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

The Sahara Desert is seen here, in Northern Africa.

Could the Sahara ever be green again?

By Donavyn Coffey

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

It looks like this chair could use some flame retardant.

What makes something fireproof?

By Dani Leviss

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

Bacteria Lactobacillus, 3D illustration.

Live Science podcast 'Life's Little Mysteries' Episode 49: Mysterious Bacteria

By Live Science Staff

Single-cell microbes known as bacteria are simpler than most forms of life, yet they are still intriguingly complex.

Toilet paper was a hot commodity in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What did people use before toilet paper was invented?

By Tara Santora

What did people use instead of toilet paper? Seashells, tapestries, wooden sticks and more.

Why is space a vacuum?

By Donavyn Coffey

The nothingness of space is hard to wrap our heads around.

Why can't humans digest corn?

By Donavyn Coffey

Have you ever wondered why humans can't digest corn?

Why do dogs have cold noses?

By Dani Leviss

It's possible that a pup's cold, wet nose acts as an infrared sensor.

Cannabis contains THC, a psychoactive chemical that can pass the blood-brain barrier.

How does cannabis get you high?

By Grant Currin

It apparently comes down to THC and endocannabinoid receptors in the brain.

If diamonds can burn, are they really "forever"?

Can diamonds burn?

By Stephanie Pappas

With enough heat and oxygen, diamonds will burn.

Carrots developed vibrant colors when they were domesticated.

Are carrots orange because of a Dutch revolutionary?

By Benjamin Plackett

No, but the crown did popularize the orange carrot.

In one galactic year, also known as a cosmic year, the sun orbits the Milky Way.

How long is a galactic year?

By Grant Currin

Just as Earth orbits the sun, our sun orbits the galaxy.

Is the Y chromosome dying out?

By Isobel Whitcomb

We've got good news for men.

Live Science podcast 'Life's Little Mysteries' Episode 48: Mysterious Beer

By Live Science Staff

This alcoholic beverage has quenched thirsts for thousands of years and is one of the oldest chemistry experiments in the world.

This kid's personality might gradually change over time, but whether he comes around on finger puppets is anyone's guess.

Does your personality change as you get older?

By Isobel Whitcomb

Personality isn't fixed

A World War II poster touting carrots and other vitamin-rich vegetables.

Can carrots give you night vision?

By Benjamin Plackett

No, Churchill just really wanted Brits to eat more carrots.

What would happen to Earth if humans went extinct?

By Emma Bryce

Lacking human oversight, glitches in oil refineries and nuclear plants could lead to fires, nuclear explosions and fallout.

Would you rather use inches or centimeters?

Why doesn't the US use the metric system?

By Benjamin Plackett

Identity, politics and good, old fashioned resistance to change.

A pair of cotton face masks on a white background.

Live Science podcast 'Life's Little Mysteries' special report: Coronavirus (Aug. 13)

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.