Why do we zone out? This question came from a reader submission (thanks Aastha!). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question π The short answer When we zone out, brain regions that process external stimuli decouple from our introspective default mode network, causing our mind to wander without us realizing. Zoning out gives the brain a chance to rest, reflect, and solve problems. π The long answer As you begin reading this...
10 days agoΒ β’Β 6 min read
Why do cartoon characters have four fingers? π The short answer Cartoon characters typically have four fingers to simplify animation and keep characters from looking too human, while Japanese anime characters have five to avoid negative cultural associations. I'm in end-of-the-year-reflection-mode and am working on a "Best of 2025" list to jot down life learnings, favorite books, tools I want to bring with me into the new year, etc. If you're interested in this more personal email from me,...
17 days agoΒ β’Β 6 min read
Why do leaves kill grass but snow does not? This question came from a reader submission (thanks Omar!). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question π The short answer Leaves can kill grass if they pile up thickly, blocking light and airflow, but a light layer can fertilize and support soil health. Snow usually doesnβt hurt grass and may help it survive winter by insulating it and adding moisture and nutrients, though problems...
24 days agoΒ β’Β 5 min read
Why do potatoes sprout? This question and the bonus question came from reader submissions (thanks to Sherry and Sean, respectively). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question π The short answer Potatoes sprout from small stem nodes called eyes when they are kept in warm, humid, and light conditions, using stored starch to fuel asexual reproduction and grow new plants. π The long answer If you leave a bag of potatoes sitting...
about 1 month agoΒ β’Β 5 min read
How are speed limits determined? This question came from a reader submission (thanks Arushi!). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question π The short answer Speed limits are set using a combination of engineering calculations, real-world driving behavior, and crash data. The goal is to balance safety and mobility based on how roads are designed and how drivers actually use them. π The long answer We've been trying to slow down...
about 1 month agoΒ β’Β 8 min read
Why does stress cause people to overeat? This question came from a reader submission (thanks M Meg!). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question π The short answer Stress fuels overeating because it triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that ramps up appetite and urges your body to stockpile energy for future threats, particularly with calorie-dense food. π The long answer Overeating is a very common response to feeling...
about 2 months agoΒ β’Β 6 min read
Why do cranes have flags on them? This question came from a reader submission (thanks Natalie!). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question π The short answer Cranes fly flags to indicate wind conditions, display patriotism or remembrance, and comply with airport safety rules. π The long answer Whether you're considered an umarell or not, you may have noticed before that flags are often flown on construction cranes. Wikipedia...
about 2 months agoΒ β’Β 5 min read
Why do we say "achoo" when we sneeze? This question came from a reader submission (thanks Duncan!). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question π The short answer "Achoo" mimics the sound of the sneeze itself, shaped by how we breathe and move our mouth. But not everyone says "achoo" since different languages have their own versions, and making a sound at all is a cultural habit, not a biological need. π The long answer We've all...
about 2 months agoΒ β’Β 3 min read
What happens to the temperature of the atmosphere the higher you go? This question came from a reader submission (thanks Omar!). Has a curious question stumped you lately? Feel free to submit your own question here: Submit your question π The short answer The higher you go in the atmosphere, the temperature either rises or falls depending on the layer. These changes are caused by how different parts of the atmosphere absorb energy from the Sun and how air pressure affects heat. π The long...
2 months agoΒ β’Β 7 min read