Mental Floss
Some state name origins are obvious—but others pose an etymological mystery.
Ellen Gutoskey, Jake Rossen|
The drawing of three human figures with a pig was discovered in an Indonesian cave—and might be the world’s oldest art that tells a story.
Tim Brinkhof|
The Denisovans went extinct around 30,000 years ago. Scientists are just beginning to unravel their genetic legacy.
Claire Cock-Starkey|
A fragment of an arm bone found on Flores, Indonesia, suggests that some of our human ancestors were even smaller than we thought.
Nick Keppler|
Begging for candy on October 31 was banned after kids set one too many fires.
Jake Rossen|
The gorge in northern Tanzania has yielded many of the oldest fossils of humankind, shedding new light on our ancient ancestors.
Claire Cock-Starkey|
Despite modern technology and industrialization, humans are still changing as a species, even today. Here are a some indications that our evolution isn’t over.
Jessica Hullinger|
Lucy walked on her own two feet. Scientists weren’t expecting that.
Ellen Gutoskey|
You might want to keep this handy on your next vacation.
Paul Anthony Jones|
This delicious focaccia recipe from the Institute of Culinary Education might become a staple in your home.
CaLea Johnson|
Alexander Hamilton argued that lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court were the only way, but some modern scholars disagree.
Shaunacy Ferro|
According to a medieval saga, the Norwegian “Well Man” might have been used as a biological weapon.
Tim Brinkhof|
Whether it’s a gentle stroll through the English countryside or summiting Africa’s tallest peak, these bucket-list hikes are not to be missed.
Editorial Staff|
Many video games get movie adaptations, but you probably didn’t see this one coming.
CaLea Johnson|
Where there is one hungry raccoon, there are likely dozens, as one unfortunate woman found out.
Jake Rossen|
The origins of those ‘I Voted’ stickers you see everyone rocking on Election Day go back to the 1950s in the United States, but the design everyone recognizes most was created by Janet Boudreau in the late 1980s.
Jake Rossen|
The movie did not strike a chord with most audiences upon its release, but these days, it boasts some famous fans.
Jon O'Brien|
It was once literally illegal to tamper with a broken McFlurry machine. Not anymore.
Jake Rossen|
Find out which states are most preoccupied with their pets.
CaLea Johnson|
One of these things is not like the others.
CaLea Johnson|
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