Live Science: The Most Interesting Articles, Mysteries & Discoveries

Planet Earth

Satellites saw the Tonga eruption column rise halfway to space on Jan. 15.

Tonga eruption equivalent to 'hundreds of Hiroshima bombs,' NASA says

By Brandon Specktor published 25 January 22

The violent eruption of an underwater volcano near the Kingdom of Tonga on Jan 15 was more powerful than 100 Hiroshima atomic bombs, NASA researchers estimate.

NOAA's GOES West satellite captured this stunning view of an explosive eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, located in the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga, on Jan. 15, 2022.

Tonga eruption was so intense, it caused the atmosphere to ring like a bell

By Kevin Hamilton published 24 January 22

The volcanic eruption in Tonga generated pressure waves in the atmosphere that quickly spread around the world.

Space and Physics

The Haro 11 galaxy. Like Tololo 0440-381, this nearby galaxy gives off a type of radiation that scientists think resembles the characteristics of the earliest stars in the universe. Haro 11 is about 300 million light-years away in the constellation Sculptor.

Powerful, nearby black holes could help to explain universe's origins

By Doris Elin Salazar published 25 January 22

Nearby galaxies and their black holes could hold the answers to the existential questions that remain unanswered about the beginning of the universe.

This abstract illustration depicts a bubble-like multiverse.

The Higgs boson could have kept our universe from collapsing

By Paul Sutter published 24 January 22

The Higgs boson particle could have kept our universe from collapsing within a larger multiverse, physicists say.

History

Although the figurine is thought to date from very early in the Roman occupation of Britain, it seems to portray a Roman-style tunic.

'Exquisite' wooden figurine dating to early Roman Britain found in a ditch in England

By Tom Metcalfe published 25 January 22

A rare carved wooden figurine thought to date from early Roman Britain has been unearthed in a waterlogged ditch north of London.

Amulets which offer protection against the evil eye hanging on a tree in the Cappadocia region, Nevsehir, Turkey

Evil eye: History of the ancient curse

By Benjamin Radford, Callum McKelvie published 24 January 22

Reference The term evil eye might conjure images of blue symbols, often featured in bracelets or necklaces. However, these are charms, used to ward off an ancient curse

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Health

The Lymphatic System: Facts, functions & diseases

By Kim Ann Zimmermann, Scott Dutfield published 25 January 22

Reference The lymphatic system helps rid the body of toxins. Diseases of this system include lymphadenopathy, lymphoma and other disorders.

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A cucumber on a chopping board, surrounded by slices

Cucumbers: Nutrition facts & health benefits

By Jessie Szalay, Callum McKelvie published 24 January 22

reference Cucumbers have many nutritional benefits, are low in calories and high in valuable nutrients.

reference

Best rowing machines: Woman using a rowing machine

Best rowing machines 2022: Top picks from NordicTrack, ProForm, Hydrow and more

By Patricia Carswell published 21 January 22

Buying Guide Here's our round-up of the best rowing machines for 2022, with picks from NordicTrack, ProForm, Hydrow and others.

Buying Guide

Animals

Jonathan the oldest tortoise ever on Saint Helena, part of a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.

190-year-old Jonathan is the oldest tortoise ever

By Patrick Pester published 25 January 22

Jonathan the tortoise has become the oldest tortoise ever by reaching 190 years old. He was already the oldest living land animal.

photo of a hippo sticking its head out of the water with its mouth wide open

Hippos unleash poop tornado in response to stranger danger

By Nicoletta Lanese published 24 January 22

Hippos respond differently to the calls of familiar and unfamiliar hippos.

Gentoo penguins tend to their chicks on Andersson Island, Antarctica.

Here's why a new penguin colony in Antarctica is cause for concern

By Laura Geggel published 24 January 22

Scientists in Antarctica have unexpectedly spotted a sub-Antarctic penguin breeding on the southernmost continent.

Strange News

What is a second cousin?

By Ailsa Harvey, Live Science Staff published 21 January 22

Reference There's a simple way to figure out the relationships between relations, including your second cousins and first cousin once-removed.

Reference

"The Rock" says he purchased the skull of a T. rex named Stan.

Did The Rock buy Stan, the most expensive Tyrannosaurus rex on record?

By Laura Geggel published 18 January 22

Rumors are swirling after a Tyrannosaurus rex skull was spotted in the home of The Rock in a recent interview. But is it real or a cast?

A girl looking at a world map in a classroom.

Why is the world map you know wrong?

By Joe Phelan published 15 January 22

Here's why flat world maps always have distortions.

Culture

French culture: Customs & traditions

By Kim Ann Zimmermann, Jonathan Gordon published 21 January 22

Reference Discover the world of French culture, the customs and traditions of France, as well as how it became a center of fashion, art and architecture.

Reference

A woman at a clear white board writes down ideas.

Can humanity run out of ideas?

By Paula Schaap published 4 January 22

Humans will likely never run out of regular, mundane ideas, but whether will will run out of big ideas is a more nuanced issue.

A boy sticking his tongue out while he concentrates.

Why do we stick out our tongues when we're concentrating?

By Donavyn Coffey published 27 December 21

Researchers have several ideas as to why people sometimes stick out their tongues when they're concentrating.

Tech

Why does electricity make a humming noise?

By Ashley Hamer published 24 January 22

Here's why you sometimes hear a hum when you turn on an electric device or walk near a transformer.

Bluetooth: Who invented it and how does it work?

By Mark Smith published 17 January 22

Reference Bluetooth was inspired by a Nordic king and harnesses the power of radio. How has this wireless connectivity reshaped our electronic ecosystems.

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Energy saving light bulbs being put in a ceiling light

How do energy saving light bulbs work?

By Mark Smith published 11 January 22

Reference Energy saving light bulbs: mechanics, efficiency and designs

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