Dr. Universe: Why do we have to blink? - Michael and Virgil, 3 and 5, in Sioux Falls, SD
rcwebberDr. Universe: How does toothpaste clean your teeth? -Lucy, 10, Pullman, WA
rcwebberDr. Universe: With the coronavirus why is it effective to wear a mask? How does it make life safer? - Marin, age 12, in Ohio
rcwebberDr. Universe: Why do people have different fingerprints? - Mary, 12, South Carolina
jaime.chambersDear Mary,
Did you know even identical twins have different fingerprints? It can be hard to tell twins apart, but a close look at their fingertips can reveal who’s who. The reason lies partly in their genes, but mostly from the unique way everyone’s skin grows before birth.
That’s what I learned from my friend David M. Conley, a professor at Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.
“The reason fingerprints are unique is the same reason individual humans are unique,” Conley said. “Variation is the norm, not the exception.”
Read More ...Dr. Universe: Why do we have nightmares? -Kourtney, California, 10
rcwebberDear Dr. Universe: How do we talk? – Emmy, 7, Wash. State
rcwebberDr. Universe: How do bags form under your eyes? –Sophia Ivy, 7, New Providence, NJ
rcwebberDr. Universe: What is happening when we sleepwalk? -Daniel, 11, Easton, CT
rcwebberDear Daniel,
Our brains work hard to help us move, talk and think. They also help us sleep. When we rest, some parts of our brain are active. When we are up and moving around, parts of our brain are actually at rest.
Read More ...Dear Dr. Universe: What food is sweet and good to eat? – Sophia, Pullman, WA
rcwebberDear Sophia,
There are quite a few foods that are sweet and good to eat. A lot of them are fruit, said my friend Pablo Monsivais. He’s an associate professor at the Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.
Read More ...Dr. Universe: How come broccoli is good for you? -Zack, 10, San Lorenzo Valley
rcwebberDear Zack,
You aren’t alone if you’ve ever heard someone at the dinner table say, “you’ve got to eat your broccoli.” Broccoli is one of nature’s superfoods, so it’s no wonder we are often encouraged to eat those little green trees.
Read More ...Why is yawning contagious? -Grant, 10, Pullman, WA
rcwebberDear Grant,
When I got your question, I met up with my friend Hans Van Dongen, a scientist at Washington State University in Spokane. He works in a research lab where they study sleep. As a cat who appreciates naps, it’s one of my favorite places to visit.
Read More ...