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.

Latest Updates

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" 22: Mysterious brains

By Live Science Staff

It stores memories, produces our emotions, gives us dreams and lets us excel in any number of intellectual pursuits.

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" special report: Coronavirus (April 16)

By Live Science Staff

In this special episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll give you the latest news and answer frequently asked questions about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.

Light curves around a black hole's event horizon

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" 20: Mysterious black holes

By Live Science Staff

In this episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll take a closer look at black holes, the mysterious cosmic objects that have a gravitational pull so strong that not even light can escape.

Surgical gloves, mask and hand sanitizer against a yellow background.

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" special report: Coronavirus (April 9)

By Live Science Staff

In this special episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll give you the latest news and answer frequently asked questions about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.

A dog dressed as a superhero wears a mask and cape.

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" 18: Mysterious Animal Superpowers

By Live Science Staff

From breathing underwater to surviving radiation and extreme temperatures, some animal abilities are so incredible they might as well be superpowers.

A 3D rendering of the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19.

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" special report: Coronavirus (April 2)

By Live Science Staff

In this special episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll give you the latest news and answer frequently asked questions about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" 16: Mysterious Aliens

By Live Science Staff

In this episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll take a closer look a scientific mystery that's a favorite topic here at Live Science: aliens.

This cute girl did not get the memo about face touching.

Why is it so hard not to touch your face?

By Tara Santora

People often touch their faces when they're anxious, embarrassed, stressed or even when they're feeling just fine.

A N95 face mask sits on a blue background.

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" special report: Coronavirus (March 26)

By Live Science Staff

In this special episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll give you the latest news and answer frequently asked questions about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.

The full moon against a black background.

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" 13: Mysterious moon

By Live Science Staff

In this episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll take a closer look at a mysterious object in space that's our closest cosmic neighbor: the moon.

Can therapy help dredge up repressed memories?

Can you recover repressed memories?

By Isobel Whitcomb

There's no doubt we forget things — but what about repression?

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

Was Freud right about anything?

By Benjamin Plackett

Sigmund Freud had some provocative ideas about the human subconscious.

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" special report: Coronavirus (March 19)

By Live Science Staff

In this special episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll give you the latest news and answer frequently asked questions about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.

A 3D poop emoji smiles against a pink background.

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" 11: Mysterious Poop

By Live Science Staff

In this episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll take a closer look at a mysterious bodily function that is as fascinating as it is gross — poop.

Why do some men have red beards, but not red hair?

By Benjamin Plackett

It all boils down to genetics.

Can subliminal messaging prompt moviegoers to buy drinks and snacks?

Does subliminal messaging really work?

By Tara Santora

Does this advertising technique actually work?

Live Science podcast "Life's Little Mysteries" special report: Coronavirus (March 12)

By Live Science Staff

In this special episode of Life's Little Mysteries, we'll give you the latest news and answer frequently asked questions about the new coronavirus and COVID-19.