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

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.

Live Science podcast 'Life's Little Mysteries' Episode 46: Mysterious Elephants

By Live Science Staff

Elephants are part of a family that's been around for approximately 16 million years, and they are the biggest land animals alive today.

Childhood vaccines can protect against some diseases for a lifetime.

Why do we develop lifelong immunity to some diseases, but not others?

By Isobel Whitcomb

Why do some diseases infect us again and again?

Fires may have made humans more social by giving them a place to gather around.

When did humans discover how to use fire?

By Tara Santora

Fire influenced the evolution of humanity.

Live Science podcast 'Life's Little Mysteries' special report: Coronavirus (August 6)

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 large explosion rocked the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Aug. 4, 2020. The blast, which rattled entire buildings and broke glass, was felt in several parts of the city.

Beirut blast: How does ammonium nitrate create such devastating explosions?

By Live Science Staff

Fertilizer is behind many of the worst accidents and terrorist attacks in history.

A cooler for transporting human organ donation.

What happens to your body when you're an organ donor?

By Tara Santora

With organ donation, the death of one person can lead to the survival of many others. But when a donor dies, how do doctors save their organs for transplantation?

Why do some people never gain weight?

By Isobel Whitcomb

There's no genetic on-off switch for thinness.

Live Science podcast 'Life's Little Mysteries' special report: Coronavirus (July 30)

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' 43: Mysterious Evolution

By Live Science Staff

Evolution has shaped all organisms on Earth — living and extinct — producing an astonishing diversity of life and defining relationships between species.

Is consciousness uniquely human? Or do other living things have varying degrees of it?

What is consciousness?

By Grant Currin

Do non-human animals have consciousness, too?

This stag doesn't seem to mind a human extinction.

What could drive humans to extinction?

By Emma Bryce

Pandemics, climate change, artificial intelligence: these are just some of the wide-ranging threats to humanity's survival. But they all have one factor in common...

A storefront sign reads: "No one may enter without a face covering."

Live Science podcast 'Life's Little Mysteries' special report: Coronavirus (July 23)

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.

Play can help children pursue and express their creativity.

Why are humans so curious?

By Grant Currin

Curiosity may explain how humans have survived as a species.

How did bachelor and bachelorette parties get started?

By Isobel Whitcomb

Debauchery didn't become a common theme until the Sexual Revolution.

Live Science podcast 'Life's Little Mysteries' special report: Coronavirus (July 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.