Tag: explainer

Published on Jan 16, 2019

Why Do Egg Whites Turn White When You Cook Them?

Why do egg whites turn white? Does that make them safe to eat? 

Published on Dec 7, 2018

How Big Can Snowflakes Be?

Snowflakes can get pretty darn big. 

Published on Nov 29, 2018

Do Insects Fart? (They Sure Do!)

Do bugs fart? You bet. In fact, some of them pass an enormous amount of gas. 

Published on Aug 29, 2018

What Is the Epigenome? What is Epigenetics?

Most people know that genetics is the study of genes, but what is epigenetics? 

Published on May 24, 2018

It’s Not the Mayonnaise: Food Safety Myths & Summertime Food

Warm weather means picnics and outdoor get-togethers. Here are some tips on how to avoid making your friends and loved ones barf this summer. 

Published on Jun 13, 2016

What Is CRISPR? And How Can It Be Used to Turn Genes ‘Off’?

CRISPR systems have been a hot research topic since they were shown to have utility as genetic engineering tools in 2012. And they’re often explained in a way that most folks can understand. But those explanations often overlook key details. 

Published on Jun 6, 2016

5 Things You Should Know About Grilling Burgers (To Avoid Getting Sick)

To help you avoid barfing this grilling season, a food safety expert gave us these five things to remember when it comes to making a delicious (and safe) burger. 

Published on May 10, 2016

Why Do Strawberries Have Their Seeds on the Outside?

This is a tricky question because: one, those "seeds" aren't seeds; and, two, we're not really sure. 

Published on Dec 2, 2015

Questions About the Science of Beer

Sure, there’s an art to brewing – but there’s science as well. 

Published on Oct 26, 2015

Spiders: How Spooky Are They?

Spooky scenes of fake spiders in giant webs are everywhere this time of year. But despite the Halloween hype, spiders hardly deserve their reputation as dangerous creatures. 

Published on Jun 26, 2015

Tackling the Mysteries of Everyday Life

For a few years new, science writers at NC State have tried to help folks solve some of the mysteries of everyday life. What mysteries should they tackle next? 

Published on Dec 15, 2014

If Eggnog Has Eggs in it, Why Is it Safe to Drink?

Eggnog is a holiday treat, but it contains — surprise! — eggs. So how come it’s okay for us to drink it? Here are a few questions and answers about eggnog and food safety. 

Published on Dec 5, 2014

Fruitcake – Will it Last Forever?

The USDA says a fruitcake will last two to three months in the refrigerator without spoiling. But how long will it really last? We asked a scientist. 

Published on Sep 23, 2014

Fast Facts About Cutting Boards and Food Safety in Your Kitchen

Anything that touches your food can be a source of contamination and foodborne illness – including cutting boards. Learn what you can do to limit the risk of foodborne illness. 

Published on Jun 4, 2014

How a Protein “Cancer Cop” Targets UV Damage in DNA

Ah, summer. People are outside enjoying the warm weather, swimming, playing, or just soaking up that glorious, skin-damaging, high-energy UV radiation from the sun. We know that prolonged sun exposure damages skin – the sun is a nuclear reactor, after…