HowStuffWorks - Learn How Everything Works!

Today's Mind-blower
10 Things to Never Eat in the Wild

Holly may be pretty, but just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe. Many plants and animals can sicken or even kill you if you eat them. Here are 10 of the deadliest.

    • 10 Widely Believed U.S. Government Conspiracy Theories
      people 10 Widely Believed U.S. Government Conspiracy Theories

      Although the U.S. government has been found guilty of spying on its citizens or wasting tax money on dubious projects, does that mean it would intentionally fake the moon landing, conduct alien autopsies or put its citizens in FEMA camps?

    • Is every snowflake actually unique?
      science Is every snowflake actually unique?

      You've probably heard that no two snowflakes are alike, but can that be true? Find out how molecules of water vapor come together to form these winter wonders.

    • How Nostradamus Works
      science How Nostradamus Works

      His words have been deemed prophetic for ages, and e-mail hoaxes claimed that he foresaw the events of September 11. Learn who Nostradamus was and what he really wrote.

    • Why do sweet and salty taste so good together?
      recipes Why do sweet and salty taste so good together?

      The marriage of salty and sweet is one that shouldn't work but magically does. Our tongues recognize flavors for a reason -- and when it comes to sweet and salty, biology is hard at work.

    • 10 Movies Based on Scientific Falsehoods
      entertainment 10 Movies Based on Scientific Falsehoods

      The suspension of disbelief is part of the movie-going experience. But some films that invoke science to set up their plots are doing so in ways that are totally, utterly preposterous.

    • Our 10 Favorite Replacements for 'Where's My Flying Car?'
      electronics Our 10 Favorite Replacements for 'Where's My Flying Car?'

      Who wants to share airspace with today's crazy drivers? Not us. So let's put the flying car future to rest and think about one with moon bases, undersea cities and other cool stuff.

    • Do we still need printing?
      computer Do we still need printing?

      It used to be that every home and office needed a printer. Now that's not such a necessity, but are we really ready to give up printing?

    • Don't Be Dumb: Is Christmas the Busiest Day of the Year for Suicide?
      shows Don't Be Dumb: Is Christmas the Busiest Day of the Year for Suicide?

      It's commonly said that there are more suicides during the winter holidays than in other times of the year, but that's not actually true. Josh explains.

    • Does exercise really help with weight loss?
      health Does exercise really help with weight loss?

      You're proud of yourself for finally sticking with an exercise routine. But sadly, the needle on the scale doesn't move. Exercise doesn't have as much to do with weight loss as you'd think.

    • 10 Healthy Ways to Build Credit
      money 10 Healthy Ways to Build Credit

      For something so relatively easy to obtain, credit can easily cause a careless borrower lots of stress. Here are 10 simple ways to build credit -- and keep it.

    • 10 Misconceptions About the Flu
      science 10 Misconceptions About the Flu

      Lots of Americans believe that getting the flu is no worse than getting a cold. Or that the flu vaccine can give them flu. We separate truth from fiction.

    • What the Stuff?!: 3 Historical Words that Don’t Mean What You Think
      shows What the Stuff?!: 3 Historical Words that Don’t Mean What You Think

      Words matter - but there are a surprising number of historic words that many of us are using erroneously. Think you know it all? Let's take a look.

    • 10 Best Snowboarding Spots in the United States
      adventure 10 Best Snowboarding Spots in the United States

      Snowboarding is one of the fastest growing sports. Where can you find the best spots to set down your board and work on your tricks?

    • How were tarpans different from domestic horses?
      animals How were tarpans different from domestic horses?

      A mysterious wild horse called the tarpan eluded hunters for centuries until succumbing to extinction. What made it special?

    • How do you invest in gold?
      money How do you invest in gold?

      Gold can be a wise way to diversify your investment portfolio. But how do you invest in this precious metal? Is it as simple as walking to the jewelry store and stocking up?

    • 10 Tips for Hosting an Elegant Christmas Party
      lifestyle 10 Tips for Hosting an Elegant Christmas Party

      Take your holiday party up a notch this year and host an elegant affair complete with fancy foods and divine décor. We'll show you how to do it.

    • 10 Common Bankruptcy Questions
      money 10 Common Bankruptcy Questions

      If you're lucky, you'll never have to know about bankruptcy. But sometimes, even lucky people get dealt bad hands. If you're wondering whether to declare bankruptcy, here are 10 things you should know before doing the deed.

    • 10 Nobel Laureates Whose Work Changed the World
      science 10 Nobel Laureates Whose Work Changed the World

      Sure, Nobel Prize winners get money, a medal and bragging rights, but the rest of us often benefit from their accomplishments, too. Meet 10 of these game-changing people.

    • How do talk shows work?
      entertainment How do talk shows work?

      From highbrow content (politics, literature) to more unrefined fare (paternity tests, cheating spouses), talk shows have been on the tube for as long as there has been television.

    • How to Start a Christmas Tradition
      people How to Start a Christmas Tradition

      Time is a precious commodity around the holidays, but while you're making your lists and checking them twice, don't forget that you're doing more than shopping, decorating, wrapping and cooking. You're also helping make memories for your family.

    • Could investing in a racehorse make you rich?
      money Could investing in a racehorse make you rich?

      Think investing in a racehorse is a good bet financially? Think again. Sure it's cheaper than buying a professional sports team, and but it's definitely a gamble that probably won't pay off.

    • Why is there a controversy surrounding the word 'Xmas'?
      people Why is there a controversy surrounding the word 'Xmas'?

      There's no doubt that commercialism runs rampant during Christmas. So is the word "Xmas" just another casualty of the modern advertising age? Or does the X in Xmas have its roots in Christianity after all?

  • Loading content...please wait
  • Loading content...please wait
  • Loading content...please wait
  • Loading content...please wait
  • Loading content...please wait
Stuff You Should Watch
check out our shows
test your knowledge
The Ultimate Famous Bad Investments Quiz
TAKE THE CHALLENGE
The Ultimate Famous Bad Investments Quiz
Average: 6 points | 10 Questions

Which major league baseball player sank his fortune into The Players Club, a lifestyle and financial advice magazine geared toward helping professional athletes preserve their wealth?

Stuff ... Illustrated
poll: what do you think?

Do you believe in love at first sight?

All About Mysteries