HowStuffWorks - Learn How Everything Works!

Kids who love science and math will want to get their hands on these super-fun games that make the learning part of play time.

He had patents and pigeons galore. His role in history books could be more. So come ye science fans, and read up on your Tesla facts, myths and lore.

Moviemaking is not a profession without its own dangers, but for all the fake gore and dismemberment in the movies, there are tragic tales of filming gone wrong.

If you've seen a butterfly in your lifetime, you probably noticed their colorful wings, or saw one basking in the sunlight. But I bet you didn't realize that it would soon die. Why are their life spans so short, and are they nearly extinct?

Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse are just a small sample of the dozens of famous musicians who passed on to "the great gig in the sky" at the age of 27. Is 27 a "cursed age," or is it part of a larger trend for many who play music?

What's that bagged mass in your freezer — and did you really want to eat 12 chicken breasts right now? Here's how to freeze food in serving-size portions.

Are you getting too up close and personal with your TV? Your eyes might think so.

You're not supposed to cry over spilled milk. But a broken mirror? That's another matter. Will breaking a mirror really heap misfortune upon your head?

Let's say you like chicken nuggets. You really like chicken nuggets. You like chicken nuggets so much that it's the only food you'll eat. What does that do to your health? Nothing good, it turns out.

Many people tout the benefits of natural sweeteners like honey instead of refined sugar. But is it any better for you?

If you've ever been pulled underwater at the beach and came up sputtering with a mouthful of salt water, you might wonder where the ocean picked up that briny flavor. Read on to learn just where all that salt comes from.

They don't have engines, brakes or accelerators. No, these amazing machines rely on physical, centripetal and gravitational forces to urge thrills, screams and that sinking stomach feeling we all love (and hate). Read more about the science of fun.

Skipping a birth control pill (or doubling up by accident) can seriously wreak havoc on a woman’s body. Male hormones are a whole other ball game — so what happens if a man takes birth control?

You've heard the stat. You're more likely to be struck by lightning than be attacked by a shark. Still, wouldn't it be nice to know that your next aquatic destination doesn't fall on this list?

It's an awkward task that most often falls to bosses, teachers and very close friends. So what's the best way to tell someone about an unpleasant body odor?

Earth's magnetic field has flipped many times before, and scientists say it will flip again (though probably not in our lifetime). While it wouldn't be catastrophic, a major change in the magnetic field would present a special set of problems.

You would probably be pretty freaked out if you ate uranium, right? Well, if you've ever eaten a potato or turnip, you may already have. How does your body deal with this radioactive substance?

A snake can swallow an animal that’s twice as big as its own head -- and swallow it whole. Snakes are amazing creatures with some astonishing capabilities. Did you know that a few of them can even fly? Learn how snakes get around, how they kill and eat their prey, and how they court and reproduce.

Figuring out how to deal with rising sea levels isn't some kind of purely academic exercise. It's happening. So how do we deal with it, especially if the sea rises a foot in our lifetime?

From murder sites to a building shaped like one of your body's major organs, these rooms for rent deliver way more than free WiFi. You'll never believe all the weird and wonderful places you can bed down.

Not all millennials see themselves as special snowflakes. In fact, many of the qualities people think are inherent in Generation Y actually aren't. Which misconceptions about millennials are really just slights against youth?

It's no rinky-dink Mickey Mouse clock. The body clock is a strange and wonderful thing, calibrated to reflect a variety of biological rhythms that you may not have known are beating inside your body. And scientists are still not sure why it exists.

The Victorians were many things, but simple and straightforward in their social dealings they were not. While their rules for behavior might strike us as odd today, those wacky ways formed the backbone of Victorian society.

Cheese never ceases to be amazing: You can set it on fire, store it in a bank or consume it with some complementary maggots. And that's just one of the foods on our list.

Marine biologists have discovered a lot about the ocean's residents while you were busy dozing on the beach. We've dug up 10 of their coolest discoveries.

What if all the sensible advice given about weight gain is as wrong as a cottage-cheese-and-fruit diet? Turns out that setting realistic goals and taking pounds off slowly won't help you lose more weight. What else are doctors now discounting?

They're found in stupendous numbers, they don't take up much lab space and they have an awful lot to teach us about the world and its residents. Meet 10 of the insects we just can't stop studying.

Online harassment seems to know no bounds, with new opportunities for meanness evolving all the time. Ever heard of dogpiling or doxing?

Ugh, the morning after the night before! Should you drink some coffee, lots of water or more liquor? Or have some bacon and eggs? There are lots of "remedies" out there for hangovers, most of which are useless.

If you've had to work for someone to earn your weekly paycheck, the idea of being your own boss may seem incredibly liberating. Thanks to the rise of e-commerce, it's easier than ever to start your own business — as long as you have a few skills.

We seem to think we know all there is to know about spiders — they spin webs to trap prey; if they bite you, you might die; and if you find one in your house, you should set it free. But what if all these beliefs are a web of lies?

You could be paid to eat or shop. Sound too good to be true? Find out which jobs let you have your cake and eat it too.

You might argue we have scientists to thank for our own survival. What breakthroughs have kept the human race from dying out?

During the Industrial Revolution, both innovation and the capabilities of large factories combined to thrust people from a predominantly agricultural existence into a more urban lifestyle. So what were the period's top inventions?

Though the 1980s might remind you of the days of MTV and leg warmers, there was a lot going on in technology. In fact, quite a few of the technologies we rely on today were making their debut.

Fight and flight aren't the only possible responses to an emergency situation. Flight may actually make the problem worse. When is running a really bad idea?

When you're away from home, it takes more than a sharp eye and a tight grip on your luggage to protect yourself from theft and fraud. Take a look at this list to find out the most common techniques for separating you from your money.

The draws of urban exploration can be tantalizing: Glimpses into architectural eras, cultures and industry gone and buried -- sometimes literally. What are 10 cities jam-packed with fascinating sites of urban decay?

Sure, you can get a cheeseburger almost anywhere, but when you're traveling, why not sample the food the locals specialize in – and love? Street food gives you a tasty window into another culture. Here are our recommendations for your next trip.

On its good days, science is incredible and enlightening. On its bad days, science can be anywhere from gross to downright bizarre. What are some of science's craziest questions? (And why did anyone want to answer them?)

The road trip is an American tradition, and some drives are simply more beautiful than others. If you're looking to tour the country by car, which scenic routes should you take?

The pink hippo milk myth is the ultimate lesson for those who believe everything they read on the Web.

Do programs like "Baby Einstein" help your baby learn? Experts are saying no -- and that programs like these may actually harm a child's cognitive development.

Your initial reaction to the thought of no more baths may be "gross!" But there also could be more serious ramifications than an unpleasant layer of grime.

These healthy grains can bring new flavors to your plate while providing healthy, whole grain goodness.

Thieves and thugs will always find a way to take something they didn't work for. But just how vulnerable are modern automobiles to a high-tech attack?

Your cat may gaze longingly at your bowl of cereal each morning, but here's why it's not really OK for cats to drink milk.

Wildfires spread quickly consuming almost everything in their path -- including homes. What can you do if you see the inferno racing toward your home?

Worried about creepy crawlies entering your mouth while you sleep? Relax -- spiders have no interest in being eaten.

The old rule of thumb of seven dog years per human year typically makes dogs seem older than they really are. No fear, there's a formula to estimate your dog's age the right way!

Is it possible to build a $3,000 car and turn any sort of a profit? One manufacturer seems to think so. And before you ask: No, it's not India's Tata Motors.

The mass extinction event that killed off the dinosaurs is probably the most well-known, but it definitely isn't the worst.

It's all fun and games when you're on a deserted island. But then the smoke monster shows up, a strange tribe kidnaps some of your fellow survivors and you realize you haven't had a drink of water in a long time. How bad can glugging seawater be?

The speed of light is like that annoying friend who beats you at every game. What would happen if humans one day surpassed the cosmic speed limit?

According to the famed children's book "Everybody Poops," well, everybody poops. But does everyone poop every day? And what happens if you don't?

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?

Brown food is better food, right? That's what you think... but then you find out what makes it brown.

Congratulations! You just graduated with an online degree. But will a degree earned online benefit you in the job market? Was all your hard work worth it?

Each year, approximately 4,000 people go to the emergency room for injuries caused by accidents involving electrical outlets. While this number seems high, even more people never make it to the hospital. They die.

You believe your fitness tracker's data when it says you walked 10,000-plus steps and burned more than 500 calories today. But how accurate are those results? Could your FitBit be underestimating — or (gasp!) inflating — your daily energy output?

The oil in a car is a necessity that keeps things lubricated and running smooth. But what happens if you never change it? And how long can you really go?

The first meal is often the first to go for people trying to save minutes or calories. Is it wise to start the day on empty? And if not, do doughnuts count?

Hummingbirds are a small American bird that makes a humming noise with its rapidly moving wings. There are about 300 species, mostly tropical. Check out the variety of colorful hummingbirds in this gallery.

Some of the most amazing star making regions in space are highlighted in this collection of nebula pictures. Check out some stunning pictures nebulae in this gallery.

Squid are actually mollusks is although they look much different from their relatives the gastropods (snails) is and bivalves (clams). Check out this image gallery to learn more interesting squid facts.

Becoming famous through war is nothing new -- many military men have been lauded and feared throughout history. Many have had long political careers as well. We’ve collected photos of leaders -- from Caesar to MacArthur -- who have been characterized as both heroes and villains.

Tigers, the largest members of the cat family, live in the forests, savannas and swamps in Asia. See pictures of these great feline carnivores, including the Bengal tiger, Sumatran tiger and more.

Whether you're looking for relaxation or exhilaration, a coastal getaway can meet your needs. From Bali to Cali, act like a globetrotter and take a look at some of the world's most beautiful beaches.

The science of rocketry is extremely complex and, at times, dangerous. This collection of images highlights the tech that gets all that science off the ground.

Laugh and the world laughs with you, the saying goes. In our image gallery, experience the range of human emotions from around the world.

Turbochargers increase engine performance without adding much weight. Check out this image gallery to see just how powerful these marvels are.

The Maya civilizations were one of the greatest of pre-Columbian America. Their achievements included a full written language and complex mathematics. Take a look at the art and architecture of the ancient Mayans.

If you've seen Disney's "The Lion King" or HowStuffWorks's "Meerkat Manor," you're familiar with the celebrity meerkats. And whether your favorite is the animated Timon or one of the reality TV families, it's hard not to fall for these small mammals.

Culinary herb pictures will introduce you to the world of cooking from your backyard tactics. Explore our culinary herb pictures and learn more.

Gibson and Fender became household names thanks to legendary musicians like Hendrix. Strum through this collection of photos to see some of these famous guitarists and their instruments of choice.

The bad, the worse and the worst. You name 'em, we've caught 'em. Check out some of the most notorious criminals in U.S. history, from gangsters to con men to bandits in love.

Many kinds of animals are native only to Africa, such as gorillas, chimpanzees, zebras, giraffes, hippopotamuses. Take a gander at these amazing African animals and see how many you recognize.

Marsupials are mammals that commonly bear a pouch such as kangaroos and koalas. Did you know that two thirds of marsupial species are found in Australia? Find out more by viewing this gallery.

Mental illness affects all kinds of people. With this image gallery, learn about mental illness and its associated problems along with famous people who have struggled with mental disorders.

The forbidding slopes of Mount Everest have captivated mountain climbers for decades. You can never really conquer Everest, merely survive it.

Wolves may be a close relative of man's best friend, but we wouldn't recommend trying to befriend these wild canines. Check out this gallery to learn all about different wolf species and their habits.

What does your brain really look like? It depends on how it's imaged. Take a look at all the different ways we can view the human brain.

What? Scientists get things wrong? We know. It’s shocking to hear, but science isn’t always an exact science. Mistakes do happen -- and they often lead to great scientific discoveries. So, grab your safety glasses and see if you can identify the most embarrassing scientific moments ever.

What do women want in gadgets and consumer electronics? Here's a hint: It has little to do with sparkly pink electronic toenail-painters and Swarovski crystal-encrusted netbooks. Test your knowledge of what women really want from electronics with this quiz.

Let's see how much you know about the current stats (and acronyms) of modern family communications. If you're texting prowess is legendary and your Facebook wall is always current, this should be child's play.

Many parents think it would be practical for their kid to have a phone of her own, only to find her talking and texting 24/7 after she receives it. Take this quiz to see how much you know about kids and cell phones.

The Apple iPad still holds an impressive lead in the tablet computer market, but it's not the only game in town. With dozens of tablet models to choose from, how do you begin to find the one that's right for you? Take our quiz and see what you know!

Many factors go into choosing a baby name. Test your knowledge of baby names, popular and unusual at HowStuffWorks.

It can be a sign of love, grief or respect worldwide. Kissing is a natural act that gives millions of people physical and psychological satisfaction, but where did it originate? Why does it make us feel good?

Is it really possible to love more than one person? People who practice polyamory think so. Find out how much you know about relationships that break the monogamy barrier.

Adrenaline junkies get their fix by daring to do the unthinkable. These daredevils push the limits on what can and can't be done. But how much do you really know about thrill seekers? Prepare to judge yourself on your daredevil knowledge, but whatever you do, don't try these things at home.

Ah, the City of Lights. Even if you've never been there, you've most likely seen it hundreds of times in movies and on TV. You might even feel like you know the city like the back of your hand. But let's get back to reality, here. How many of these Parisian landmarks can you pinpoint?

La Serenissima is the Italian nickname for this "floating city" situated on 118 islands. It's one of the most beautiful cities in the world -- and one of the most overrun with tourists. Perhaps you've been one of those tourists. How much do you remember about Venice?

Do you ever think about what cars will look like in the future? Check out this amazing Cars of the Future graphic!

Great camp cooking requires more than a stick and a pack of jet-puffed marshmallows. Take our quiz to see if you've got the tools it takes to move your cuisine from the kitchen to the backcountry.

Chicago is a great city to visit and you will be delighted by the vast selection of leisure options. In addition to many cultural offerings, this flat city offers outdoors enthusiasts many wide-open spaces, beautiful bodies of water and numerous walking or biking trails. Take this quiz to learn more about city that was the birthplace of the skyscraper.

Take this quiz to learn more about how pasta can be a part of a nutritious diet that encourages good oral health.

If you don't take care of your feet on a backpacking trip, you're in for some serious pain and suffering. Show us what you know about foot care for trekking in the great outdoors.

While it may be a challenge, it is possible to experience a city in a weekend. Do you know how to make the most of your weekend trips? Take this quiz and find out!

Making endless decisions to plan your wedding is hard enough without having to pick out your bridal bouquet. Where's a girl supposed to start when it comes to selecting the flower arrangement she'll carry down the aisle? There are countless options and blooms to choose from, but only one answer for each question in this quiz. Get started to see how knowledgeable you are about wedding-related blooms.

Whether we're talking about the decadent parties of the ancient Greeks, the lavish costume balls of the Gilded Age or Paris Hilton's modern-day $75,000-per-guest 21st birthday party, one thing's for sure: The world's been throwing legendary shindigs for ages. How much do you know about big bashes?

New research finds when being a super hot guy doesn't pay.

Do heterosexual women prefer men who can cut a mean rug? And what are they looking for? Stuff to Blow Your Mind breaks down the science for you...

It's one of the strangest - and potentially grossest - challenges out there. But what happens when you drink milk? Why does it make you throw up (and is Ben going to try it)?

Masculinity is so beige.

As far as animals go, humans are pretty swell. Our brilliant brains have taken us across the globe and even into space. But we’re not the only nerdy animals on this rock. Here are 5 of the smartest.

Who better to explain the benefits of diversity and inclusion than a white woman sitting alone in her apartment?

The future of sound is extraordinary. And we’re not talking about who will dominate the music charts in 2050 – we’re talking about the use of acoustic waves in exciting new applications. From putting out fires to treating cancer, here are some of the ways sound will shake up our world.

You know Einstein as one of the most important figures in 20th-century physics. But chances are there’s a lot about this dude you’ve never heard.

Most people want the human species to continue forever, right? But, what if I were to tell you we’re facing a mass extinction right now?

Being a human isn’t always easy, but it’s way less complicated than building a human!

Welcome to the domain of the Great Galactic Ghoul! Yes, forget Galactus and Unicron because this is no comic book fantasy. NASA itself recognizes the ravenous appetite of this void-tripping probe-gobbler.

Radar technology is awesome, and we’ve been using it in really innovative ways recently. From emergency response to dynamic cruise control to…quantum physics, the future of radar has a lot in store!

Many academic studies connect things that seemingly have no connection. Here are some of the weirdest…

Sure, night vision looks cool in the movies - but what is it, exactly? How can a scope or a pair of goggles help you see in near-absolute darkness?

Steve Sansweet gave our crew a guided tour of the amazing displays he brought to Star Wars Celebration Anaheim. From paintings to plushies, the Rancho Obi-Wan booth was stuffed with original creations.

Ever been upset because someone took what you said, the “wrong way?” This might no longer be a problem in the future. It sounds like science fiction, but neurologists have already used technology to achieve real life brain-to-brain communication! While our current experiments are still primitive, there is a lot of potential in this research.

Have you ever heard the Taos Hum, or detected a signal from space? What the heck is that radio tower in Russia doing? Learn more about the world’s most mysterious noises.

There's a legend that Charlie Chaplin once entered a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest and lost. Is it true? Wouldn't you like to know.

In most cases, if you want your study taken seriously, you should NOT perform the experiment on yourself. Never the less, here are 5 cases of scientists throughout the centuries who – for better or worse – decided to be their own guinea pigs.

Jonathan dishes out some Star Trek tech that exists today. Live long and prosper!

Booth babes are controversial, but have you ever met the people behind the costumes? Find out what it's really like to work at a trade show as a booth actor.