Science, beyond the headlines
Clear, evidence-based answers about food, health, biology, and emerging science
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Does Flour Expire? What Actually Happens to Old Flour
Does flour expire? It can lose quality or spoil, but the printed date is usually a best-by date rather than an automatic safety cutoff. Flour lasts longest when it stays sealed, cool and dry. Can flour expire or lose quality? Yes. White flour usually loses freshness before it becomes visibly spoiled, while whole-wheat flour can…
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Can You Refreeze Chicken?
Can you refreeze chicken? Usually, yes, but the answer depends on how it was thawed and how long it stayed cold. Refrigerator-thawed chicken can generally be refrozen raw; chicken thawed in cold water or a microwave should be cooked first. Can thawed chicken be refrozen? Yes, when it thawed in the refrigerator and stayed at…
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How Long Does Cooked Rice Last in the Fridge?
How long does cooked rice last in the fridge? Properly cooled and refrigerated rice is best used within 3 to 4 days for safe storage and quality.
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Food Poisoning vs Stomach Bug: How to Tell the Difference
Food poisoning vs stomach bug can cause similar symptoms, but timing, exposure, and how the illness spreads can help reveal the difference.
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Why Does Poop Smell? The Chemistry Behind the Odor
Why does poop smell? Gut bacteria create sulfur compounds and other volatile chemicals. Learn what changes the odor and when smelly stool matters.
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Why Does Your Stomach Growl? It Isn’t Just Hunger
Why does your stomach growl? Gas and liquid moving through the intestines usually cause the sound. Learn why hunger makes it louder and when to seek advice.
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How Long Can Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?
How long can ground beef last in the fridge before it should be cooked or frozen? Raw ground beef should be cooked or frozen within 1 to 2 days, while cooked ground beef lasts longer and can be kept for 3 to 4 days.
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Does Honey Expire or Just Change With Age?
Does honey expire or just crystallize? Learn why honey lasts for years, how to spot fermentation, and how to store it without losing flavor.
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Should You Wash Raw Chicken Before Cooking?
Should you wash raw chicken before cooking? It may feel cleaner, but rinsing can spread bacteria around your kitchen. Here’s what to do instead.
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What Is Déjà Vu? What Research Tells Us
What is déjà vu? It’s the eerie feeling of remembering something that never happened — a false signal of familiarity that doesn’t actually predict what comes next.
