News Explainer

What would happen if a giant asteroid struck Earth

When the Russian asteroid became a fireball in the air over Chelyabinsk, destroying buildings and injuring hundreds, we were lucky it wasn't worse. What about when the next one hits? Just for fun, let's say a 10-kilometer-diameter asteroid - much larger than the one over Chelyabinsk but close to the size of one that hit …

Q&A: Nike 'swoosh' was 'least awful' choice

Swoosh was least 'awful design'

Can you give us a history of Nike and how the "swoosh" became associated with it? Is most of Nike equipment manufactured in China or other countries? Do leagues have contracts with Nike or individual teams?

Q&A: Woman hurt by flesh-eating bacteria looks to future

A year later, she has big plans

Can you give an update on Aimee Copeland, who lost parts of all four extremities after a fall into the water while zip lining about a year ago?

For Cleveland women, ordeal of recovery begins now

Year after year, the clock ticked by and the calendar marched forward, carrying the three women further from the real world and pulling them deeper into an isolated nightmare.

What's the worst thing a teacher ever said to you?

National Teacher Day was this week, and in honor of the occasion, the National Education Association and other groups encouraged people to thank educators. They suggested you update your Facebook profile to express your appreciation and use the hashtag #ThankATeacher on Twitter.

NRA, allies hinder Boston bomb inquiry by blocking sharing of data

WASHINGTON — Police racing to solve the Boston Marathon bombing were prevented from using existing technology to identify the source of the black powder in the explosives that killed three and injured more than 260. They've also been unable to trace the gun used to kill a police officer.

Q&A: Websites can help stop unwanted catalogs

Ordering an end to catalogs

I am an elderly woman with a walking problem, so my question is: Is there any way I can stop receiving all those store catalogs that I have no interest in? I can hardly carry them.

Two dozen words may predate modern languages

You, hear me! Give this fire to that old man. Pull the black worm off the bark and give it to the mother. And no spitting in the ashes!

You may already have super powers

If your ancestors could see you today, they might not recognize you as entirely human. Over the past century, medical and technological innovations have made us stronger, faster, smarter - often in ways we no longer notice. Artificial enhancement of the human body isn't just for cyborgs; most of us have bodies that have …

How do officials investigate vehicle fires?

A white stretch limousine carrying nine women to a bachelorette party burst into flames Saturday night, killing the bride-to-be and four other passengers. Despite witness accounts of the accident on the San Mateo Bridge in the San Francisco Bay area, officials are still unsure how the deadly limousine fire started. How …