Life's Little Mysteries

Life's Little Mysteries answers fascinating questions about the world around you and the stuff in it, from things in the news and on your mind to crazy questions you didn't even know you had.

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Why Is the Dead Sea So Salty?

September 09, 2016 | Article

The Dead Sea's name is well earned — no fish, birds or plants can survive in its high-saline environment.
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Are Bats Really Blind?

September 06, 2016 | Article

Bats hunt in the dark using echolocation, meaning they use echoes of self-produced sounds bouncing off objects to help them navigate. But that doesn't mean that bats can't see.
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Are Iron Maidens Really Torture Devices?

September 06, 2016 | Article

Iron maidens aren't as medieval as their reputation suggests.
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How Did Life Arise on Earth?

September 01, 2016 | Article

Was it a magnificent stroke of luck, or was it inevitable?
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What Causes Motion Sickness?

September 01, 2016 | Article

The rocking momentum of a train, car or boat is soothing to some, but for others, it generates feelings of extreme discomfort.
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What's a Vomitorium?

August 26, 2016 | Article

Ancient Romans had vomitoriums, but they weren't for purging lavish meals.
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Why Does the Moon Turn Red During a Total Lunar Eclipse?

August 24, 2016 | Article

Tonight, an oversized ruby-colored sphere will rise in the sky as a total lunar eclipse turns the normally pallid moon scarlet.
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What Is the Oldest Tree in the World?

August 23, 2016 | Article

The two oldest trees are in the White Mountains of California.
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Moist. Probe. Crevice: Why Do We Hate Certain Words?

August 23, 2016 | Article

Here's why some words make people so uncomfortable.
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Are Black Holes Really Black?

August 22, 2016 | Article

A black hole simulated in a lab points toward "no."
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