HowStuffWorks_Science

Sometimes super-wealthy people like to spend millions on a single book. Which one cost the most? Hint: It’s about water that’s written backwards.

Jack Parsons was an rocket innovator whose discoveries helped lead to space flight. Learn how he was also an occultist sex magician who died in an unexplained explosion.

Daisuke Inoue was a drummer for several Japanese bands, and spent hours memorizing popular songs. At least, that is, until he realized how much easier life would be if he could automate the band. Learn more in this episode.

When chemist Felix Hoffman attempted to lessen his father's chronic stomach pain, he discovered aspirin. Learn more about Hoffman's astonishing career in this episode.

What are some ways to hack your wedding? Learn about five everyday genius ways to make your wedding easier and less expensive.

Unless you're the 1 percent you’re flying coach, baby. Find out how your coach seat could become an experiment in personal space if two recently filed patents ever come to fruition.

11/04/2015: A city in California will soon feature a new fleet of autonomous buses. Are we entering the autonomous age faster than anticipated?

World explorer Wade Davis discovered a Haitian poison used to make "zombie" thralls. Find out the potion's key ingredient and how popular culture has twisted the origin of the zombie myth.

It's not a riddle, it's physics: Some materials are solids, some are liquids. But some, like ketchup and fire ants, have properties of both.

10/29/2015: What is the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act all about and why are people so upset?

Our early solar system was a turbulent place. Some models indicate our sumo-wrestling gas giants used to number five -- and a new study suggests Jupiter may have bumped our lost planet right out of the solar system.

Men don’t usually lactate – but they can! Cristen explores how breast tissue develops in human embryos of both sexes, and explains why mice are more advanced, evolution-wise.

Space without a suit? You’ll probably die from the lack of pressure in a vacuum. But other extreme hazards won’t help either.

Some hair dyes are basically fine-grained paint. But dyes that stick with you for more than a couple weeks physically and chemically change each hair. Learn how with HowStuffWorks.

Josh explains why generic ice pop labels don’t just use the word “popsicle” like a normal person.

Fire extinguishers are nearly ubiquitous, and they can be an invaluable, life-saving device. But what’s inside those little red cylinders, and how does it stop a fire?

GDP, GNP – what does it all mean? Jonathan explains what economists mean when they bring up these common economic indicators.

Since the dawn of recorded history humankind has tried to classify and study the stars. It’s a continuing mission, and astronomers are finding new stars all the time. But how do they get their names?

Science has proven that we can be aware of our dreams while we’re in them. But can we control our dreams? Josh breaks it to you gently.

David Simon created "The Wire," often described as the best television show ever made. Learn why the program is regarded so highly and how Simon was awarded a "genius grant" after creating it.

The nicotine patch has helped thousands of smokers kick the habit, but where did it come from? Tune in to learn more about the man behind the nicotine patch (and how he figured it out) in this episode.

Experience the imaginary world of Luigi Serafini, as Christian presents the art, typography and content of this legendary unreadable book.

Before Ernst Alexanderson designed the high-frequency alternators that transmitted radio broadcasts in a continuous wave, radio was not usable over long distances. Tune in and learn more in this video.

When George de Mestral and his dog set out on a leisurely mountain stroll, they returned covered in burrs. Learn how an afternoon walk inspired the creation of Velcro in this video.

Gene editing: a Michael Crichton-like plot unfolding at the lab, or a procedure that'll become a common tool for fighting disease?