life's little mysteries
Latest about life's little mysteries
![Firefighters in a fire protection suit wearing firefighter helmet with breathing device and holding fire hose is extinguishing a burning house fire that is putting off excessive heat and smoke.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RXkxLEQY6GpfeNPVkdgHJW-320-80.jpg)
Can static electricity cause a fire?
By Charles Q. Choi published
It's commonplace to get a jolt from static electricity. But does it have enough electrical charge to start a fire?
![Neutrinos, conceptual computer artwork.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V4WMQdZ2QwdSGsmmVCa5B9-320-80.jpg)
What's the fastest thing on Earth?
By Laurel Hamers published
Particles from space are constantly zooming into Earth. But which one is the speediest?
![Depressed teenage girl stands against a wall in angst.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/abnqEjFL428yP8QJG6f9vM-320-80.jpg)
Why do people dissociate during traumatic events?
By Angely Mercado published
Ever feel disconnected during a stressful event? That could be your brain protecting you.
![three Rhesus macaques, a small brownish red monkey, climb on a small stone wall in a jungle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GXyD3QV7TB4LiW8hGvtveB-320-80.jpg)
Why don't people have tails?
By Mindy Weisberger last updated
Scientists recently found that a so-called jumping gene may have jumped ship millions of years ago, and taken our tails with it.
![A dog and a little boy](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qbu5rDSWRD7n5hZhWyrgzZ-320-80.jpg)
Can animals really smell fear in humans?
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
Many animals have a good sense of smell, but can they smell chemical signals that indicate a person is fearful?
![Black cat with yellow eyes.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RjbKJWZSmvVHXSEvWapbhZ-320-80.jpg)
Why do cats have bald spots in front of their ears?
By Victoria Atkinson published
Is there an evolutionary reason why cats have sparse fur near their ears?
![Blueberries on a shrub.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uAWeWfDQVrFPdCgKmgZhX-320-80.jpg)
Why are blueberries blue?
By Victoria Atkinson published
We finally understand why blueberries are blue — and the secret lies not in the flesh or skin, but the waxy coating around it.
![Girl watching an aquarium.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CqU3LdbZzhTv47jGZh4MbQ-320-80.jpg)
Why don't humans have gills?
By Marlowe Starling published
Our distant fish ancestors had gills, so why don't humans?
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