Health & Wellness Picks
Products and tools to help you feel your best.
12 curated items
A Single Teaspoon of Soil Contains More Organisms Than People on Earth
One teaspoon of healthy soil holds between 100 million and 1 billion bacteria, plus thousands of species of fungi, protozoa, and nematodes. This microscopic ecosystem is essential for plant growth and carbon cycling.
The Dancing Plague of 1518: A Mysterious Outbreak of Uncontrollable Dancing
In Strasbourg, a woman began dancing uncontrollably in the street, and within a month, hundreds joined her, dancing for days without rest. This strange phenomenon resulted in several deaths from exhaustion, heart attack, or stroke. Historians are still debating the exact causes, ranging from mass psychogenic illness to ergot poisoning.
Your Body Hosts More Bacterial Cells Than Human Cells
Recent research suggests that the number of bacterial cells living within and on your body vastly outnumbers your own human cells, though the ratio is closer than previously thought. These microscopic residents, collectively known as the microbiome, play crucial roles in digestion, immunity, and even mental health.
Ketchup's Surprising Past: From Medicinal Tonic to Condiment Staple
Before becoming a beloved condiment, ketchup had a very different role. In the 19th century, it was marketed as a medicinal remedy for various ailments, complete with recipes for 'tomato pills.' This transformation highlights how perceptions of food and medicine have evolved dramatically over time.
Your Body Emits a Faint, Continuous Light That's Invisible to Our Eyes
Despite appearing dark, the human body constantly emits a faint amount of visible light, a phenomenon known as biophoton emission. This glow is thousands of times weaker than what our eyes can detect, but advanced sensitive cameras have captured it, often peaking in the late afternoon.
The Great Stink of London Led to Modern Sewage Systems
In the summer of 1858, London experienced "The Great Stink," an unbearable stench from the Thames River, which was polluted with raw sewage. This crisis, combined with fears of cholera outbreaks, forced parliamentary action. It directly spurred the construction of London's revolutionary modern sewer system.
The Humble Sandwich Was Invented by an English Earl Who Hated Leaving the Gaming Table
The invention of the sandwich is attributed to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, in the 18th century. He reportedly asked his servants to bring him slices of meat between two pieces of bread so he wouldn't have to interrupt his card game for a full meal. This practical solution quickly caught on among his fellow gamblers and then spread to wider society.
Ancient Roman Hypocausts: Ingenious Underfloor Heating Systems That Warmed Empires
The Romans developed an advanced central heating system known as the hypocaust, utilizing hot air from furnaces that circulated beneath raised floors and through wall cavities. This ingenious technology provided warmth to public baths, villas, and military structures across the Roman Empire.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: A Vast Accumulation of Marine Debris
This massive collection of marine debris, primarily plastics, is located in the North Pacific Ocean, formed by ocean currents. It's not a solid 'island' but a diffuse area of high plastic concentration, ranging from large items to microplastics, threatening marine life.
Ember Mug 2 Temperature Control Mug
A smart mug that keeps your beverage at your exact preferred temperature for up to 80 minutes. App-controlled with LED indicator and auto-sleep on the charging coaster.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
A smart thermostat with built-in air quality monitor, Siri and Alexa voice control, and room sensors for balanced temperatures. Zinc metal finish with a vivid display.
Peloton Guide Strength Training Camera
An AI-powered camera that tracks your body movements during strength workouts. Counts reps, monitors form, and displays real-time feedback on your TV.