
How Do Blind People Picture Reality?
Blind people seem to use sound and touch to generate detailed 3D images of their surroundings. But without colors, what are these images like?
Why Does Fall/Autumn Have Two Names?
Fall or is it autumn? hasn't always been considered a season, and its relatively new seasonal status is reflected in the ambivalence over its name.
