Life's Little Mysteries

Can we harness natural and human-made carbon traps to help us slow climate change?

Body size and diet might impact how much sleep mammals need.

What took out the trilobites, whose fossils are found all over the world?

It was either because New Year's Day used to be March 1 or because the Romans used to have a 10-month calendar.

Some species last longer than others, but what's the average?

You can argue for the British, Persians, Romans, Mongols or pretty much any empire you want.

Are you genetically more similar to your mom or dad? Turns out, that's a complicated question to answer.

Depends on which Rome you're asking about.

How do camels quench their thirst in the desert?

Instead of striving to be "germ-free," try to keep germs out of the wrong places.

Jesus' ability to defeat death, heal people and produce food and drink elevated him above Roman gods in the eyes of many people. A wand would have enhanced that image.

Some galaxies are swirling blue disks, others are red spheres or misshapen, clumpy messes or something in between. Why the different configurations?

There isn't an official "organ count" for the human body, but is there a ballpark estimate?

Which species died out first because of humans?

Is Teflon, the clear plastic used to coat pots and pans, safe to use?

This parasite may manipulate your brain to make you take more risks.

The Sahara was once a grass and shrub-covered steppe. Could this ever happen again?

Fire safety involves "fire resistant" and "flame retardant" measures.