Life's Little Mysteries: Science questions, answered
The world can be a pretty mysterious place and we at Live Science love to ask and answer scientific questions about mysteries big and small: about ancient civilizations, our planet and our solar system, the plants and animals that live alongside us, our bodies and how they work, and the technologies that we use every day.
Join us on this exciting voyage of discovery and downright weirdness as we solve … Life's Little Mysteries.
Latest about Life's Little Mysteries
Can viruses cause cancer?
By Marilyn Perkins published
The far-reaching impact of certain viruses on the body can make cells grow out of control, causing cancer.
What's the fastest recorded wind speed?
By Hannah Loss published
Wind can whip up to surprising speeds, depending on if it's natural or human made.
Will Mount Everest always be the world's tallest mountain?
By Katherine Irving published
The Himalayas' massive heights result from a unique combination of geologic factors.
How many nuclear bombs have been used?
By Sierra Bouchér published
The first nuclear bomb test, conducted in 1945, set off an international arms race that included nuclear testing. But how many nuclear bombs have been detonated during tests and in active war?
What is the largest known prime number?
By Charles Q. Choi last updated
There are infinitely many prime numbers, but the biggest one we know of goes by the name M82589933 and contains more than 24 million digits.
Which are rarer: diamonds or emeralds?
By Hannah Loss published
The rarity of precious gemstones comes down to the geologic process of their formation.
Why didn't the Vikings colonize North America?
By Owen Jarus published
The Vikings landed in what is now Newfoundland, Canada around the year A.D. 1000. So why didn't they colonize the region like other Europeans did centuries later?
What's the scientific explanation for 'ghost encounters'?
By Patrick Pester published
People all over the world believe they've seen or heard a ghost, but there's no scientific evidence for spirits, hauntings or the paranormal. So what's behind these "encounters"?
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.