Check, Please!
An Inverse series that uses biology, chemistry, and physics to debunk the biggest food myths and assumptions.
Does smoked meat cause cancer? A dietitian assesses the damage
Your BBQ could come with a side of P.A.H.s and H.C.A.s.
Should we abandon good pasta? A dietitian digs in on “healthier” alternatives
There’s a place on the plate for all types of pasta.
Does submerging an avocado in water keep it fresh? The science behind the hack
Read this before you follow that TikTok advice.
Can you refreeze thawed leftovers? A food safety specialist explains the complicated science
Yes — but there’s a right way.
Is the raw food diet healthy? A nutritionist debunks the wellness myth
Raw or cooked, just eat some vegetables.
Molecular chemistry debunks a misguided pasta cooking technique
Salted water is all you need.
Is dark chocolate good for your heart? A physician reveals the unfortunate truth
Hello, darkness my old friend...
Is that soapy cilantro taste genetic? A food scientist indulges in the mystery
The explanation that has permeated popular thought is that a gene makes cilantro taste ghastly. Is that true?
Can apple seeds cause cyanide poisoning? A toxicologist digs into the details
Don’t panic.
Should you re-wash pre-washed veggies? Science informs a verdict.
If you do wash again, there’s a right way to do it.
Did Coca-Cola contain cocaine? An anthropologist reveals the complicated truth
Its name comes from somewhere.
Is red wine actually healthy? A doctor debunks this popular health myth.
“When it comes to harms or potential benefits, ethanol is ethanol.”
Do avocado pits keep guacamole fresh? A food scientist chips away at the myth
Spoiler: It doesn’t. But there’s an even more bizarre trick that does work, so keep reading.
Is it safe to microwave plastic containers? The science of reheating leftovers, explained
Ditch the little black box.
Do plant-based “meats” have enough protein? A sports dietician reveals one overlooked factor
You might want to pay attention to a different nutrient instead.
Should you wash rice? The scientific answer has nothing to do with texture
Word of advice: Check the label first.
More food science
Does smoked meat cause cancer? A dietitian assesses the damage
Your BBQ could come with a side of P.A.H.s and H.C.A.s.
Surprise! Biologists find that plants can grow in Moondust returned by Apollo
Thale cress grew in the soil, but maybe not well.
Should we abandon good pasta? A dietitian digs in on “healthier” alternatives
There’s a place on the plate for all types of pasta.
For mice, fasting at the right time extended lifespans — but can it work for humans?
Studies on animals, usually lab mice, have limited applications to humans.
Does submerging an avocado in water keep it fresh? The science behind the hack
Read this before you follow that TikTok advice.
Can you refreeze thawed leftovers? A food safety specialist explains the complicated science
Yes — but there’s a right way.
Is the raw food diet healthy? A nutritionist debunks the wellness myth
Raw or cooked, just eat some vegetables.
Scientists finally know why Oreo filling always sticks to one side
There’s rheology, and then there’s Oreology.
Everything you need to know about the current bird flu outbreak in the U.S.
As long as you’re not a bird, you’re probably fine.
Molecular chemistry debunks a misguided pasta cooking technique
Salted water is all you need.
Artificial sweeteners cause cancer in mice. Here's worrying data from humans.
Past studies showed a link for lab mice. This one uses data from 102,865 people.
Is that soapy cilantro taste genetic? A food scientist indulges in the mystery
The explanation that has permeated popular thought is that a gene makes cilantro taste ghastly. Is that true?
Should you re-wash pre-washed veggies? Science informs a verdict.
If you do wash again, there’s a right way to do it.
Cutting this many calories may rejuvenate a part of your immune system
Participants rejuvenated an important gland.
Do avocado pits keep guacamole fresh? A food scientist chips away at the myth
Spoiler: It doesn’t. But there’s an even more bizarre trick that does work, so keep reading.
Is it safe to microwave plastic containers? The science of reheating leftovers, explained
Ditch the little black box.
