Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS

Michael Kilcoyne, Unsplash

To many dog owners, whiskers are just another cute feature on their pup's face. But they're much more than that to the canines who sport them.

Michele Debczak




Marten Bjork, Unsplash

Sugar plums didn't originally contain plums, and their name once doubled as a not-so-sweet euphemism.

Michele Debczak


Pixabay, Pexels

Even if you're used to seeing your cat throw up, don't ignore it: It could be a sign of something serious.

Michele Debczak








The bull is just part of the logo, not the drink.

The caffeine in Red Bull can compete with your morning coffee, and Red Bull’s taurine has nothing to do with an actual bull.

Ellen Gutoskey


Astronaut Kate Rubins casts her ballot from space.

Kate Rubins cast her ballot from the International Space Station with the help of a county clerk and a nifty technology known as the PDF.

Ellen Gutoskey








Wildfires have reached historic proportions this year.

The August Complex fire ravaging California is being called a "gigafire," and it's every bit as imposing and destructive as the name implies.

Jake Rossen
Who wouldn't be screaming in this situation?

Our ancestors may have predisposed us to fear spiders, insects, and other many-legged creatures, but there's a lot more to it.

Ellen Gutoskey