Mental Floss

BIOLOGY

The pineal gland is located in the center of the brain.

René Descartes once described the pineal gland as “the principal seat of the soul.” Medical knowledge has vastly progressed since his time, though. Here’s what we know about this critical organ.

Jordan Rosenfeld


Foot pain and sprained ankles are just a few of the common problems affecting our ill-adapted feet.

From back injuries to difficult childbirth, here are six annoying parts of being human that you can blame on evolution.

Megan Gannon


















A northern hawk owl snoozes in a tree cavity.

At some point, whether during the day or at night, all birds need to sleep. How do they do it?

Annabel Bourne


Parrots are among the longest-living birds.

A single number for birds’ lifespans is difficult to pin down, but the ability to fly is one of the keys to their longevity.

Annabel Bourne


They’re the only marsupials you're likely to find north of Mexico.

Opossums have a bad reputation, but they’re smarter and more beneficial to people than other woodland denizens. Discover more about these unique marsupials here.

Michele Debczak