explainer

Feb 28, 2019

Why Do Stink Bugs Stink?

Why do stink bugs stink? How do they make that smell? Are stink bugs dangerous? 

Feb 14, 2019

Is Hemp The Same Thing As Marijuana?

What's the difference between marijuana and hemp? 

Feb 14, 2019

How do pets show love?

We’d all like to think that our pets love us as much as we love them, but how can we know? How exactly could pets show love, anyway? Are they cuddling with us out of affection or because they want dinner? Those are good questions. And it turns out that we know a lot about… 

Feb 13, 2019

Why Does Food Cook Faster In A Pressure Cooker?

How do pressure cookers work? 

Jan 28, 2019

What Happens When You Run on a Full Stomach?

Don't expect to set any land speed records if you're running on a full stomach. 

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? 

Dec 7, 2018

How Big Can Snowflakes Be?

Snowflakes can get pretty darn big. 

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. 

Aug 29, 2018

What Is the Epigenome? What is Epigenetics?

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

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. 

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. 

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. 

Dec 2, 2015

Questions About the Science of Beer

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

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. 

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?