Culture

Browse Categories

Latest

Sigmund Freud, 1856-1939, Austrian neurologist, in the office of his Vienna home looking at a manuscript.

Was Freud right about anything?

By Benjamin Plackett last updated

Sigmund Freud had some provocative ideas about the human subconscious.

Scientists in a lab

Empirical evidence: A definition

By Alina Bradford, Jonathan Gordon last updated

Reference Empirical evidence is information that is acquired by observation or experimentation and is used to prove or disprove a hypothesis.

Reference

The Physics of Figure Skating

By Clara Moskowitz last updated

Figure skating offers a perfect chance to watch physics in action.

Taj Mahal

Indian culture: Customs and traditions

By Kim Ann Zimmermann, Jonathan Gordon published

Reference India is one of the world's oldest and most diverse cultures. Here is an overview of Indian customs and traditions.

Reference
A crowd of people cheering.

Top 10 things that make humans special

By Laura Geggel published

Here are 10 things that make humans special when compared with the rest of the animal kingdom.

The meaning of colors

The meaning of colors: How 8 colors became symbolic

By Natalie Wolchover, Scott Dutfield last updated

Reference How can red mean love AND war? Why is purple royal? Life's Little Mysteries answers these questions and more.

Reference
scientific theory: a chalkboard being drawn on

What is a scientific theory?

By Alina Bradford, Ashley Hamer last updated

Reference A scientific theory is based on careful examination of facts. It is much different from the non-scientific use of the word.

Reference
yawning baby

Yawns More Contagious Among Friends

By Jeanna Bryner last updated

Who do you catch yawns from?

Mexico City

Mexican culture: Customs and traditions

By Kim Ann Zimmermann, Jonathan Gordon last updated

Reference Mexican culture varies widely throughout the country, but traditions are highly valued as is its long and storied history.

Reference
profile of eyes looking up

How do our eyes move in perfect synchrony?

By Benjamin Plackett last updated

Here's how the brain helps us move our two eyes in perfect synchrony.

exorcism

Exorcism: Facts and Fiction About Demonic Possession

By Benjamin Radford last updated

The belief that demons can possess a body is widespread.

blond-kids

Why Do Some Blond Kids Go Dark?

By Joseph Castro last updated

Towhead blonds are often brunettes before puberty. Why?

Neon adult video sign at night.

Is Porn Bad For You? Santorum Brings Up Tricky Question

By Stephanie Pappas last updated

Pornography's effects are tough to pin down.

neon signs

The History of Pornography No More Prudish Than the Present

By Stephanie Pappas last updated

Stone age carvings may have been just as erotic as today's Internet porn.

identical twins

Twins Separated at Birth Reveal Staggering Influence of Genetics

By Tanya Lewis last updated

A landmark twin study during the 80s and 90s revealed how genes are involved in everything from sexual orientation to religiosity to intelligence.

Paris Skyline

French culture: Customs & traditions

By Kim Ann Zimmermann, Jonathan Gordon last updated

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
coke-bottle-02

Leaked Coca-Cola Recipe Is Real, but Not Quite 'The Real Thing'

By Natalie Wolchover last updated

The media has blown up about Coca-Cola's famous secret recipe showing up in an Atlanta newspaper. Life's Little Mysteries confirms that this is the real Coke, but it's no big secret.

Listening kid

Experiments for Kids

By Live Science Staff last updated

News, features and tips on science experiments and education for kids.

Eye color isn't set in stone until age 2. Credit: sxc.hu user 'maplec'

Why do babies' eyes start out blue, then change color?

By Natalie Wolchover last updated

Babies are often born blue-eyed, only to end up with eyes that are brown or hazel. Life's Little Mysteries asks an ophthalmologist why.

doctors, scrubs, hospitals, health, health care

Why Do Doctors Wear Green Or Blue Scrubs?

By Susannah F. Locke last updated

Green may be well-suited to help doctors see better in the operating room.