Kaitlyn Boettcher

Kaitlyn Boettcher

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Katie is a mental_floss intern and senior at Beloit College, where she studies literature and anthropology. She is a choral musician, writing tutor, cat person, book worm, and self-diagnosed television addict. She also can’t resist enjoying a good tennis match or soccer game in the free time she doesn't have.

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Why Do Students Dissect Frogs?

There are many surgeons who say that they first discovered their life’s passion standing over a dissected frog in a middle or high school biology class. But, apart from inspiring the medical professionals of tomorrow, what is the purpose of dissection? And more importantly, why is everyone always dissecting those poor green amphibians?... READ ON

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The Late Movies: Supercut Central

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100 History-Making Cameras on One Poster

To celebrate photography or, more accurately, the devices that make it possible, Pop Chart Lab has designed a stunning new poster that tracks the history of the camera from 1888 to today. ... READ ON

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5 Theories About Why We Dye Eggs for Easter

Every year at Easter, people hardboil eggs and dye them brilliant colors. Where did this tradition come from?... READ ON

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13 Unusual Objects Covered in Crystals and Diamonds

While “bejeweled” phone cases and other accessories are commonplace these days, some objects covered in crystals and jewels are decidedly more unusual.... READ ON

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Roy Chapman Andrews: A Real Life Indiana Jones

Since the '80s, one name has been synonymous with adventure: Indiana Jones. With his hat and his whip, his brain and his brawn, and that amazing theme music, who hasn’t dreamed of being like Indy, roaming the world and hunting down treasure? One man, Roy Chapman Andrews, was very nearly the real thing. Though his adventures didn’t involve faces melting or hearts being torn out, they were still perilous and often produced artifacts of great significance.... READ ON

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11 Really Bizarre World Records

Guinness World Records, in theory, are amazing and seemingly unattainable. The record holders are astoundingly strong or fast or otherwise able to push the limits of human ability. Over the years, though, these world records categories have become increasingly bizarre—and I’m not just talking about people with abnormally long fingernails.... READ ON

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Are Snails Born With Shells?

Snails are objects of fascination for kids playing outside. Lucky for the snails, they have their hard shells to protect them from children and predators alike. But are they born with that natural armor, or do they have to find it or grow it for themselves?... READ ON

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Frederick Starr: Anthropologist Lost from the History Books

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