Welcome to the Hub for The Science of Everyday Life!
Why is a tape measure curved? Why do spiders come out at night? Why do our own bodies do strange things, like shake after sex or yawn when others do? The world around us—and inside us—is a masterpiece of physics, biology, and chemistry.
We often accept these as simple facts of life. But in “The Taken for Granted,” we know that every “fact” is a fantastic puzzle waiting to be solved. There is an elegant, scientific reason for everything, from why gymnasts are short to why penguins can’t fly.
This hub is our laboratory. We’re questioning the natural world to find the simple, logical answers behind its most complex and “taken for granted” mysteries.
Stop. Notice the small wonders of the physical world.
Think. What natural laws are at play? What is the real reason?
Share! Get your answers in the articles below and discover the brilliant science hidden in plain sight.
Why Do Bats Hang Upside Down?
Most people think bats hang upside down because it is “just how bats sleep,” or because they like dark caves and creepy vibes. However, the…
Why Do We Have Fingerprints?
The popular belief is that fingers are there mainly so police can identify you, but there is more to the surface than meets the eye;…
Why Do People Take Pre-Workout?
Gym goers would usually tell you that pre-workout is just “legal energy,” basically caffeine in a loud tub. The real reason people reach for it,…
Why Do People Paint Tree Trunks White?
”It is just a neat, old-timey look, like something copied from orchards or postcard towns,” someone would tell you if you asked them why tree…
Why Do Camels Have A Hump?
A lot of us assume a camel’s hump is a built-in water tank, like a canteen strapped to its back. But, as we are going…
Why Do Men Have An Adam’s Apple?
Look at a man’s throat, and the raised ridge stands out immediately. That shape is usually associated with masculinity and a deep voice, but its…
Why Do We “Need” Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are usually thought of as teeth that exist only to be removed. In reality, their place in the mouth reflects how jaws grow,…
Why Do People Get Hiccups?
Hiccups are usually blamed on eating too fast or drinking something fizzy, but, as you will learn today, they actually come from a built-in reflex…
Why Do We Sneeze?
Think that a sneeze is just your body blasting out dust or germs? Not really. Today, we are going to learn how the real reason…
Why Do Caged Birds Sing?
You think a song from a caged bird means it is simply happy? Think again. The real reason extends beyond mood to built-in body clocks,…
Why Do Bulls Have Nose Rings?
Popular belief holds that the ring is just for show or to make a bull seem tough. But, as you will discover, it is more…
Why Do Bulls Hate Red?
Most people think a bull sees red and flips into instant rage. However, the real reason lies in how a prey animal’s vision and nervous…
