Kat Long

Joined: Jun 21, 2017

Kat Long is Mental Floss's science editor and host of the Mental Floss/iHeartRadio podcast THE QUEST FOR THE NORTH POLE. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, National Geographic, and the Washington Post.

Buffalo Games Hummingbird Garden Jigsaw Puzzle (left), Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

12 of the Best Gifts for Bird Lovers

Think a human always has 206 bones? Think again.

4 Big Misconceptions About the Human Body

12 Thoughtful Gifts for DIY Enthusiasts

The massive megafauna of the Ice Age / Getty / VICTOR HABBICK VISIONS/SPL

Misconceptions About the Ice Age

A detail of the Chi Rho monogram in the Book of Kells, a priceless illustrated manuscript from the Middle Ages.

5 Misconceptions About the Middle Ages

The medieval era wasn’t just a bunch of flat Earthers feasting and jousting.

Should she drink about seven more of those?

5 Misconceptions about Health and Wellness

How much water should you really drink a day? Well, it’s complicated.

This pair of men's black leather Blucher ankle boots from the 1840s was found under floor of an old military prison at Weedon, Northants, in 1939.

Lost Soles: When Concealed Shoes Kept Witches Away

The folk magic tradition of concealing shoes to trap witches probably started in the Middle Ages.

Laverne Cox in 'Orange Is the New Black.'

17 Epic Moments in LGBTQ+ TV History

These TV shows reflected changing social mores and broke new ground in American entertainment, a trend that continues today.

NASA Cassini spacecraft took this image of Saturn while it was in the planet's shadow.

See Saturn’s Rings Illuminated by the Sun When the Planet Reaches Opposition

People on Earth will be able to see Saturn illuminated by the sun for one night only.

10 Terrifyingly Huge Birds You Should Know

The biggest birds on Earth stand taller than the average human and have the attitude to match. Here are 10 intimidating-looking species from around the world.

A few pillow covers and a portable fire pit will enliven your space.

10 Ideas for Budget-Friendly Backyard Décor

From patio furniture to outdoor lighting to a comfortable hammock, here are a few of our favorite affordable backyard décor picks.

7 Tips for Growing a Native Plant Garden

Planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees instead of ornamentals or plain grass around your home has a number of long-term environmental benefits.

70 Huge Facts About the ‘Titanic’

The 'Titanic' sinking became the most infamous shipwreck in history—but what really happened on that unusually calm night in the North Atlantic?

An illustration of part of our solar system (not to scale).

One Misconception About Each Planet in the Solar System

Let's debunk some planetary misconceptions to make you feel a little bit closer to the majesty of space. Except, maybe not to Uranus.

Ruddy ducks in the Prairie Pothole Aviary.

Smithsonian National Zoo’s New Bird House Highlights Migratory Birds’ Incredible Journeys

The zoo presents familiar birds in a fresh, unified way—and drives home the message that people can take simple steps to protect birds’ future.

7 Facts About Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'

The first collection of Holmes stories was unwelcome in the Soviet Union, which banned it for 'occultism.'