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Dr. Universe: Why are dogs important to humans? Stephani R., 9, Washington State

August 8, 2019 rcwebber

Dear Stephani, Dogs are important to humans in all kinds of ways. The connection between the two goes back thousands of years. A long time ago, wolves would trail along after humans on hunting trips and eat any scraps they could find. Eventually these wolves evolved into dogs that helped protect the hunters and gatherers. Read More ...

Why do people grow hair under their nose? Why does it grow down instead of up? –Riley, 11, Prior Lake, MN

July 10, 2017 rcwebber

Dear Riley,

Humans have hair all over their bodies, including above the upper lip. Of course, not all hair is quite the same. A lot of people have very fine hairs on their faces. Others can sprout a thick beard or mustache.

Why does meat get brown on the grill? – Christina, Seattle, Wash.

May 30, 2017 rcwebber

Dear Christina,

You know summer is just around the corner when the smell of barbecue is in the air. It’s a great question you ask and it leads us to the Meats Lab at Washington State University. That’s where I met up with my friend and animal scientist, Jan Busboom.

How do ladybugs survive the winter? Are ladybugs we see in spring several years old or did they just hatch? Are they worms before they are beetles? – Tanya, Pullman, WA

April 10, 2017 rcwebber

Dear Tanya,

You know it’s springtime when animals start coming out of hibernation. That includes ladybugs that crawl out from their cozy winter hiding places.

Dear Dr. Universe: Do you know how human and animal interactions help our mind grow? Does it help us? Does it do nothing? This has fascinated me for a very long time. - Gabby G., 11, Berlin, VT

March 20, 2017 rcwebber

Dear Gabby,

Our brains are pretty busy. They are constantly thinking, feeling, and sensing our world. One thing that can help some people relax is spending time with an animal friend. You might play fetch with a dog, sit with a cat, brush a horse, or even watch a goldfish zip around its bowl.

People who spend a lot of time with animals might tell you that something special seems to be going on here. But scientists are looking for evidence and want to find out for certain just what is going on. They want to know more … » More …

Dear Dr. Universe: Why do animals hibernate? -Jarrett T., 10, Edinburgh, IN

December 19, 2016 rcwebber

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.

Hi Doc. Universe, I was wondering how vaccines work because I would really like to make a better way to get a shot that doesn't hurt so much. Thanks. -Jacob, 10, Cayman Islands

December 5, 2016 rcwebber

Dear Jacob,

The quick, little sting of a vaccine shot can provide us with some big protection from germs that cause disease.

Why do cheetahs run so fast? -Shanyu, 9, London, UK

August 25, 2016 rcwebber

Dear Shanyu,

Cheetahs are in really good shape. Not only are they good runners, but the actual shape of their body helps them move at incredible speeds.

What is the smallest insect on Earth? -Laurenz, 8, Molino, Philippines

June 30, 2016 rcwebber

Dear Laurenz,

When I saw your question, I set out to explore with my bug net and a magnifying glass. I was searching all around for tiny insects when I ran into my friend Laura Lavine, a Washington State University scientist who studies bugs.

She said there are nearly a million different kinds of insects on Earth. The smallest of all the known ones are called fairyflies.

Are there creatures on Earth with one eye? -Elena, 7, Vancouver, Canada

May 31, 2016 rcwebber

Dear Elena,

The animal kingdom is full of amazing eyes. And yes, there are actually creatures on our planet that have just one.