Life's Little Mysteries: Science questions, answered

The Himalayas' massive heights result from a unique combination of geologic factors.

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?

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.

The rarity of precious gemstones comes down to the geologic process of their formation.

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?

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"?

Viruses and bacteria have been around for billions of years, but which came first?

Celine Dion sings that "my heart will go on," but how many times does it actually beat in a day or even a lifetime?

The biological needs of plants and animals affect their cells' protein content, but the story goes deeper than that.

Some cats chatter, oftentimes when they see prey. But why?