Something You Should Know

Heat can make people do some strange things. It can change your mood, cloud your judgment, and even affect the way you treat other people. Scientists have discovered that hot weather has a surprisingly powerful...

Ever wonder why you're always told to wait about 10 seconds before turning your phone, computer, router, or tablet back on after rebooting it? Is there really something magical about 10 seconds, or is it just one of...

Humans are remarkably bad at predicting how long something will take. Whether it's a home project, a work assignment, or even a quick trip across town, we almost always underestimate the time involved. Psychologists...

Anyone who has ever owned a dog has probably wondered what goes on inside that furry little head. Does your dog feel guilty after chewing up your favorite shoes? Does it know when you've had a bad day? Does it love you...

When you're hungry, you know you're more interested in food. But hunger also changes the way you think—and the effects can spill over into decisions that have nothing to do with eating. Researchers have discovered some...

Does your signature reveal more about you than just your name? It turns out the way you sign your name may influence what people assume about your personality, confidence, and even your success—whether those assumptions...

Walk through a crowded airport or packed stadium and something remarkable happens. Thousands of people weave around each other without collisions, almost as if everyone is reading everyone else's mind. Yet no one is...

Some mysteries have been solved by science. Others remain surprisingly stubborn. Despite all our advances in technology and research, there are still questions that continue to puzzle some of the brightest minds on...

Ever notice how your face turns bright red when you're embarrassed—and makes the whole situation even worse? As awkward as blushing feels, it isn't a design flaw. It's actually serving a purpose that's far more useful...

Have you ever met someone named Lucy and thought, "She really looks like a Lucy"? As strange as it sounds, scientists have discovered there may be more truth to that feeling than you realize. Your name may actually...

Stores and restaurants don't just play music to fill the silence. The tempo, volume, and even the style of music are often carefully chosen because they can quietly influence your behavior and even how much money you...

Most of us spend a lot of time trying to be happy and avoiding sadness whenever we can. But what if sadness isn't something to fear or eliminate? What if it's one of the most important emotions we have? Why do we cry...

Most of us think we're pretty good drivers. But even experienced drivers develop bad habits without realizing it. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can make you a safer, more alert driver—and could even help you...

Why do mosquitoes seem to feast on some people while barely bothering others? It turns out your attractiveness to mosquitoes has much less to do with "sweet blood" than with your body chemistry, the carbon dioxide you...

If your porch light seems to attract every moth and flying insect in the neighborhood, you're not imagining it. Scientists have finally figured out why artificial lights are so irresistible to many insects—and knowing...

Few foods are as American as the hamburger. Every year, Americans eat billions of them, and they are a staple at backyard barbecues, diners, ballparks, and restaurants around the world. Yet despite being one of the most...

Take a look at your speedometer the next time you're driving. Chances are, it's lying to you. The speed you're actually traveling is probably different from what the dashboard says—and that's completely intentional...

Can simply believing a treatment will work actually help it work better? Surprisingly, yes. Researchers have found that your expectations can have a powerful effect on how your body responds to medication—even when the...

Have you ever pushed on a door that was supposed to be pulled—or pulled when you should have pushed? It feels embarrassing, but don't blame yourself. It turns out the problem usually isn't you. It's the door. Everyone...

What does it really mean to be successful? Most people would probably say it's about making more money, climbing the career ladder, earning recognition, or becoming well known. But what if we've been measuring success...

Need a favor? The way you ask may matter as much as what you're asking for. Researchers have found that a few simple changes in how you make a request can dramatically increase the chances someone will say yes—and most...

Have you ever forgotten a phone number, birthday, or why you walked into a room because you knew your phone would remember it for you? Many people joke about "digital dementia." While it isn't a real medical diagnosis...

Many ballpoint pens have a particular design feature intended to save your life – if necessary. It's one of those clever features most people never notice and hopefully never have to use yet millions of pens contain it...

Can you train yourself to become a night owl—or an early bird? Millions of people try. They force themselves to stay up later, wake up earlier, or work overnight because that's what life demands. But can your body...

People often assume that someone with brown eyes appears more trustworthy than someone with blue eyes. Research suggests there may be something to that belief—but not for the reason most people think. In fact, eye color...