How do oysters make pearls?

Pearls are iridescent spheres made of the same materials as an oyster’s shell. So, why are they so much more beautiful than the shell itself? It all comes down to the life cycle of an oyster.

Tags: Life, materials


This Twitter mistake could put you in danger

Elon Musk has taken over Twitter, and people are fleeing the social network in droves. Advertisers and public figures are also flying the coop. Over 877,000 accounts were deactivated between Oct. 27 and Nov. 1.

With all the hubbub surrounding Twitter, other apps are trying to capitalize. A German app called Mastodon is emerging as one of the most popular Twitter replacements. Tap or click here for more on Mastodon and why you may consider making the switch.

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Holiday shopping scams are here - 8 ways to stay safe

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. That means you’re probably trying to complete your Christmas gift list. If you’re ordering gifts online, you don’t want to leave a trail that will ruin the surprise. Tap or click here for the best ways to hide what you purchase online.

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Check this map to see how bad flu season is hitting your state

Many people turn to the internet when they don’t feel well to find out what is wrong. They enter symptoms into Google and hope to self-diagnose their illness. But that’s never a good idea. Tap or click here to find out why you shouldn’t trust Google for health advice.

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USPS warns not to use these boxes to drop off holiday cards and gifts

Decorative lights are going up, the music on the radio is changing and there’s a sense of excitement in the air. The holiday season is here, and you probably have a list of people you want to show appreciation for.

Finding the perfect gift is a great feeling and even better when it’s a surprise. An ill-timed delivery or Alexa announcement can ruin everything. Tap or click here for tips on hiding your gift purchases.

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Sick of scammers? How to sue scam callers

Robocalls are out of control, and many of them are not innocent. Some lead to scammers ripping off unsuspecting victims. Tap or click for five ways to stop bots and spammers from calling you all day. If you are a victim of a scam call, wouldn’t it be great if you could sue the scammer?

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3 clear-cut signs your iPhone charging cable could catch on fire

Over the last few years, there have been several instances where mobile phone chargers or batteries caused a fire. For example, a girl went to bed last year while her iPhone charged next to her.

Awoken by flames and suffering from burn wounds, she later explained that her charger caught fire and ignited the blanket. While she claims it was an official Apple charger and cable, several investigators blamed cheaper knock-offs and third-party accessories.

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Want to try Netflix with ads? It doesn't work on these streaming devices

When it comes to bills, one or two streaming services may be manageable but many people share their accounts to get access to even more content. But watch out: Netflix is cracking down on account sharing. Tap or click here to see what will happen if you’re caught.

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If you see one of these area codes don't answer — It's probably a scam

Email and text messages from scammers usually show signs that you’re dealing with a crook. There are spelling errors, threats to act now and suspicious links. It’s not always so easy to tell when a phone call is coming from a scammer, but we’re here to help. Tap or click here for five surefire phrases that you’re talking to a scammer on the phone.

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How to scan a QR code with your iPhone or Android phone (no apps needed)

Your smartphone is full of surprises. There’s an app if you want to use your phone as a magnifying glass or scanner. Tap or click here for hidden apps on your smartphone and how to find them.

Third-party programs take up space on your phone, and many are redundant thanks to your phone’s built-in capabilities. Tap or click here for common apps you can delete right now.

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How to do a free background check online

Suppose a new guy moves into your neighborhood. Let’s call him Bobby Smith. Before his moving van is even unpacked, Bobby introduces himself. He’s friendly and good-humored, and he says you should come over for a barbecue sometime. So you decide to find out more about him — his career, his past, anything suspicious.

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