Tom Scheve has written nearly 200 articles for HowStuffWorks, ranging from mysterious pains to how to make meth. He is a writer and performer based in Asheville, NC.

Recent Contributions

From an adult's point of view, kids have it made, spending their days playing and goofing off, with no responsibilities to worry about. But are kids really jumping for joy more often than the rest of us?

By Tom Scheve

Sometimes you meet someone who smiles at you and exchanges pleasantries, but you still walk away feeling certain that you don't like him or her. You're not nuts -- you might be picking up on microexpressions.

By Tom Scheve

Bones give our body structure and enable us to stand, walk and move. So what else is your skeletal responsible for and exactly how many bones are in the human body anyway?

By Tom Scheve

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Some pains should never be ignored because they could put our health — or worse — our life at risk. But how do you know which is just a little discomfort and which is a sign of more?

By Tom Scheve & Jennifer Walker-Journey

The authors of chain emails often tell you to smile more, with the added claim that it takes more muscles to frown. Ever questioned this piece of wisdom? We have an answer for you.

By Tom Scheve

While there's a good case to be made that the ideal parenting arrangement includes at least one parent acting as full-time caregiver, for many people this isn't possible -- or ideal. What are the upsides to being a dual-income family?

By Tom Scheve

While the majority of nail salon visits won't send you on your way with anything other than an excellent manicure and pedicure, customers -- and salon workers -- are at risk of spreading disease. We've got five culprits to watch out for.

By Tom Scheve

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Babies have adorable smiles and teeny tiny fingers, but there's a persistent rumor that these new, tiny humans don't have kneecaps. What's the story of a baby's bones?

By Tom Scheve

Sure, nobody likes dry skin. But are all the ads for moisturizer simply an attempt to get us to buy more products by brainwashing us with scary skin propaganda? What would happen if you never reached for the moisturizer?

By Tom Scheve

Deodorant use has been traced back to the ancient Sumerians who also developed the world's first written language. They knew what was important. But when you're looking at today's grocery aisle full of options, what should you reach for?

By Tom Scheve

It displays photos from that magical trip to Paris, next to the lovely postcard your sweetie sent and the takeout menu for that Thai place you've been meaning to try. Since you look at your corkboard every day, why not spruce it up a bit?

By Tom Scheve & Eleanor Duse

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For some parents and soon-to-be parents, there are two different parenting styles: good and bad. And while all parents want to be the good kind, it's not that simple. Take a look at your options.

By Tom Scheve

When it comes to stimulating the human central nervous system, meth can hold its shaky, toothless head high. Why is this drug so additive?

By Tom Scheve & Nathan Chandler

When it comes to making a baby, odds are stacked against any one sperm making it to the finish line: the egg. Assuming both people are healthy, how long do sperm need to complete the race? Could you be pregnant before you get up for a drink of water?

By Tom Scheve & Patrick J. Kiger

Sure, you know what bipolar disorder is. It’s that condition where you just have dramatic mood swings and you get lots done during the manic episodes … right? Not quite.

By Tom Scheve

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Parents, politicians and some researchers have touted the notion that listening to classical music can boost the mind, and maybe even test scores. But not everyone agrees.

By Tom Scheve

Whether it's an unsightly rash on your rear end or trouble in the bedroom, an embarrassing health problem may be the last thing you want to talk about, but some can be life-threatening. Which are we least likely to bring up with someone who can help?

By Tom Scheve

A person who's depressed may lash out at loved ones, or even strangers, and seem uncharacteristically consumed with rage. Where does that anger come from, and how can you treat it?

By Tom Scheve

Once a cavity starts, it sets off a chain of events that can eventually destroy an entire tooth. What can you do to prevent that result, and does it always have to involve a drill?

By Tom Scheve

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Also known as dental porcelain laminates, veneers can go a long way toward improving the appearance of your natural teeth. But how long do they last?

By Tom Scheve

If you've got an unsightly gap in your smile caused by tooth loss or removal, flipper teeth could help you out. But how long are flippers a viable solution?

By Tom Scheve

Tongue scrapers are said to help remove the bacteria that causes bad breath. But is using one any more effective than just brushing your tongue?

By Tom Scheve

Using a dental scaler can be an effective way to help keep your teeth free of plaque and stains. How can you use one correctly?

By Tom Scheve

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Some argue that using a dental pick is more effective than flossing when it comes to cleaning between your teeth. But is it safe to use a dental pick without a dentist's supervision?

By Tom Scheve

Research shows that when we've had too little sleep, our brain activity makes us overly optimistic, so we make some bad choices.

By Tom Scheve