We all know someone who’s a little gadget crazy. She was the first in line for the iPhone — because she camped out at the Apple store. He bribed his son or daughter with energy drinks and extra allowance to sit up for hours waiting for the PS3, and has done unspeakable acts to …
A “normal light bulb” is also known as an incandescent light bulb. These bulbs have a very thin tungsten filament that is housed inside a glass sphere. They typically come in sizes like “60 watt,” “75 watt,” “100 watt” and so on. The basic idea behind these bulbs is simple. Electricity runs through the filament. …
Are fluorescent bulbs really more efficient than normal light bulbs? Read More »
As the Earth’s average temperature continue to rise, those of us in already-warm climates may find ourselves increasingly tempted to crank up the A/C. But traditional air conditioners are huge consumers of energy: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential air conditioning accounts for 16 percent of all household electricity use in the United …
Magnetic Air Conditioners: A High Tech Way Of Keeping Cool Read More »
The electric vs. gas stove debate is always spirited. But, when you’re whipping up your famous beef Bourguignon or paella, the thought of saving money and energy costs probably isn’t at the front of your mind. Yet you could be saving money every single time you cook these recipes–or any other dish–if you have an …
Electric vs. Gas Stove: Which Is Really More Efficient? Read More »
It’s the end of a long day, and you’ve grudgingly brushed, flossed, washed your face and performed other tedious tasks when you’d much rather just fall right in bed. Suddenly, the humidifier looms large. The tank is half full, so why not just save yourself an extra chore and re-use last night’s water? Then there’s …
Your nose is running, so you run to the restroom for a tissue and then realize that familiar cardboard box is empty. What’s a nasal-drip sufferer to do? Unroll a bit of toilet paper instead, of course. We may use tissues and toilet paper interchangeably sometimes, but the truth is, there are some important differences …
What’s the Difference Between Toilet Paper and Tissue? Read More »
Americans are very interested in hygiene, and yet the country that popularized hand sanitizer does not, in general, support the use of bidets. But what’s more hygienic than really, actually cleaning your butt after you poop? Not much, but though Europe and Asia have been on the bidet bandwagon for a long time, Americans are …
Advertisement An Active Volcano When it comes to Italy’s Mt Vesuvius, it isn’t a question of if it erupts but when. Geologists and volcanologists who study the volcano readily concede that Mount Vesuvius is overdue for an explosion [source: Fraser]. For that reason, the Vesuvius Observatory monitors seismic activity, gas emissions and other indicators 24 …
What lurks in the shadows, bearing red eyes and a thirst for blood? The name “Chupacabra,” or “goat sucker” in English, may sound whimsical, but for many in Latin America and the southwestern United States, it’s a word that evokes fear, curiosity and disbelief. With the bloodsucking monster’s mysterious origins, conflicting descriptions and the chilling …
Polygamy typically refers to a relationship where an individual enters into marriage with multiple partners. It is the opposite of monogamy, which involves a committed relationship with one partner. The 3 Types of Polygamy There are three primary forms of polygamy: polygyny, polyandry, and group marriage. Polygyny Polygyny is the specific variant of polygamy wherein …
Polygamy: A Comprehensive Exploration to Plural Marriage Read More »
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HowStuffWorks is glad you’ve chosen to reference information on our Web site, HowStuffWorks.com. To help you cite the information correctly in your bibliography or works cited page, we’ve created the following guidelines. If your class is using a particular citation style, like Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) style, please consult the …
As of October 2021, HowStuffWorks.com is looking for a few good freelance writers to explain the world around us, pitch stories and break them down simply for all of us wading thru the headlines. Ideal candidates can turn stories quickly, have a wide network of sources whom they incorporate in stories, aren’t afraid to give …
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Imagine someone voted you the ugliest person at work. You would be upset, right? Well, it’s a very good thing the blobfish (Psychrolutes microporos), a member of the illustrious fathead sculpin family of deep-sea fishes, doesn’t speak English and also lives very far away — 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) under the ocean off the coast …
Blobfish: World’s Ugliest Animal or Someone’s Grandpa? Read More »
Most people notice a distinctive smell in the air after it rains. It’s frequently linked with spring, as the smell of fresh-cut grass is associated with summer. You’ll find it in a lot of poetry and also on many inspirational lists of things to be happy about. The scientific name for this scent is petrichor, …
Petrichor: What Causes the Earthy Smell After Rain? Read More »
In the 1920s, the United States entered an economic recession. Farmers in Western states tried to raise profits by plowing and planting more acreage with new mechanized farming methods. Within a decade, a massive drought hit the entire country. Strong winds swept across the Great Plains, stirring up loose topsoil that had been displaced by …