Science is a powerful tool for understanding the natural world and solving many problems. However, there are some phenomena that science can’t explain, either because they are too complex, too mysterious, or too paradoxical. Here are some of the things that science can’t explain, at least not yet.
Science is a powerful tool for understanding the natural world, but it is not a magic wand that can answer every question. There are some phenomena that science has not yet been able to explain, either because they are too complex, too mysterious, or too elusive. In this blog post, we will explore 10 things that science can’t explain, at least not yet.
Science is a powerful tool for understanding the natural world, but it is not the only one. There are some phenomena that science has not yet been able to explain, either because they are too complex, too rare, or too mysterious. Here are some of the things that science can’t explain, at least for now.
Science is a powerful tool for understanding the natural world, but it is not infallible. There are some phenomena that science has not been able to explain, either because of lack of evidence, conflicting theories, or sheer mystery. Here are some examples of things that science can’t explain, at least not yet.
The Taos Hum
Some people in Taos, New Mexico, claim to hear a low-frequency noise that sounds like a distant diesel engine. The noise, known as the Taos Hum, has been reported since the 1990s, but its source and cause remain unknown. Some possible explanations include tectonic activity, electromagnetic radiation, or military experiments, but none of them have been confirmed. The Taos Hum is not unique to Taos; similar noises have been reported in other places around the world, such as Bristol, England, and Windsor, Ontario.
How a tomato has more genes than a human
The human genome consists of about 20,000 genes, which encode the instructions for making proteins and other molecules that perform various functions in the body. However, some plants have more genes than humans, such as the tomato, which has about 31,000 genes. Why do plants need more genes than animals? One possible reason is that plants have to cope with more environmental challenges, such as drought, pests, and diseases, and therefore need more genetic diversity and flexibility. Another reason is that plants have experienced more genome duplication events than animals, which means that they have extra copies of some genes that can evolve new functions or be lost over time.
Ghosts
Ghosts are the supposed spirits of the dead that can manifest themselves in various ways, such as apparitions, sounds, smells, or sensations. Many people believe in ghosts and claim to have seen or felt them, but there is no scientific evidence for their existence. Ghosts are often associated with haunted places, such as old buildings, cemeteries, or battlefields, where traumatic events may have occurred. Some possible explanations for ghost sightings include hallucinations, optical illusions, electromagnetic fields, infrasound, or psychological factors.
Blue Toilet Seat Phenomenon
The blue toilet seat phenomenon is a rare condition where a person’s urine turns blue and stains the toilet seat. The condition is caused by a metabolic disorder called familial hypercalcemia with nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC), which affects the kidneys and causes excess calcium to be excreted in the urine. The blue color is due to a chemical reaction between calcium and a dye called methylene blue that is present in some medications or supplements. The condition is not harmful but can be embarrassing for the affected person.
The Bloop
The Bloop was a loud underwater sound that was recorded by hydrophones in 1997 in the South Pacific Ocean. The sound was so powerful that it could be heard over 5,000 kilometers away. The origin and nature of the sound remain unknown. Some speculated that it was made by a giant sea creature, such as a megalodon or a kraken, but this was ruled out by scientists who analyzed the sound’s frequency and duration. They concluded that it was most likely caused by an icequake – a cracking of a large ice sheet – near Antarctica.
The Nazca Lines
The Nazca Lines are a series of geoglyphs – large designs made on the ground – that are located in the Nazca Desert in Peru. The geoglyphs depict various shapes and figures, such as animals, plants, humans.
Blackholes
Blackholes are regions of space where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape. They are formed when massive stars collapse at the end of their life cycle. Scientists can detect blackholes by observing their effects on the surrounding matter and radiation, but they cannot directly observe what happens inside them. Some of the questions that science has not answered about blackholes are: What is the nature of the singularity at the center? What happens to the information of the objects that fall into a blackhole? Is there a limit to how big a blackhole can get? Are there other types of blackholes besides the ones predicted by general relativity?
American Drugs in Egyptian Mummies
In 1992, a German toxicologist named Svetlana Balabanova made a shocking discovery: she found traces of cocaine and nicotine in the hair, skin, and bones of several ancient Egyptian mummies. This was surprising because these drugs are native to the Americas, and there is no evidence that the Egyptians had contact with the New World before Columbus. How did these drugs get into the mummies? Some possible explanations are: contamination during the mummification process or later handling, misidentification of the substances or the mummies, or an unknown trade route between Africa and America.
The Voynich Manuscript
The Voynich Manuscript is a mysterious book written in an unknown language and script, dating back to the 15th century. It contains illustrations of plants, animals, astronomical diagrams, alchemical symbols, and human figures. No one has been able to decipher its meaning or purpose, despite many attempts by linguists, cryptographers, historians, and enthusiasts. Some of the hypotheses that have been proposed are: it is a hoax, it is a code, it is a lost natural language, it is a synthetic language, it is a glossolalia (speaking in tongues), or it is a form of art.
The Nature of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Dark matter and dark energy are two mysterious components of the universe that scientists have inferred from their gravitational effects on visible matter and light. Dark matter is estimated to make up about 27% of the total mass-energy of the universe, while dark energy is estimated to make up about 68%. However, scientists do not know what they are made of, how they interact with each other and with normal matter, or why they exist at all. Some of the candidates for dark matter are: exotic particles such as WIMPs (weakly interacting massive particles) or axions, primordial blackholes, or modified gravity theories. Some of the candidates for dark energy are: the cosmological constant (a constant energy density that fills space), quintessence (a dynamic scalar field that varies in space and time), or extra dimensions.
The origins of life
How did life begin on Earth? What was the first living thing? How did it emerge from non-living matter? These are some of the most fundamental questions in biology, but they are also some of the most difficult to answer. Scientists have proposed various hypotheses, such as the primordial soup theory, the hydrothermal vent theory, the panspermia theory, and the RNA world theory, but none of them have been conclusively proven or disproven. The origin of life remains a mystery.
What happens after death
What happens to our consciousness when we die? Do we have a soul that survives our physical demise? Do we go to heaven, hell, or somewhere else? Do we reincarnate into another body or another form of existence? These are some of the most profound questions in philosophy and religion, but they are also some of the most inaccessible to scientific investigation. Science can study the physical and biological aspects of death, such as brain activity, heart rate, and decomposition, but it cannot measure or observe what happens beyond the material realm.
How we age
Why do we grow old and die? What causes our cells to deteriorate and our organs to fail? How can we slow down or reverse the aging process? These are some of the most urgent questions in medicine and biotechnology, but they are also some of the most complex and elusive. Scientists have identified various factors that influence aging, such as genetics, metabolism, inflammation, oxidation, telomeres, and senescence, but they have not yet fully understood how they interact and how they can be manipulated.
Why we itch
Why do we feel an unpleasant sensation on our skin that makes us want to scratch? What triggers it and what purpose does it serve? These are some of the most annoying questions in dermatology and neuroscience, but they are also some of the most puzzling. Scientists have discovered various receptors and pathways that mediate itching, such as histamine, serotonin, opioids, and TRPV1 channels, but they have not yet explained how they work together and how they differ from pain.
Why only some thunderstorms produce tornadoes
Why do some storms spawn violent rotating columns of air that can cause massive destruction, while others do not? What are the necessary conditions and mechanisms for tornado formation? These are some of the most fascinating questions in meteorology and climatology, but they are also some of the most challenging. Scientists have identified various factors that influence tornado development, such as wind shear, instability, moisture, and vorticity, but they have not yet predicted or prevented them with high accuracy.
Why we sleep
Why do we spend about a third of our lives in a state of reduced consciousness and responsiveness? What functions does sleep serve for our brain and body? How much sleep do we need and what happens if we don’t get enough? These are some of the most important questions in psychology and physiology, but they are also some of the most unresolved. Scientists have proposed various theories and functions for sleep, such as energy conservation, memory consolidation, brain cleaning, emotional regulation, and immune system enhancement, but none of them have been universally accepted or validated.
How Tylenol kills pain
How does one of the most widely used painkillers in the world work? What is its mechanism of action and how does it differ from other analgesics? These are some of the most practical questions in pharmacology and medicine, but they are also some of the most perplexing. Scientists have discovered various targets and pathways that Tylenol affects, such as COX enzymes, endocannabinoids, serotonin receptors, and NMDA receptors, but they have not yet explained how they produce its analgesic effect.
How general anesthesia works
How does a cocktail of drugs induce a state of unconsciousness and unresponsiveness in patients undergoing surgery? What are its effects on the brain and body? How does it differ from sleep or coma? These are some of the most critical questions in anesthesiology and neuroscience, but they are also some of the most enigmatic. Scientists have identified various molecules and receptors that general anesthesia affects, such as GABA receptors, NMDA receptors, and potassium channels, but they have not yet elucidated how they modulate brain activity and consciousness.
The placebo effect
How does a fake treatment produce real benefits in some patients? What are the psychological and physiological mechanisms behind it? How can it be enhanced or reduced? These are some of the most intriguing questions in medicine and neuroscience, but they are also some of the most confounding. Scientists have proposed various explanations and factors for the placebo effect, such as expectations, beliefs, conditioning, social cues, and endorphins, but they have not yet fully understood or controlled it.
Why animals yawn
Why do we and many other animals open our mouths wide and inhale deeply, often when we are tired or bored? What triggers it and what purpose does it serve? These are some of the most curious questions in zoology and ethology, but they are also some of the most disputed. Scientists have suggested various hypotheses and functions for yawning, such as oxygen intake, brain cooling, social communication, arousal regulation, and empathy, but none of them have been conclusively proven or disproven.
Fine-tuning of the physical constants
The physical constants are the numbers that determine how the universe behaves, such as the speed of light, the gravitational constant, and the charge of the electron. These constants seem to be finely tuned to allow for the existence of life and complexity. If they were slightly different, the universe would be very different or even impossible. For example, if the gravitational constant was a bit stronger, stars would burn out too quickly; if it was a bit weaker, stars would not form at all. Why are these constants so precisely set? Is it a coincidence, a necessity, or a design?
What consciousness is
Consciousness is the subjective experience of being aware of oneself and the world. It is what makes us feel pain, joy, love, and fear. It is also what makes us wonder about ourselves and our place in the universe. But what is consciousness exactly? How does it arise from the physical processes of the brain? How can we measure it or manipulate it? How does it relate to other mental phenomena, such as memory, emotion, and intelligence? These are some of the hard questions that science has not yet answered.
Mystery of Physical Structures
There are some physical structures that defy conventional explanation, such as the pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge, Easter Island statues, and Nazca lines. These structures are impressive feats of engineering and artistry, but their purpose and origin are still unknown. How were they built? Who built them? When and why? What do they mean? These are some of the mysteries that science has not yet solved.
Existence of Aliens
Are we alone in the universe? This is one of the most fundamental questions that humans have ever asked. Science has not yet found conclusive evidence of extraterrestrial life, but it has not ruled out the possibility either. There are billions of stars and planets in our galaxy alone, and many of them could potentially harbor life. There are also some intriguing clues, such as the Fermi paradox (why haven’t we detected any signs of alien civilizations?), the Drake equation (how many intelligent species could exist in our galaxy?), and the UFO phenomenon (are some of them alien spacecraft?). The search for alien life continues, but so far it remains elusive.
Psychic Powers
Psychic powers are abilities that go beyond the normal senses and laws of nature, such as telepathy (mind reading), clairvoyance (seeing distant or hidden things), precognition (knowing the future), psychokinesis (moving objects with the mind), and remote viewing (perceiving distant locations). Some people claim to have these powers or to have witnessed them in others, but science has not yet confirmed their existence or mechanism. There are some experiments that suggest some degree of psychic phenomena, such as the ganzfeld experiment (a method of inducing a state of sensory deprivation and testing for telepathy), but they are often criticized for being flawed or inconclusive.
Cows Always Graze Facing North or South
Cows are one of the most common domestic animals in the world, but they also have a curious behavior: they tend to graze facing either north or south, regardless of the wind or sun direction. This was discovered by analyzing satellite images of thousands of cows around the world. Why do cows do this? One possible explanation is that they have a magnetic sense that helps them orient themselves and find their way home. Another possible explanation is that they follow a social convention or a leader cow that sets the direction. However, these hypotheses have not been tested or proven.
Near Death Experience
A near death experience (NDE) is a profound psychological event that occurs when a person is close to dying or clinically dead. It often involves a sensation of leaving one’s body, seeing a bright light or a tunnel, meeting deceased relatives or spiritual beings, reviewing one’s life, and feeling peace and love. Some people interpret NDEs as evidence of an afterlife or a higher power, while others see them as hallucinations or illusions caused by brain activity or lack thereof. Science has not yet explained what causes NDEs or what they mean.
UFO’s (Unidentified flying objects).
UFOs are objects that appear in the sky that cannot be identified as conventional aircraft or natural phenomena. They often have unusual shapes, colors, movements, or behaviors that defy explanation. Some people believe that UFOs are alien spacecraft visiting Earth for various reasons, such as exploration, observation, communication, abduction, or invasion. Others believe that UFOs are secret military projects, atmospheric phenomena, optical illusions, hoaxes, or misinterpretations. Science has not yet established the origin or nature of UFOs, nor has it verified any contact or communication with them.
The fate of the universe
The universe is the totality of everything that exists, from the smallest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies and beyond. It is also constantly changing and evolving, following the laws of physics and cosmology. But what will happen to the universe in the future? Will it expand forever, or will it eventually collapse? Will it end in a big crunch, a big rip, a big freeze, or a big bounce? Will it repeat itself, or will it create new universes? These are some of the scenarios that science has proposed, but none of them has been proven or disproven.
Origin of Universe
The origin of the universe is the question of how and why the universe came into being. It is also one of the most fundamental and difficult questions that humans have ever asked. Science has some theories and models that attempt to explain the origin of the universe, such as the big bang theory (the universe began as a singularity that exploded and expanded rapidly), the inflationary theory (the universe underwent a brief period of exponential expansion), and the multiverse theory (the universe is one of many possible universes that exist in parallel). However, these theories are not complete or conclusive, and they raise new questions, such as what caused the big bang, what happened before it, and what lies beyond our observable universe.
The existence of God
God is the concept of a supreme being or a higher power that created and governs the universe and everything in it. God is also the object of worship and faith for many religions and cultures around the world. But does God exist? This is one of the most controversial and debated questions in human history. Science has not been able to prove or disprove the existence of God, nor has it been able to define or measure God. Some people argue that God is beyond the scope of science and reason, while others argue that God is a product of human imagination and culture. The question of God’s existence remains unresolved and open to personal interpretation.
These are just some of the things that science can’t explain, at least not yet. There are many more mysteries and puzzles that await scientific discovery and exploration. Science is not a finished product, but a dynamic and ongoing process that constantly challenges our assumptions and expands our horizons. Science is not a limitation, but an invitation to wonder and curiosity.