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Life's Little Mysteries

Life's Little Mysteries answers fascinating questions about the world around you and the stuff in it, including wild questions you didn't even know you had.

And check out our "Life's Little Mysteries" podcast, where we answer questions about mysteries big and small — about ancient civilizations; our planet and solar system; the plants and animals that live alongside us; our bodies and how they work; and more. Listen in on Apple podcasts, Spotify and Audioboom.

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Male astronaut floating upside down in a tucked position in a space station. He has short blond hair and is wearing a gray jumpsuit.

How can you experience weightlessness?

By Joe Phelan published 7 August 22

How one earth (or space) can a person experience microgravity?

This is an image of the Earth at night seen from space (city lights can be seen). You can only see the Northern hemisphere, with North America on the left, and Europe on the right. In the middle of the far distance you can see the sun as a solar flare, lighting up the other side of the Earth.

Is Earth getting closer to the sun, or farther away?

By Charles Q. Choi published 6 August 22

Here's a look at whether Earth is getting closer to or farther from the sun, why that's happening and what effects it might have on our planet.

Lina Medina pictured in 1941 with one of her doctors and her son

What's the youngest age that a person can get pregnant and give birth?

By Nicoletta Lanese published 2 August 22

Pregnancy is possible from the start of ovulation.

An illustration of the influenza virus (giant blue sphere) surrounded by human antibodies (small y-shaped orange shapes).

Could we ever eradicate the flu?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 1 August 22

We have influenza vaccines, but is it possible to eradicate the flu?

Can turtles really breathe through their butts?

By Harry Baker published 31 July 22

Some freshwater turtles engage in a process akin to butt breathing.

Big group of people celebrating a birthday. There are 6 people in total, all cheering and throwing confetti in the air. Three are wearing party hats. In front of them is a table with birthday decorations, such as a chocolate cake and drink cups.

What is the birthday paradox?

By Charles Q. Choi published 30 July 22

If you're in a random group of people, what are the chances that two of the people will have the same birthday?

A volcano erupts in Hawaii near the water.

Where are most of Earth's volcanoes?

By Joe Phelan published 28 July 22

There are about 1,350 potentially active volcanoes on Earth. Where are most of these volcanoes located?

Wildebeests have large herd sizes, but they're not the largest animal group ever recorded.

What's the biggest group of animals ever recorded on Earth?

By Emma Bryce published 28 July 22

For these gregarious animals, 'alone time' is a fantasy.

Who invented chess?

By Joe Phelan published 27 July 22

When and where was chess invented and why is it still so popular around the world?

Group of bull sharks at Beqa Lagoon in Fiji.

Sharks are older than the dinosaurs. What's the secret to their success?

By Conor Feehly published 25 July 22

Sharks are older than dinosaurs and even trees. What's the secret to their long evolutionary success?

A close-up of a woman's face while sleeping

How much does the soul weigh?

By Stephanie Pappas published 25 July 22

Legend has it that the soul weighs 21 grams, but science can neither prove the existence of the soul nor weigh one.

What's the most popular color in the world?

By Tia Ghose published 25 July 22

The most popular color can vary by culture, gender and time.

Four happy woman drinking wine together whilst sitting in a line on an urban rooftop.

Does wine help you live longer?

By Isobel Whitcomb published 25 July 22

People from food cultures where wine is a daily part of life have famously low rates of heart disease and long lives. But does drinking wine actually help you live longer?

Ancient Egyptian Rosetta Stone. It is a giant stone with 3 types of writing carved onto it: Greek, Egyptian, and another form of Egyptian writing.

Why does the Rosetta Stone have 3 kinds of writing?

By Charles Q. Choi published 24 July 22

Here's why ancient Egypt's Rosetta Stone has three texts that say the exact same thing.

Aerial view of New York City skyline with Central Park and Manhattan, USA. A green-shaped slim rectangle full of trees and lakes is surround by towering skyscrapers against the blue day sky.

What is the world's largest city?

By Joe Phelan published 23 July 22

Here's a look at the world's largest cities by size, population and cultural impact.

Atoms consist of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons orbited by electrons.

Where do electrons get energy to spin around an atom's nucleus?

By Paul Sutter published 22 July 22

Quantum mechanics explains why the electrons can keep spinning indefinitely.

A girl and her mother are at the beach. The mother holds a seashell to her daughter's ear.

Why do seashells sound like the ocean?

By Joe Phelan published 22 July 22

A seashell held to your ear may sound like the ocean, but so does cupping your hand or holding a bowl at the same spot. Here's why.

How do oysters make pearls?

By Jennifer Nalewicki published 22 July 22

Here's the science behind how oysters make pearls, and how they were valued historically.

A cross section of petrified wood, showing wood grain patterns.

How long does it take to make petrified wood?

By Joe Phelan published 20 July 22

Here's the science behind petrified wood, including what it is, how long it takes to form and whether it's useful in the research world.

Passenger airplane flying in stormy clouds and air turbulence.

What are air pockets?

By Joe Phelan published 19 July 22

What are air pockets and can they cause planes to crash?

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