News and Politics  » Explainer

Sneaking By the Senate

When did presidents start using recess appointments to bypass advice and consent?

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Thursday, 04:39 PM EST

The Difficulty of Determining Delegates

Why are news organizations reporting different results from the Iowa caucuses?

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Wednesday, 05:07 PM EST

Brought to You by the Letter “$”

With all its merchandising, does Sesame Street really lose money?

Forrest Wickman | EXPLAINER | Tuesday, 06:11 PM EST

Can You Give Someone Cancer?

If they’re healthy, probably not.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Friday, 05:15 PM EST

16, 82, 162 …

How did the NBA and other sports leagues decide how many games to play in a season?

Stayton Bonner | EXPLAINER | Thursday, 11:47 AM EST

Cupcake Wars

Can you really make a bomb out of a pastry?

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Wednesday, 02:47 PM EST

Beware the Mistletoe

Does the holiday season drive people to violence?

Forrest Wickman | EXPLAINER | Tuesday, 06:50 PM EST

The Jesus Hairstyle

Did a lot of men have flowing locks in ancient Judea?

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Friday, 07:03 AM EST

Why Don’t They Sell Eggnog Year-Round?

People only buy it when it’s cold outside.

Matthew S. Schwartz | EXPLAINER | Thursday, 11:49 AM EST

The Unanswered Questions

Whatever happened to dandruff? Plus 30 more Explainer bafflers from 2011.

Daniel Engber | EXPLAINER | Wednesday, 01:11 PM EST

A Tit Bit Nipply

Why do nipples harden in the cold?

Forrest Wickman | EXPLAINER | Tuesday, 06:24 PM EST

Great Leader, Dear Leader—What’s Next?

Who decides on the nicknames for North Korea’s dictators?

Will Oremus | EXPLAINER | Monday, 07:03 PM EST

Does Alcohol Improve Your Writing?

Putting Hitch’s theory to the test.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Friday, 01:00 PM EST

Why Do Americans Hate the French?

How a nation of 65 million people got on our bad side.

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Thursday, 06:22 PM EST

What's the Difference Between a Religion and a Cult?

And where does Mormonism fit in?

Brian Palmer | EXPLAINER | Wednesday, 06:36 PM EST