Dear Dr. Universe: How do our ears work? -Aryana, 11, Ohio
Dear Aryana,
The chirps of birds. The squeaks of mice. The barks of dogs. In a world full of different sounds, our ears take in almost everything. But it takes more than just our ears to hear. » More …
Why do cows burp methane? -Silas, 10, Seattle, WA
Dear Silas,
There are more than a billion cows on our planet and they all need to burp. Just like us, they burp to get rid of extra gas in their stomachs. » More …
Dear Dr. Universe: Is it possible that we are growing every second? – David, 9, Camas, Wash.
Dear David,
When I was a kitten, I used to keep track of my growth. Every now and then, I’d make a little pencil mark on the wall right above my ears. » More …
Dear Dr. Universe: Why do animals hibernate? -Jarrett T., 10, Edinburgh, IN
Dear Jarrett,
Animals can get through winter in all kinds of ways. Us cats like to curl up on a cozy couch. Some penguins huddle in groups to create heat. A lot of birds fly south to warmer weather. Perhaps you put on mittens and a coat. » More …
Dear Dr. Universe: How does digestion work? -Abi, 12, U.S., Megha R., 11, Dubai
Dear Abi and Megha,
All around the world, animals are eating all kinds of different foods. Our foods might be different, but one thing is true for all of us: We have to digest. » More …
Dear Dr. Universe: Why do we find some things scary? -Jack H., 8, UK
Dear Jack,
While our fears might be different, we all get scared sometimes. Vacuums, dogs, and even cucumbers make my hair stand on end. Perhaps for you it’s spiders, the dark, or the thought of monsters under your bed.
My friend Michael Delahoyde is really curious about what freaks us out. As an English professor at Washington State University, he’s even taught a course about monsters. » More …
Dear Dr. Universe: How do we remember stuff? -Aidan, 11, Franklin, Indiana
Dear Aidan,
Our brains have an incredible ability to help us remember all kinds of stuff. Of course, memory isn’t perfect. Sometimes we forget our homework or where we left our favorite cat toy. » More …
Why do we hear the sea in a seashell? -Steve, Minnewaska School, Minnesota
Dear Steve,
Whenever us cats go to the beach, we tend to keep a safe distance from the water and like to explore the shore. I once stumbled upon a big, beautiful pink and white seashell. » More …
Why do we feel pain? -Sara, 11, Moscow, Idaho
Dear Sara,
Pain is unpleasant, but we need it for survival. Just the other day I was out exploring when I stubbed my paw and let out a big meow. My nervous system was doing its job. » More …
How many colors can we see? -Andrew P., 12
Dear Andrew,
The human eye can see millions and millions of colors. But believe it or not, some colors exist in our world that the human eye can’t see. » More …