Michael Phelps recently announced that London 2012 will be his last time competing in the Olympic Games. Phelps is truly an outstanding athlete -- but could his swimwear be partially responsible for his record speeds?

People with a penchant for adopting wild animals often find their lives are in danger. Watch these "Fatal Attraction" videos to see what can go wrong when precious pets suddenly turn against their caretakers.

Which photos are the strangest? The funniest? The most awesome? Vote for your favorites, or submit your own photos for a chance to win an iPad on June 1.

Even if you never quite caught on in the high school chem lab, chances are good that you love to eat -- and there's no denying that chemistry and cooking go hand in hand. Learn about the fascinating world of molecular gastronomy in these videos.

Temperature-sensitive inks once rocked the '70s in the form of mood rings. These days, they're turning products like beer cans, wallpaper and footballs into color-changing chameleons. Learn more in How Thermochromic Ink Works.

Dinosaurs have been extinct for millennia, but our interest in them hasn't waned. Theories about their physiology and demise abound. Watch these videos to learn about cutting-edge technologies and discoveries used in paleontology research.

Fans of famous homes like Fallingwater and Taliesin point to Frank Lloyd Wright as the father of green architecture. He wasn't the first to build sustainably, though. Nine other pioneers join him in our list.

Is human cloning possible? Is cloned beef safe to eat? Find out the answers to these questions and more in these cloning videos.

We tend to think of rain as simply a part of life -- certainly nothing to fear. But when that rainfall gets out of hand, the rising waters can be deadly. Watch these videos to see daring rescues and the tragic aftermath of extreme floods.

A Romanian inventor created "Rummikub" while living under a playing-card-banning Communist regime. Today, it's widely beloved ... and endlessly mispronounced. Learn about the game's oppressive origins and its multiple rules variations in How Rummikub Works.

It could be the fuel economy as high as 85 miles per gallon, or maybe it's that telltale rumble when the throttle is wide open. There's just something about motorcycles that thousands of folks can't resist.

Who was the greatest inventor of all time? Sixteen superstar inventors are battling to be the greatest inventor of all time. Vote for your favorites!

Marriage is on everyone’s mind right now. North Carolina’s Amendment One makes a marriage between a man and a woman the only legal domestic partnership in the state. President Obama has issued a statement in support of marriage equality. Even aside from the current debate, today's version of matrimony looks very different from the unions enjoyed by our ancestors. How did wedlock become associated with love?

It's hard to believe that we're the only life-form in this vast universe, and scientists are fervently seeking proof of other life-forms. Watch these videos to learn about the technologies used to track down Earth-like planets, and find out what clues we've already found.

What role will robots play in medicine? How can robots assist disabled people? Watch these videos to find out what's happening in the world of robotics and artificial intelligence.

A bad contractor may try to pull the wool over your eyes in a number of ways -- by buying shoddy materials, then pocketing the remainder of the dough you gave him for quality materials, for example. What signs should tell you it’s time to take action?

What was the turning point in the Civil War? Were there female ninjas in ancient Japan? Find out in these "Unsolved History" videos.

Google has acquired a license to operate self-driving cars -- just one of the technologies on our list. One down, four to go. What else is in store for future cars?

Famous for his extremely malformed skeleton and skin, Joseph Merrick -- perhaps better known as the Elephant Man -- remains a medical curiosity, even 120 years after his death. Learn about Joseph Merrick's life and deformities in these videos.

Beloved "Where the Wild Things Are" author Maurice Sendak has passed away, but he leaves an incredible creative legacy. Believe it or not, none of his books made this list, but his work has sparked the imaginations of countless children and adults throughout the years.

Whether building a skyscraper or digging a subway tunnel, these engineers have their work cut out for them. Watch with wonder these engineering feats.

Is everything an indistinguishable blur until you slip in your contact lenses every day? A band of researchers is determined to make those tiny, translucent discs way cooler, helping you to "see" a lot more than the world around you. Find out how in How Contact Lens Displays Work.

These days, homeowners have add-on options that previous generations could only dream of. From integrated electronics to secret rooms, we'll scope out 10 of the best.

How can physical mediums convene with the spiritual? Do zombies really exist? What are the origins of the legend of Bloody Mary? Find out in these videos.

Yes, it's true. And using bone-conducting headphones instead of ear buds may be a lot better for your ears. How do these headphones do their job?

Volcanoes are some of nature's most awe-inspiring displays, with everything from exploding mountaintops to rivers of lava. See how volcanoes are formed and watch the devastation caused by eruptions in these videos.

What can you use to pave an airport runway? How do you tow an army tank? You need big equipment for big jobs. Watch videos of some of the planet's most amazing heavy-duty machines.

Most of us eat at least three times a day, but did you ever stop and think about who came up with the idea for potato chips or how the microwave oven works? Dig into these Stuff of Genius and Stuff You Should Know videos to learn about the invention of popular foods.

From UFOs to psychic powers and government conspiracies, history is riddled with unexplained events. Get a closer look at the Stuff They Don't Want You to Know in these videos.

Have you ever wondered how acoustic guitars get their sounds, or how binoculars can hone in on objects from afar? If so, this is the playlist for you. Watch as the Science Channel breaks down everything from cap guns to carburetors in this series.

There are no ifs, ands or buts about it: Buying your first home is a monumental decision. So how can you find your dream house without making those infamous rookie mistakes? Check out this series for some valuable tips.

Disaster struck the Apollo 13 lunar landing mission on April 13, 1970, when an oxygen tank exploded. How did the astronauts get back to Earth safely?

How does aerial refueling work? What about unmanned drones? Take a close-up look at planes the Wright brothers never dreamed of in this Discovery playlist.

Whether it’s the flexible straw or the search engine, every invention has a story. Get a closer look at the inventors responsible from everything to dishwashers to dynamite in this animated series by HowStuffWorks.com.

How did Egyptians actually build those gigantic pyramids? Why did ancient Chinese engineers design the batten sail? Learn more about history's great engineering feats in this playlist.

Almost every kid has a favorite toy -- but how do they actually get made? Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the world's favorite toys, from pinball machines to crayons and more.

What is the etymology of the word "geek"? Who invented the crossword puzzle? What is Esperanto? Learn about the origins of words and the evolution of language with these videos from Stuff You Should Know, Stuff From the Future and The Stuff of Genius

Gaze at the swans of Hokkaido, walk along the Great Wall of China and visit the "Golden City" of Rajasthan, as the hosts of The Coolest Stuff on the Planet explore Asia.

Winter can be hard on your vehicle. Now that spring is here, it's a good idea to make sure your ride is in tip-top shape. Learn more about taking care of your car in these videos.

Watch as HowStuffWorks staff members explore the history and future of film and television, from television sets to silver screens.

Travel with the hosts of The Coolest Stuff on the Planet as they take on the most famous sites in Central and South America, from Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu.

From religion in space to digital immortality, the future is full of profound challenges and astonishing opportunities. Join the staff of HowStuffWorks.com as we explore some of the most promising -- and perplexing -- global issues of the future.

Although the claims regarding Queen Victoria's father remain controversial, some compelling medical facts might sway skeptics. In these clips, Ben and PopStuff's Holly Frey explore how this possible illegitimacy may have affected the royal family.

How do leopards hide their kills? How does the Australian jumping spider trick its prey? Check out this Animal Planet series to learn more about the "tricks of the trade" that animals across the world use to survive.

Don't let all the science fiction stories fool you: The theory of quantum mechanics is real, and it's been around since the 1920s. Check out this series to get a closer look at the weird world of quantum physics.

Each year, natural disasters cause billions of dollars' worth of damage around the globe -- but how do they actually work? Learn more about everything from avalanches to volcanoes and floods in this comprehensive Discovery series.

Learn about the science behind surreal and supernatural phenomena, from alien hand syndrome to zombies, in these videos from Stuff You Should Know and Stuff They Don't Want You to Know.

Just what kind of sci-fi heat will the soldiers of the future really be packing? Get a glimpse of upcoming military technologies and how they might be used in these videos.

Human history is marked by a continual series of discoveries… but which ones have made the most difference? In this playlist, the Science Channel explores the stories behind history's most crucial discoveries, from blood transfusions to astronomy.

Can humans cause earthquakes? What the heck is alien hand syndrome? Join Chuck and Josh as they explore the some of the coolest (and weirdest) Stuff You Should Know in their television shorts on Science.

In this video series, Ben Bowlin interviews Josh Clark from Stuff You Should Know about the morally uncharted waters of death derivatives.

It seems as if people have been predicting the end of the world since the beginning of civilization -- but how could it actually happen? Check out this playlist to learn how (and when) experts believe the world could end.

James Bond is about as iconic as a movie (and book) character can be. Agent 007 sure has plenty of fans who seem to know a lot about him, so let's see how you do here on the ultimate Bond quiz.

There's no need to do any globetrotting to explore the regions of the Earth and to test your knowledge about the far corners of the world: You can do it with our geography quiz.

Celebrity deaths and autopsies are usually big in the news. So how much do you know about famous deaths? Take the celebrity deaths quiz and see.

While diesel earned itself a bad reputation for spewing soot in the early days, improvements have made it much cleaner. Test your knowledge of all things diesel with this quiz.

If you love to camp out but can't stand the thought of being away from the Internet for any length of time, this quiz is for you. Test yourself to see how much you know about finding mobile hotspots, boosting your wireless signal and using equipment that will keep you connected, even in the most remote regions.

The cost of airfare shouldn’t keep you home-bound. Do you know how to time your travels to save cash on your adventures?

If you've ever eaten food, then there's a chance you might have tried Spam. We're not talking about the e-mail version. We're talking canned meat. Take our Spam quiz to see where you rate on canned pork knowledge.

Throughout history, wars have decimated civilizations, torn apart families and left sickness and chaos in their wake. So when the world's leading practitioners of war get together and ban a particular method of waging it, you know it's something really bad, like chemical and biological warfare.

Lost cities have captured the imagination of many poets, film producers and story tellers. It will never be known if some of the lost cities ever existed, yet there is clear evidence as to the existence of other lost cities. If you would like to know more about a few of the most famous lost cities, have a go at this quiz.

This quiz is able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Bullets ricochet off its chest (although it ducks when the emptied gun is thrown at it). That makes this a superhero quiz! Test your knowledge of superhuman ability while we stretch your brain to the limits. Pow! Kunk! Whap!

Whether it's a natural world wonder or the site of a historic event, millions of people each year travel from all over the world to visit these interesting places. Test your knowledge on the landmarks that draw the world's biggest crowds.

Although it ended more than a century ago, the scars of the Civil War are still with Americans today. Think you know more than the average Billy Yank or Johnny Reb about the blood and politics behind the war? Find out by taking our Civil War quiz.

Unless a vehicle is entirely electric, a combustion engine is under the hood of every car, truck and SUV, but how many people really know how one works? Do you know a spark plug from a fuel injector? Test your knowledge in our engine quiz.

When TV sets made their way into American homes in the 1940s, it marked a cultural transformation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend more than half their leisure time watching television. So what have we been watching all these years?

Everyone loves getting bumped up to first class or a room with a view and a hot tub, but these upgrades can be hard to come by. Do you know how to get hotel and airline upgrades? Take this quiz and find out!

So, you think you know your power tools? You would never confuse a disc sander with a random orbit sander, right? Show your stuff. Read our descriptions of these power tools and see if you can figure out what we're talking about.

Since its popularization during the 1990s, the Internet has become a big part of many of our lives. But it's changed a good deal since then -- has your Internet savvy kept up with its evolution?

No matter what your financial situation, it's important to start saving for retirement if you haven't already. On top of savings, retirement means your Social Security and Medicare benefits kick in, and you'll most likely want to take full advantage of those. Think you're hip to everything there is to know about retirement? Take this quiz to test your retirement savings know-how.

About 60 million years ago, something happened to wipe dinosaurs off the face of the Earth. These creatures dominated the landscape far longer than humans have been around, but many mysteries remain about their appearance, physiology and eventual extinction. So which of today's animals evolved from dinosaurs?

Are you a science fiction fan? Do you know where your towel is? Can you make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs? Strap on your jetpack and grab your raygun, because it's time to see how much you really know about science fiction gadgets.

In tough economic times, we all start to look at trimming our expenses. Take the budgeting quiz to find out how savvy you are with your money and get a few money-saving tips along the way.

Apple Inc. is no mere computer company, thank you. It's a way of life. If you consider yourself a true "Apple person," take this quiz and find out how much you really know.

So, you pride yourself on math proficiency and an intimate knowledge of Wookiee mating rituals. But do you really know everything there is to know about nerd culture?

George W. Bush and Barack Obama obviously have strong differences of opinions about many, many things. But check out these quotes about economic matters -- could it be that these two aren't as far apart as we think?

From Grand Prix dirt bikes to high-end models with built-in navigation systems, motorcycles appeal to a wide range of folks. All you easy riders rev up your engines and test your knowledge with the motorcycle quiz.

The United States spends a sizable chunk of its national paycheck on debt obligations. Where is all that money going?

These days, digital cameras allow amateurs to produce stunning photos worthy of the pros. But it takes more than a fancy camera to create a great photograph. What are some photography techniques everyone should know?

Commas are notoriously tricky punctuation marks, and with good reason. So how can you know if you're using them correctly? It comes down to one question: Is it essential?

Countries around the world, collectively, have run up at least $40 trillion in debt, but some are worse off than others. Which nations have the largest slices of that massive debt pie?

Do you know the different types of computers? Take a look at our list of 10 types of computers and learn about laptops, wearable PCs and more.

It isn't necessarily advisable to visit any of these areas. But then again, if you're willing to take the risk, you'll see places most people will never have the guts to visit.

Most of us leave the house every day to go to work and make money. But some people have found a way to run their own Internet business from home. You can do it, too.

The characters in "Star Trek" get to wield all kinds of high-tech gadgetry. Some of these gizmos are purely science fiction. What technologies have actually come to pass?

Bridges carry cars, trains, bikes and people across areas they couldn't otherwise traverse. These 10 may even move your soul with their engineering ingenuity and beauty. So which 10 make the cut?

How did a college dropout go on to start a world-renowned tech company and become the world's richest man in the process? The story is fraught with half-truths and myths, and we debunk five of them here.

Thanks to a booming technology industry that caters to people on the go, the comforts of home may soon take a backseat to their travel alternatives. What gadgets should you bring on your next road trip?

Over the centuries, some of the most breathtaking buildings on Earth have been restored many times. Whether repairs were needed, designs were updated or needs changed, big bucks were spent to make them happen.

Games like chess and checkers have been around for centuries for a reason: They're very easy to learn, but difficult to master. What other games make the cut for this list?

There may be no greater tribute to a society's ingenuity and vision than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. What other cool stuff did the ancient Egyptians invent?

You might be surprised at the tricks burglars may use to break in to your home. Not because they're so cunning, but because they're really quite simple. What should you be on the lookout for?

Whether you're discovering the big city on foot and need a bite from the taco stand, or you've driven 300 miles and crave a good diner, we’ve got 10 foods made for the side of the road.

It's actually fairly rare that a car's engine suddenly stops working altogether. Usually there are warning signs to indicate engine trouble is on its way. But what are the signs?

Three things make books rare and valuable: supply, demand and condition. Most book collectors seek out works like the ones on this list because of their associations with famous authors, events and historical periods. Of course, some book lovers want them because they're really, really old.

Each September, Americans remember the document that Revolutionary War general and national assemblyman Marquis de Lafayette called "little short of a miracle." But what don't you know about the U.S. Constitution?

Thanks to the digital age, people who love the written word have more options than ever. Which apps should book lovers download to get their literary fix?

The U.S. president rakes in a salary of $400,000 and lives in a 132-room mansion. With a full-time pastry chef and private cinema at his or her disposal, the leader of the free world wants for nothing. Which of the perks are the priciest?

Whether you're frightened or fascinated by insects, you can probably agree they don't belong in your home. But how can you keep something so small from worming its way into your walls?

There are a lot of ways to die. Some are just more interesting than others. For example, death by deodorant, or death by underwire bra.

You don't look fat in those pants. I didn't copy off his paper. She's a natural blonde. I am not a crook. Lots of us lie, but what are the biggest fibs ever told?

If you're the lone survivor of a plane crash on a deserted island or if your car breaks down on the way to grandma's, what scary medical conditions could come your way?

As housing prices rise and people become more concerned about their environmental footprints, green construction has been gaining popularity. So what are some unique, eco-friendly alternative housing ideas?

When it came to building or improving things, the ancient Romans really knew their stuff. Which cool engineering tricks did they pass along to us?

Become one of the rich and powerful as you buy and sell land, turn bungalows into five-star hotels and build specialty shops. Get the tourists to visit, provide entertainment and stay on track with employees and supplies.

In this addictive picture puzzle game, you’ll be presented with pieces of a larger image, which you’ll then have to click and drag to the right spot. The more accurate you are, the higher you’ll score. Are you and your eagle eyes ready to play?

With extra Blitz and Tourney modes, 28 trophies, medals, achievement cups and three difficulty settings, becoming Emperor of Rome will lavish you with exhilarating rewards.

Bella and Coyote Cub are two drifters who stumble across an abandoned mining town. Restoring a town while dealing with a rowdy group of desperadoes can be challenging! Join Bella and Coyote Cub on this amazing journey.

Save the family farm in Farm Frenzy 3 -- American Pie, and ranch your way through the American heartland!

Imagine a sunny clearing in the woods surrounded by lush trees and a pleasant lake. Here is where you will build the wonderful town of your dreams. Use five fabulous power-ups, rotate the boards and watch as your town comes to life.

Join Holly in 70 wonderful levels to make brides and grooms happy. Help wedding guests prepare by dressing them, picking out jewelry, styling their hair and more. Once you find the right approach to each customer, your efforts will be rewarded with generous tips.

With these free jigsaw puzzle games, you won't have to worry about losing a piece under the dining room table.

Quick, take a mental snapshot! Can you recall and reproduce the pattern that you just saw? The Memory Matrix game will put your attention span and intelligence to the test. Exercise your mind and play Memory Matrix!

The new puzzle classic returns with yet another twist!

This brand-new version of classic solitaire action offers an exciting new experience to those familiar with other renditions of the game.

Market your products, down to the color and style of packaging. Are you prepared to roll up your sleeves and harvest the fun? Play Fruits, Inc.!

Build a colorful fantasy world by gathering magic orbs in Dreamsdwell Stories, a fun match-three game with a twist.

Featuring more than 40 challenging levels, original game play and gorgeous full-screen graphics, Treasures of Montezuma is a bold adventure of strategic surprises like you've never seen before.

An ocean liner gets caught in a fierce storm and goes down, leaving a group of passengers to fend for themselves on a nearby tropical island. To get back home, you'll have to find answers and overcome more than 200 diverse quests. Can you make it through?

The Scruffs have enlisted your help to save their beloved family home from being sold. Help the Scruffs stave off this looming family crisis and uncover the secret that will change their lives forever.

Are you ready for a classic crossword challenge? Online Crossword: Regular provides beginners with game play that will surely satisfy your puzzle craving.

The Guardians of the Elements have turned away from the kingdom and allowed a banished wizard to spread corruption and fear. With eight different modes, an amazing storyline and gorgeous graphics, this magical quest will leave you breathless as you prove that this wonderful realm deserves a second chance.

Volcanoes are pressure valves that release energy from deep within Earth. Learn about different types of volcanoes and create your own virtual volcano with the Volcano Explorer.

As head of safari parks around the world, it's your job to show visitors the time of their life. Take care of these wildlife enthusiasts and give them an experience they will never forget as you guide past crazy monkeys, rebellious rhinos, hilarious hippos and more! Manage the day-to-day operations of the wildlife parks in 70 charming levels.