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Just Before Sealing the Deal, Male Peacocks Announce to All Other Ladies ‘We’re About to Do It’

Called a “hoot-dash” display, scientists puzzle over the purpose of this seemingly braggadocios bellow

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An Edible White House, and the Long History of Gingerbread

The history of gingerbread starts as early as the 11th century

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Snowflakes May Have Different Designs, But They Always Have Six Sides

The chemistry of water gives rise to the intricate beauty of snowflakes

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Santa Could Totally Deliver All Those Presents Using Worm Holes Or Relativity Clouds

Have you ever wondered just how Santa delivers presents to every nice kid on Earth in just one night

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Watch Out for All the Holiday Drinking—You Might Spontaneously Combust

In the 18th century, sober citizens and church goers loved to harp on the evils of alcohol abuse, which supposedly could cause a person to randomly burst into flames

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Was Yasser Arafat Poisoned by Polonium?

In November, the body of Yasser Arafat was exhumed from beneath several feet of concrete to determine whether or not the leader had been poisoned by polonium 210

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One Spider Genus Has Species Named for Star Wars Monsters, U2, Cesar Chavez and Obama

The discovery of 33 new trapdoor spider species in the U.S. Southwest kicked off a celebrity species-naming throw down

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Why Do Placebos Work?

Researchers are trying to figure out just why the placebo effect works, and when doctors should use it

Key to Getting Holiday Shopping Right, Science Says, Is to Trust Your Gut

Skip the holiday season melt downs by not over-thinking gifts for family or close friends, researchers advise

Frida Kahlo’s Closet Finally Opened for the World

After Frida Kahlo died, her husband, the painter Diego Rivera, refused to let anyone open her closet. Now, Frida’s closet is on display for the world

All of Zeus’s Affairs, Visualized

New research suggests that most Arctic mammals may actually benefit from climate change. Arctic specialists like the Arctic fox, however, may not do quite so well.

Most Arctic Animals Should Deal With Climate Change Just Fine

New research suggests that most Arctic mammals will actually be helped, not hurt, by climate change

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See Where Santa’s Turning Up All Over the World

A new interactive map shows you how the holidays are celebrated in photos and videos

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With Commercial Spaceflight Just Around the Corner, Are You Healthy Enough to Fly?

The price of a ride to space is dropping, but is your body ready?

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North Korea Made Its First Video Game: Pyongyang Racer

Drive around and take in the sights of a virtual Pyongyang-style city

Instead of Dieting After the Holidays, Take the Bus

Driving just 1 mile less per day is more effective at reducing weight than cutting back on 100 calories per day

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Coconut Shell Contraption Turns Your Bicycle Into a Monty Python Skit

This bicycle-mounted coconut holder lets you pretend you’re riding a horse

How Will Life on Earth Survive the Actual Apocalypse?

What will life be like for the last holdouts during the actual end of the world?

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This New Rocket Engine Has a Fuel Tornado Inside

A new fuel-mixing technology could drive down the cost of spaceflight

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Food Can Give You a Hangover

The connection between specific foods and migraines is tough to prove

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