Have you ever wondered what causes that post-rain aroma (it’s called petrichor) or how often your car actually needs an oil change? HowStuffWorks explains the curiosities of our world, delving into everything from cyber security and housecleaning tips to the physics of black holes and the history of slang. We provide factual, unbiased content that’s fun to read. Founded in 1998, we were a pioneer in the podcasting business as the home of Stuff You Should Know, which is now part of iHeartMedia, and have partnered with some awesome brands, including the Discovery Channel, TLC, The Conversation, and Covering Climate Now. In short, we love outlets that share our passion for rigorous fact-checking, sound research, and responsible journalism.
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Today, System1 commemorates Juneteenth, marking a day of profound significance in American history. This day serves as a reminder of our ongoing journey towards equality and justice, celebrating freedom, resilience, and progress. Explore the history & enduring importance of #Juneteenth on HowStuffWorks https://lnkd.in/gwcffgwu
Home WiFi woes got you down? Wireless interference, caused by various factors like solid objects, weather conditions, and distance from a transmitter, can disrupt internet performance. Satellite internet, although widespread, faces interference during bad weather. Similarly, distance from cellular towers can impact connection quality, particularly with 5G's limited range. Understanding these factors — and their solutions — is key to maintaining a strong connection and avoiding outages. https://lnkd.in/gGsqwnHE
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In Case You Missed It: We were featured in HowStuffWorks, this past June, showcasing our groundbreaking Meteodrone technology. This feature highlights how Meteomatics is filling crucial gaps in weather data collection, particularly in the U.S., where predicting weather 8-10 days ahead has been challenging. The Meteodrone, now operational in #NorthDakota, represents a significant leap in meteorological science. Equipped to fly up to 20,000 feet with sensors, it collects vital temperature, humidity, wind, and more data. Check out the article to understand the full scope of Meteodrone’s capabilities and its impact on future weather forecasting and climate studies. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gFMKMC4v #Meteomatics #WeatherTechnology #Meteodrone #Innovation #ClimateChange
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#PATHnews - from nanotech water filters to herbal solutions, learn about the new innovations in water filtration tech around the world. We’re on a mission to help the world #refillit, and these inventions for clean drinking water can help the world quench its thirst without all the single-use plastic waste. - via HowStuffWorks
Next time you're at the checkout, and the cashier asks if you'd like to round up for charity, know that your small change is part of something big. In 2020, these micro-donations added up to over $605 million in the U.S. alone. Research by Engage for Good shows this approach has soared from $422.3 million in 2014 to the impressive figures of today, proving that generosity can be contagious and profitable. Companies aren't just banking on your goodwill; they're seeing a "halo effect" in action, where customers, feeling good about their donations, might just open their wallets a bit wider. The "moral credit" leads customers to indulge a little more, especially in businesses like fast food or confectionery. Interestingly, rounding up beats outright donation requests. But there's a caveat – checkout charity can cause shopper anxiety if not done thoughtfully, with 40% of people feeling pressured by digital prompts. Successful campaigns, like Jersey Mike's Month of Giving, match a company's mission with their customer base and emphasize human interaction over automation. This strategy not only boosts donations but also enhances customer relations and company image. #donations #charitablegiving #charities
Black Friday has transcended its American origins, with over 129 countries hosting their own shopping extravaganzas, despite skipping Turkey Day traditions. It’s become a worldwide phenomenon, but it's not the frenzied rush we see in the States. Take Japan, for instance, where the day is simply another sale, not the ultimate discount showdown. This reflects a broader trend: Abroad, the discounts might not be as deep and the crowds not as intense, but the day has found its place. A Simon-Kucher & Partners study reveals that 77 percent of people residing in countries outside the U.S. participate in Black Friday shopping sales, compared with 89 percent of U.S. residents. The key to Black Friday's international success? The pivot from in-person to online shopping, making it accessible to anyone with internet access. Looking ahead, as inflation tightens budgets worldwide, the appeal of Black Friday deals is expected to grow. #GlobalTrends #BlackFriday #Shopping #ECommerce #RetailInsights #InternationalBusiness https://lnkd.in/dCub4b3i
While over 70 countries have danced the DST tango of "spring forward, fall back," some step aside, questioning its impact. Whether Daylight Saving Time is a friend or foe to society's rhythm remains a topic of lively debate: Are there truly fewer traffic accidents with a little more daylight during evening rush hours? Is the disruption to our circadian rhythms worth a tiny bit of energy savings? No matter which side you fall on, brace yourself for the end of 2023 DST on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 a.m. #DaylightSavingTime #TimeChange #HistoryOfDST #scienceandenvironment
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from voice deepfake scams. Imagine receiving a distress call from a loved one, urgently requesting money. The voice sounds exactly like them, and the caller ID displays their number. However, something feels off — their answers are vague or out of character, with unusual delays in response. Unbeknownst to you, you have fallen victim to a voice deepfake scam. Advancements in deep-learning algorithms and synthetic voice generation have made it increasingly possible to mimic someone's voice convincingly. Even chatbots like ChatGPT can generate adaptive real-time responses, adding to the authenticity of the deception. To protect yourself against such scams and disinformation: ❗ Be cautious of unexpected calls, even from familiar people. ❗ Don't solely rely on caller ID, as it can be faked. ❗Safeguard your personal identifying information. ❗Be aware of your own biases and vulnerabilities. Scammers often prey on financial anxieties, political inclinations, or other personal factors. ❗Verify the credibility of sources and be skeptical of information that seems uncharacteristic or confirms preconceived beliefs. By adopting these practices and staying informed about emerging technologies, you can defend yourself against voice-deepfake scams and mitigate their harmful effects.
Starting in 2023, businesses will receive tax credits for purchasing new electric and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Fuel cells, which generate power quietly and efficiently without pollution, have garnered attention and investment from governments, private businesses, and academic institutions worldwide. So what are fuel cells? In simple terms, they convert hydrogen and oxygen into water, producing electricity in the process. Unlike batteries, fuel cells don't "go dead"; they continue producing electricity as long as there's a flow of chemicals. Various types of fuel cells exist, each with different chemistries, operating temperatures and applications. For instance, Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) have high power density and low operating temperature, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC), meanwhile, are best for large, stationary power generators. #hydrogen #fuel #fuelcells #scienceandenvironment
IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a widely used term that reflects cognitive ability compared to the general population. Yet, IQ tests have been criticized for not accounting for creativity, social skills, wisdom and other vital aspects of success. Moreover, racial, class and cultural biases in these tests have been a major concern. Although IQ tests measure general cognitive ability, they are just one part of a complex puzzle of intelligence. So, what's your IQ? Perhaps more importantly, what are you motivated to achieve?