All fact-checks
6 briefs, each one written because somebody asked. Search, or browse by subject.
Is the Sahara the largest desert on Earth?
The Sahara is the largest hot desert, but Antarctica is the largest desert on Earth.
The Eiffel Tower is slightly taller in summer
Warm metal makes the Eiffel Tower expand slightly in summer and contract in winter, but the change is only a few millimeters.
How mRNA vaccines work
mRNA vaccines give cells instructions to make a harmless antigen, training the immune system to recognize the real pathogen.
Are polar bears dangerous?
Polar bears can be extremely dangerous to people, but serious encounters are rare and mostly happen in remote Arctic areas.
Who would win: an anaconda or a crocodile?
A full-grown crocodile usually has the edge, but the outcome depends heavily on species, size, and whether the fight starts in water.
We use far more than 10% of our brains
Brain scans show activity across virtually every region over a normal day, and damage almost anywhere causes measurable loss.