Superfoods, Silkworms, and Spandex: Science and Pseudoscience in Everyday Life

Superfoods, Silkworms, and Spandex answers all your burning questions about the science of everyday life, like:

• why “superfood” is a marketing term, not a scientific one;

• how probiotics might have contributed to Hitler’s downfall;

• why plastic wrap is sometimes the environmental choice;

• why supplements to reduce inflammation may just reduce your bank account;

• how maraschino cherries went from luxury good to cheap sundae topper;

• what’s behind “old book smell”;

• how margarine became a hot item for bootleggers;

• why duct tape is useful, but not on ducts;

• how onstage accidents led to fireproof fabrics.