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Popular Science answers your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall.

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A close-up side profile of a gray squirrel with its bushy tail curled up, sitting on a mossy branch and holding a small nut in its paws, with soft green foliage blurred in the background.
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How squirrels actually find all their buried nuts

By Jennifer Byrne

A person's lower legs and feet, wearing thick, gray fuzzy socks, are stretched out against a clean white duvet or sheet. The image is bright and minimal, suggesting a cozy, relaxed moment in bed.
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Do you need more sleep in fall and winter? Probably.

By Laura Kiniry

A high-angle shot shows a person's hands placing a white plate of food—rice pilaf with mixed vegetables and a piece of chicken—into a white microwave oven. The food is centered on the rotating glass tray, and the background is a bright blue wooden surface.
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Is microwave cooking nuking all the nutrients?

By Andrew Coletti

A close-up photograph of a young girl's face peering out from under a large, white duvet or blanket. She is lying in bed, holding the blanket close to her chin, and has a frightened expression. The background is dark, emphasizing the light on her face.
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Why you ‘see’ things in the dark, according to an ophthalmologist

By Diana Hubbell

A close-up profile portrait of a German Shepherd dog's head, set against a dark background. The dog has brown and black fur, with one ear prominently upright, and is looking upward with a brown eye. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting the texture of its fur and nose.
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Can dogs really smell fear? A vet weighs in.

By Clarissa Brincat

the head of a large brown horse
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Why do horses have eyes on the side of their head?

By Katie Navarra Bradley

A close-up, head-on portrait of a Dalmatian dog with striking bright blue eyes. The dog has a white face with black spots covering its head and ears, and is wearing a brown leather collar. The background is a simple, blurred gray surface.
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Can dogs sense ghosts?

By Clarissa Brincat

A photograph of a young couple sitting close together in a dark movie theater, looking scared or startled during a film. The man on the left has his hands covering part of his face, grimacing, while the woman next to him is covering her face with one hand. They are sharing a large bucket of popcorn.
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Is fear contagious?

By Sarah Philip

A photograph of an old, abandoned operating room with peeling, distressed green paint on the walls. The room is symmetrically framed, featuring a central metal operating table and a large surgical lamp hanging from the ceiling. Two tall, barred windows on either side are brightly backlit, casting a dramatic light into the dim room.
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 What makes a place seem ‘haunted’?

By Laura Kiniry

A striking photograph of a bright, full moon against a dark, deep blue night sky, partially obscured by dark, dramatic clouds. The moon is intensely bright, giving the scene an ethereal glow.
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Yes, the moon really can affect your sleep

By Clarissa Brincat

A macro, close-up photograph of human skin texture showing small hairs standing straight up, a phenomenon known as goosebumps or gooseflesh. The skin tone is light, and the background is a solid, clear blue sky.
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Why you get goosebumps when you’re scared—or inspired

By RJ Mackenzie

An overhead shot of a human composting vessel, which resembles a long, rectangular planter box with a light wooden frame. The interior contains a layer of straw, wood chips, and organic material, with colorful pink and purple flowers scattered throughout. A white cloth-wrapped form rests in the center.
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How human composting turns bodies into soil

By Jennifer Byrne

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - food products manufactured by Mondelez and Coca-Cola
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What are ultra-processed foods and are they bad for me?

By Katie Navarra Bradley

A close-up shot of a hand holding a wooden mallet with a red, fuzzy end, positioned over a bronze singing bowl. The bowl is resting on a light-colored surface, and the background is softly blurred with warm, glowing fairy lights, suggesting a relaxing, indoor setting.
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I tried a sound bath to see if it actually made me calmer

By Mack DeGeurin

A blue, semi-transparent anatomical illustration of a human torso, neck, and shoulders from the front. The main focus is on the spine and nervous system, which are highlighted with glowing red lines running down the center of the back and branching out into the chest. The background is solid black.
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Does vagus nerve stimulation work? A scientific cure-all explained.

By Clarissa Brincat

A high-angle, close-up shot of a person with dark hair and a bright, joyful smile, holding a small dog close to their face. The person's eyes are closed, and the dog, with its eyes also closed, has its mouth open in what looks like a happy, excited expression. The two are embracing in a moment of affection.
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Why your dog gets so excited to see you

By Laura Kiniry

a man hiking on a sunny fall day standing near a grove of trees changing color and a lake
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What exactly is the UV Index? A dermatologist explains.

By Laura Baisas

A man is lying asleep in a bed with pillows and a striped comforter, set up outdoors in the middle of a forest. The bed has two small bedside tables with lamps. The ground is covered in pine needles and scattered with rocks, and tall, thin tree trunks rise around him, creating a surreal and cozy scene.
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Is sleeping outside good for you? Science has a clear answer.

By Laura Kiniry

A pink drink in a clear wine glass with a long stem is placed on a white bedside table in a dimly lit room. A glowing lamp with a white shade and a potted green plant are also on the table. A bed with white linens is visible in the foreground on the left. The scene has a soft, warm glow.
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The real science behind this viral magnesium sleep hack

By Clarissa Brincat

A profile shot of a woman with her eyes closed and head tilted back, leaning against a wall and wearing white over-ear headphones. She is lit by a warm, golden sunlight that creates a strong glow around her, suggesting a peaceful, contemplative moment at sunrise or sunset.
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Do binaural beats really help you focus?

By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall