HowStuffWorks - Learn How Everything Works!

What is cyberchondria?

So you're at a family dinner, and your uncle stands up and dramatically announces that he has a brain tumor. How does he know? Because he researched his frequent headaches on the Internet.

Laptop Pictures Health and the Internet

What would nuclear winter be like?

If the sight of a mushroom cloud burning above the horizon suggests that the nuclear weapon-equipped world might end with a bang, then nuclear winter presents the notion that post-World War III humanity might very well die with a whimper.

Fallout Shelter Pictures Bomb Shelters

How Cutting-edge Technology Works

Technology is an ever-changing industry that's often difficult to keep up with. But that's where HowStuffWorks comes in. Our guide to cutting-edge technology delves into the latest in gadgets, computers and more.

Computer Pictures Creating Digital Files

How Childbirth Works

Childbirth may be a miracle, but it's a rather messy one. Before you can hold that precious baby, you've got to bring it into the world -- with blood, sweat and tears.

Pregnancy Pictures Birthing Options

How bad for you is high-fructose corn syrup?

"A spoonful of high-fructose corn syrup helps the medicine go down" just doesn't have the same ring to it. Is this artificial sweetener the sugar cube's evil twin?

Food Labels Corn Combine

Are surgeons using video games for training?

A study suggests surgeons who play video games might have finer surgical skills than those who never play. So should med school students throw down the anatomy book and grab a joystick?

Video Game System Pictures Video Games and Cancer

What are microexpressions?

Sometimes you meet someone who smiles at you and exchanges pleasantries, but you still walk away feeling certain that you don't like him or her. You're not nuts -- you might be picking up on microexpressions.

Emotion Pictures Sociable Robot

BrainStuff Blog

Do you ponder whether we'll ever defeat aging? Or what would happen if humans changed their diets and ate like apes? The HowStuffWorks BrainStuff blog with Marshall Brain answers these questions and covers a wide range of interesting topics.

Blogging in Iran Smart Blogging

HowStuffWorks TV

You read that right: HowStuffWorks has hit prime time TV. Tune in to the show on Discovery Channel Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST/PST. Can't wait? Check out this week's topic: How Salt Works.

Salt Storage Salt: Energy Source

How Salt Works

Not only do we need to consume salt, we also need it for a variety of nonfood uses. But if it's so important, why do health organizations recommend that we closely watch our intake? Apparently, there can be too much of a good thing.

Dry Salt Mining Salting the Roads

How Food Preservation Works

Whether we're pickling, pasteurizing or preserving, we're always fooling with food to make it last longer and keep it free from pathogens. Think about that the next time you reach for that tub of mint chocolate chip stashed in your freezer.

Deadly Salt Water Salt and Prosciutto

How Electrolytes Work

Sweaty athletes need lots of them. Sick people lose them. And your body keeps close tabs on them. But what exactly are electrolytes, and do they have anything to do with electricity?

Solution Mining Solar Salt Production