In an era of constant innovation and discovery, we may not realize that most inventions take years to develop. But sometimes, all it takes is an accident. Here, 10 inventions we'd never be able to enjoy if not for an apparent mistake.

These people aren't tied down to a desk job. If you've ever wondered how to dock a container ship, make gummy bears, certify diamonds and design hovercrafts, take a look at these videos.

Do you check your horoscope compulsively, or snort derisively at the very thought? Before you dismiss astrology as nonsense, consider this: It has a long history with timekeeping. We're happy to tell you all about it.

Which photos are the strangest? The funniest? The most awesome? Vote for your favorites, or submit your own photos for a chance to win an iPad on June 1.

Not all world records involve a stopwatch. See these people cover themselves in bugs, get extreme on unicycles and create huge geysers using breath mints and soda – all for a chance at getting into the history books.

The recently reported $2 billion loss at JPMorgan was a result of risky investing in credit default swaps. While some investments consistently make money, others -- like the ones on this list -- stand a greater chance of losing it.

Astrophysicist, cosmologist, lecturer, cartoon voice actor, author, parent, grandparent -- Stephen Hawking wears many hats, and he also has a few ideas about black holes, time, aliens and wormholes.

A new AP-CNBC poll has found that 59 percent of people don't trust Facebook to keep their information private. Are these concerns valid?

What are the odds you'll be struck by lightning? Become a millionaire? Be in a plane crash? Find out with these videos.

Who was the greatest inventor of all time? Sixteen superstar inventors are battling to be the greatest inventor of all time. Vote for your favorites!

Yahoo CEO Scott Thompson resigned last weekend after it was discovered that he listed a degree on his résumé that he didn't really have. Most of us know how to write a résumé, but you'd be surprised at the unnecessary information that people place on them.

It's a bird; it's a plane; it's a stealthy military aircraft. Take a look behind the scenes at special planes and technology used in warfare and peace-keeping.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 was released on Sunday, adding yet another choice to the already vast Android tablet market. With few built-in controls except for a flat touch-screen interface, tablet computers are attractive, highly portable, easy to use and just plain cool. But how do you decide which one is right for you?

Computers can do a lot more than just word processing and Internet browsing. See some the biggest, coolest and most cutting-edge computers out there.

Graduation is just around the corner, and many new graduates want to get out and see the world. What if you could travel the world and get paid for it? Sound too good to be true? Here are 10 careers designed to satisfy anyone's wanderlust.

What goes on inside the mind of a serial killer? What motivates a stalker? What prevents criminals from feeling remorse? Learn about criminal psychology in these videos.

Learn about the science behind surreal and supernatural phenomena, from alien hand syndrome to zombies, in these videos from Stuff You Should Know and Stuff They Don't Want You to Know.

How can meditation help a fighter? How does the U.S. Army use ancient martial arts techniques? How can basic karate moves help you defend yourself against attackers? Learn about the many martial arts disciplines in these videos.

Pisa without its precariously tilted landmark is like San Francisco without the Golden Gate or London without Buckingham Palace. Will the peculiarly enduring tower ever vanish from the Italian skyline?

Michael Phelps recently announced that London 2012 will be his last time competing in the Olympic Games. Phelps is truly an outstanding athlete -- but could his swimwear be partially responsible for his record speeds?

Temperature-sensitive inks once rocked the '70s in the form of mood rings. These days, they're turning products like beer cans, wallpaper and footballs into color-changing chameleons. Learn more in How Thermochromic Ink Works.

Fans of famous homes like Fallingwater and Taliesin point to Frank Lloyd Wright as the father of green architecture. He wasn't the first to build sustainably, though. Nine other pioneers join him in our list.

We tend to think of rain as simply a part of life -- certainly nothing to fear. But when that rainfall gets out of hand, the rising waters can be deadly. Watch these videos to see daring rescues and the tragic aftermath of extreme floods.

It could be the fuel economy as high as 85 miles per gallon, or maybe it's that telltale rumble when the throttle is wide open. There's just something about motorcycles that thousands of folks can't resist.

It's hard to believe that we're the only life-form in this vast universe, and scientists are fervently seeking proof of other life-forms. Watch these videos to learn about the technologies used to track down Earth-like planets, and find out what clues we've already found.

A bad contractor may try to pull the wool over your eyes in a number of ways -- by buying shoddy materials, then pocketing the remainder of the dough you gave him for quality materials, for example. What signs should tell you it’s time to take action?

Google has acquired a license to operate self-driving cars -- just one of the technologies on our list. One down, four to go. What else is in store for future cars?

From the elastic man and firewalkers to molecular gastronomy and android technologies, meet extraordinary personalities and learn incredible facts in these videos from Discovery's One Step Beyond.

Disaster struck the Apollo 13 lunar landing mission on April 13, 1970, when an oxygen tank exploded. How did the astronauts get back to Earth safely?

Earth is an amazing planet. Learn all about this rock that we call home and what's going on in the ground beneath our feet with these videos from HowStuffWorks.

Monsters. Rainbows. Magnets. Volcanoes. Kids love 'em. (We do, too.) These videos showcase a variety of wild, weird and fascinating topics to make your offspring's’ jaws drop.

Watch as people attempt to break a variety of world records, including creating the biggest Mentos-Coke geyser and donning a coat of killer bees.

How did Egyptians actually build those gigantic pyramids? Why did ancient Chinese engineers design the batten sail? Learn more about history's great engineering feats in this playlist.

Since Google is famous for keeping products in a prolonged beta state and tinkering with them long after their release, it's a safe bet that Google+ will probably incorporate new innovations in the future. But what could they be? Ben and TechStuff's Jonathan Strickland look at the present and future of Google's social network.

It seems as if people have been predicting the end of the world since the beginning of civilization -- but how could it actually happen? Check out this playlist to learn how (and when) experts believe the world could end.

From religion in space to digital immortality, the future is full of profound challenges and astonishing opportunities. Join the staff of HowStuffWorks.com as we explore some of the most promising -- and perplexing -- global issues of the future.

Whether it’s the flexible straw or the search engine, every invention has a story. Get a closer look at the inventors responsible from everything to dishwashers to dynamite in this animated series by HowStuffWorks.com.

Life moves pretty fast, and your eyes and brain simply can't take it all in -- until now. Take a moment to glimpse these videos taken with high-speed photography to see what exactly you're missing, from air bag deployment to sumo wrestling.

How does aerial refueling work? What about unmanned drones? Take a close-up look at planes the Wright brothers never dreamed of in this Discovery playlist.

There are no ifs, ands or buts about it: Buying your first home is a monumental decision. So how can you find your dream house without making those infamous rookie mistakes? Check out this series for some valuable tips.

With the rise of digital technology, virtual reality is becoming more and more a part of our lives. Learn how virtual reality can help humanity in the real world.

From UFOs to psychic powers and government conspiracies, history is riddled with unexplained events. Get a closer look at the Stuff They Don't Want You to Know in these videos.

Winter can be hard on your vehicle. Now that spring is here, it's a good idea to make sure your ride is in tip-top shape. Learn more about taking care of your car in these videos.

Have you ever wondered how acoustic guitars get their sounds, or how binoculars can hone in on objects from afar? If so, this is the playlist for you. Watch as the Science Channel breaks down everything from cap guns to carburetors in this series.

Can humans cause earthquakes? What the heck is alien hand syndrome? Join Chuck and Josh as they explore the some of the coolest (and weirdest) Stuff You Should Know in their television shorts on Science.

Almost every kid has a favorite toy -- but how do they actually get made? Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the world's favorite toys, from pinball machines to crayons and more.

Don't let all the science fiction stories fool you: The theory of quantum mechanics is real, and it's been around since the 1920s. Check out this series to get a closer look at the weird world of quantum physics.

Watch as HowStuffWorks staff members explore the history and future of film and television, from television sets to silver screens.

Gaze at the swans of Hokkaido, walk along the Great Wall of China and visit the "Golden City" of Rajasthan, as the hosts of The Coolest Stuff on the Planet explore Asia.

Human history is marked by a continual series of discoveries… but which ones have made the most difference? In this playlist, the Science Channel explores the stories behind history's most crucial discoveries, from blood transfusions to astronomy.

Is human cloning possible? Is cloned beef safe to eat? Find out the answers to these questions and more in these cloning videos.

Just what kind of sci-fi heat will the soldiers of the future really be packing? Get a glimpse of upcoming military technologies and how they might be used in these videos.

What is the etymology of the word "geek"? Who invented the crossword puzzle? What is Esperanto? Learn about the origins of words and the evolution of language with these videos from Stuff You Should Know, Stuff From the Future and The Stuff of Genius

Even if you’re a die-hard fan of “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show,” you can’t possibly know all there is to know about Jim Henson and his work … or can you? Take the challenge and find out!

What tools will get your motor running, get that hole in your wall spackled, or help you fix a leaky pipe? Take this quiz to see if you are a tool-time know-it-all.

Although the wonder of human flight has become commonplace, misinformation and rumors abound about airplanes and air travel. Do you, dear frequent flyer, think you can tackle our quiz?

A car's transmission enables the engine to provide a wide range of output speeds. Without it, you'd be limited to just one gear. Test your knowledge of both automatic and manual transmissions in this quiz.

It's hard to believe that only about 15 years ago, the Internet was a strange new world. Now it's difficult to imagine life without it, but how much do you really know about the Internet?

Exotic cars inspire a legion of car enthusiasts to empty their wallets for a taste of life in the fast lane. Will you be at the front of the pack after racing through the exotic car quiz?

Sports stadiums can be gigantic achievements of architecture and art, and it's almost guaranteed that each new one will try to outdo what came before. How much did some of the most famous sports arenas cost?

How much do you know about the quixotic mastermind behind Apple? The black turtleneck and jeans, the theatrical key note speeches and his legendary temper are just a small part of the story.

Apple has sold tens of millions of iPad tablet computers since their release in 2010. If you haven't touched, tapped or swiped on one, you will soon enough. Get up to speed with our quiz, and find out just how much you know about Apple's iPad.

Most of us think we know when to use commas and when to leave them out. We went to elementary school, after all. Still, be it all those years without grammar lessons or an initial misunderstanding about this all-important piece of punctuation, so many of us get it wrong from time to time ... do you? Test your comma knowledge and find out if you know your stuff!

Old fish, new fish, bold fish, blue fish. It seems that Dr. Seuss was on to something when he wrote "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish." Take catfish, for example. They're blue, big and bold. But how do you go about making the big catch?

Riots can break out in an instant, if the right trigger hits at the right time. Trained riot control specialists do a lot more than crack skulls. Grab your shield and take this riot quiz -- if you know what's good for you.

Earthquakes, like volcanoes, happen all the time -- but most of them are so minor we can't even feel them. They're also similar to volcanoes in that we can't fully predict them, and scientists are always waiting for the next big one to occur.

If you happen to have $100 million lying around, hey, you're in luck! Almost all of these behemoths were actually on the market at press time. Grab your diamond-encrusted cell phone and call your realtor before some other gazillionaire does.

Usually, differentials are where a car's power makes its last stop before spinning the wheels. They also enable those wheels to rotate at different speeds. Find out how well your wheels are spinning with the differential quiz.

Albert Einstein was a pretty smart guy. When you look up the word "genius" in the dictionary, so the saying goes, it's a pretty safe bet you'll see Einstein's mug. He introduced concepts that we're still figuring out how to explain.

Even if you own a high-definition television, you might not be exactly sure how it works or how to optimize your viewing experience. This quiz won't tell you what HDTV is best for you, but it might help you sort out some of the mystery.

With more than 800 million members and counting, Facebook is one of the fastest-growing phenomena to come out of a college dorm room. What do you know about Facebook?

Time magazine declared the first 10 years of the 21st century the "Decade from Hell" -- what else would you call a decade that started off with the deadliest terrorist attack in history and ended with global economic collapse? How well you remember the events that happened in the years from 2000 through 2009?

Military snipers have been great fodder for video games and movies, and they're just as interesting in reality. Test out your skills here on Stuff You Should Know's military sniper quiz.

GPS receivers are nifty gadgets that are used all over the world. How knowledgeable are you regarding GPS receivers? Take this quiz and find out.

Meteors and meteorites have fascinated human beings for ages, but have you managed to turn your fascination into some hardcore knowledge? Wishing on a star isn't going to help you now.

Motorcycle rallies and rides have a long, rich history in America. For many riders, they're a source of great pride and inspiration; for others, a chance to escape from everyday life and make new friends. In this quiz, we'll talk about the history, geography and demographics of some of the country's most famous biker rallies. Get ready to test your rally knowledge!

There are two basic types of homeowner: the do-it-yourselfer, and the kind who immediately calls in the handyman when there's a leak. But there's hope for the home-repair averse. This quiz will show you that it's not so hard to do it yourself.

You buy a tiny phone one day, and a tinier, cooler one will come out tomorrow and make yours obsolete. But not too long ago, it was a big deal when some of these gadgets launched. Can you remember which of these iconic products appeared on the market first?

As Benjamin Franklin once quipped: "There never was a good war or a bad peace." That's why these five countries have gotten out of the military business entirely.

Abandoned cities, haunted buildings, eccentric rituals and unexplained relics -- what bizarre stories do these peculiar islands have to tell?

Organizing your home is never easy, but there are ways to simplify the process. Until they invent technology that will actually do the work for you, these apps will help you get everything done.

From the Two-Headed Nightingale to the Baboon Lady, these 10 female sideshow freaks sure knew how to put on a show. But what were their real stories?

Torture was a very popular form of punishment in the Middle Ages, but it also served as a social deterrent and as entertainment for the masses. These 10 devices show how creative torturers became with their tools in an effort to wow the crowds.

Building a financial future, whether for retirement or simply for attaining your personal goals, all starts with saving. What are some easy ways to stash some cash for later?

Sometimes, there are things we do as part of a tradition without really considering where the practices may have started. What are some the common traditions we take part in today that may have surprising origins?

If you're hungry for a Lums steamed hotdog, a Gino Giant burger drenched in sauce or some Chi-Chi's nachos, well, that's too bad. Those restaurant chains no longer exist.

Most of us know that a house must have a well-insulated building envelope to be structurally sound. But we may not know how important this shell really is. These are 10 types of insulation that can protect your home.

Unemployment can cause stress, but some jobs are more stressful than others. The next time you find yourself sweating over some deadline, remember that some people get paid to risk their lives -- or save the lives of others -- every single day.

From creativity to networking to tech-savviness, the modern-day job hunt requires a little more than it once did. What can you try when looking to make your next career move?

Sex, violence and over-the-top action -- it's easy to see the influence that exploitation movies have had on cinema as a whole. You can even split the genre into a number of subgenres that push the boundaries of taste and decorum with every frame. Here are 10 of the most noteworthy.

During an economic downturn such as the one we're in now, people look for businesses that are likely to weather the storm. But is any business truly recession-proof?

For as long as we've complained about gas prices, there's been an army of inventors offering devices to stretch our mileage further. But which ones work and which are hoaxes?

At some point, you'll likely want to stop working. You'll also have to figure out how to pay the bills once you retire. Here are 10 tips to help you out.

Ever wonder where the rich and famous live in the United States? Wonder no more. While there are hundreds of possibilities, we'll narrow it down to the top 10, including the havens for longtime bearers of wealth and the up-and-comers of the country's elite.

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 drive for energy-efficient building comes down to a quest for the so-called tight envelope, which you can often achieve using renewable, recycled material. What are some of the latest energy-efficient building materials?

In cities across the United States, entrepreneurs in carts and trailers are offering some of the most original, authentic and creative dishes in town.

The sleek lines, powerful engines and machine strength of muscle cars have attracted us since the late 1960s, when performance and design filtered down into the realm of the attainable. So what are the most wanted classic muscle cars today?

Before you start chirping your innermost thoughts on this social networking Web site, take a look at this list of tips. What does a Twitter beginner need to know?

Politicians have given the world plenty to talk about over the years. On this list of 10 political scandals, from Watergate to the Profumo Affair, which had the most extreme consequences?

If you can name the product behind this jingle -- double-double, cheese-cheese, burger-burger, please -- then you already have one out of 10 right. What else makes the cut?

Everybody has bad days, but Fortune seems to have it in for some people. You decide: Are these 10 infamous cases of bad luck coincidences or curses?

Many commercial products based on NASA research are a part of our everyday lives. Some things, however, are more unusual than others. Check out our list of five strange items developed from NASA technology.

Witch homicide aside, Dorothy was lucky that her home safely traveled to Oz after the tornado. Many people who lived through the storms on our list were left with nothing.

Lots of people feel completely lost when choosing a smartphone. But with a little time and a little research, it's easy to figure exactly what you need, what you want and what you can do without.

Can you keep up with the flock? Do you remember which direction they were going? Exercise your brain and improve your attention span with Lost in Migration. Don’t get left behind, play Lost in Migration today!

Sudoku is the hottest game in America, and we have free online sudoku for you here every day.

Use your keen eye to pick the right locations to build parks and shops. Pick your paint colors, upgrades and landscaping to create the ultimate curb appeal and earn outstanding profits with Build-a-lot 2: Town of the Year!

Chuzzles are googly-eyed little balls of fur that giggle, squeak and sneeze as you poke and push them across the board. Free them by forming groups of three, but watch out for dangerous puzzle locks! Explore four different game modes as you earn trophies, unlock secret games and more! Once you start popping Chuzzles you might not be able to stop!

Show your hold'em skills in the all-new Governor of Poker 2, a masterful poker adventure set in the Wild West!

Take the king's challenge in Royal Envoy™, and think your way to triumph in this whimsical resource management experience.

Super Collapse! Puzzle Gallery is a puzzle party! Are you a puzzle genius? It isn't as easy as it looks!

Solitaire isn't just a solo game anymore! Play the largest selection of Solitaire games on Facebook - Klondike, Pyramid, Spider, Crescent and Freecell! Challenge your friends, collect game boosts and more.

Guide the tribe to construct useful buildings, collect needed resources and decorate the landscape. They will then reward you with tributes and helpful items to make it through. Introduce new technologies, play fun Hidden Object mini-games and earn fantastic rewards in Jack of all Tribes!

Search through over 30 cryptic locations including the sinister mansion and a bloody sacrifice room for important artifacts. Find items quickly to score bonus points that help unlock four useful search powers and two bonus play modes. Will you uncover the town's many hidden secrets and save Audrey's husband?

Enjoy a round of table hockey anytime you want with this exciting online version of the popular arcade game!

Use magic spells to save your loved one from goblins in Hidden Magic, a fantastic adventure that blends Hidden Object game play with fun magical battles.

Leave the big city behind for good in Farm Mania 2, the fantastic follow-up to the hit farming game!

Get into the festive spirit of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas as you build up underwater fish kingdoms filled with holiday cheer tackling Fishdom - Seasons Under the Sea™ - 3 in 1!

Have you got what it takes to skipper a crab boat on the Bering Sea? Take charge of your own vessel and see if you can survive a season of derby style king crab fishing.

Jane is back again! She has restored her family hotel network and opened a boutique, and now she is ready to start leasing houses! Help her build a whole city, complete with electric power stations and water towers, houses for rent, stores, restaurants and even a city hall!

Return to the skies and visit incredible destinations in this amazing sequel, where you guide colorful planes through landings, take-offs and everything in-between. Take on the challenge of all-new, creative levels in some of the most astounding places, including the North Pole, Monsterville, Tiki Taka Island and even the moon!

Discover a rich world filled with incredible fun in Ancient Secrets, a bold new adventure for all ages.

This is the ultimate game for Solitaire lovers –- and it’s free! Does it get any better than that? We tend to think not. Play Klondike Solitaire today and see what you’re missing!

The challenge in Mahjongg online is finding all the matching tiles while working your way through the pile. Can you take on the challenge of the tiles?

Quick, take a mental snapshot! Can you recall and reproduce the pattern that you just saw? The Memory Matrix game will put your attention span and intelligence to the test. Exercise your mind and play Memory Matrix!

With these free jigsaw puzzle games, you won't have to worry about losing a piece under the dining room table.

The new puzzle classic returns with yet another twist!

With extra Blitz and Tourney modes, 28 trophies, medals, achievement cups and three difficulty settings, becoming Emperor of Rome will lavish you with exhilarating rewards.

Volcanoes are pressure valves that release energy from deep within Earth. Learn about different types of volcanoes and create your own virtual volcano with the Volcano Explorer.

Build a colorful fantasy world by gathering magic orbs in Dreamsdwell Stories, a fun match-three game with a twist.