Mental Floss

ALL STORIES



Bill Paxton, Tom Hanks, and Kevin Bacon star in ‘Apollo 13’ (1995).

'Apollo 13'—the dramatization of the 1970 space program crisis that kept the world on its seat—was the third highest-grossing film of 1995, and remains one of the most faithful depictions of NASA operations ever put on film.

Jake Rossen






Tom Hanks and Elizabeth Perkins in a promotional shoot for ‘Big.’

From big-hearted comedies to freaky slashers, these are the movies that most effectively harnessed the possibilities of trading places.

Jon O'Brien
You deserve a bowl full of non-spoiled ice cream.

No one wants to discover a freezer full of spoiled ice cream. Here’s how to tell if the creamy treat is still good—and how to make sure it’s safe to eat for as long as possible.

Marla Mackoul










A massive thunderstorm turns the sky dark over a field in Sweden.

Storms are used to set an ominous tone in spooky stories, even as they bring much-needed relief to parched fields or distressed humans on a hot day.

Dennis Mersereau


Grab your magnifying glass.

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

Ellen Gutoskey


Digital blood pressure monitors allow people to check their systolic and diastolic numbers at home.

You can’t actually feel your blood pressure, but it’s one of the body’s most important indicators of cardiovascular health. Here’s the lowdown on how blood pressure works—and what it means for your overall wellness.

Jordan Rosenfeld