biology

What Is a Calorie?

Let's break it down.

Watch a "Trained" Spider Named Kim Leap Six Times Its Body Length

Kim was the only regal jumping spider willing to participate in the researchers' study.

The Fascinating Science Behind Why We See 'Faces' In Objects

No, you're not the only one who has seen the face of Elvis in a potato chip.

Why Are Girls' Voices Usually Higher Than Boys' Voices?

It all comes down to vocal cords and hormones. Here's why girls' voices are usually higher than boys' voices.

Hans Hillewaert, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.03

11 Body-Snatching Parasites

With the ability to control and even kill their hosts, each one of these parasites could star as the next terror of the silver screen.

Scientists Use a CT Scanner to Give Whales a Hearing Test

There's a lot we don't know about how whales hear.

Women Suffer Worse Migraines Than Men. Now Scientists Think They Know Why

This could change the way we treat the condition.

Scientists Accidentally Make Plastic-Eating Bacteria Even More Efficient

The enzyme has the potential to be improved even further.

Night Owls May Have a 10 Percent Higher Risk of Early Death, Study Concludes

People who stay up late and sleep in late have a 10 percent higher risk of dying sooner compared to early risers.

Why Do Sour Things Make Me Pucker?

It could be your body's way of saying "watch out!" Here is the reason why sour things make you pucker.

Why Are Feet So Stinky?

It’s not actually your feet that stink. It's actually the bacteria that lives on your feet that smells.

7 Fast Facts About Animal Farting

Farts really can be deadly.

Why Do Animals Have Whiskers?

From cats and dogs to rats and seals, animals use whiskers to help them find their way and follow their prey.

Photo illustration by Mental Floss. Images: iStock.

What's Really Happening When We See 'Stars' After Rubbing Our Eyes?

Don't worry—it's perfectly normal.

Watch a Caterpillar Hatch From an Egg the Size of a Pinhead

This is a side of insect life we rarely get to see.

Why Your Knuckles Make That Satisfying Cracking Sound, According to Science

One of life's most pressing questions, explained.

iStock // Heinrich Hoffmann/Keystone Features/Getty Images // collage by Jen Pinkowski

When German Scientists Tried to Rename Bats and Shrews, Hitler Threatened to Send Them to War

An excerpt from Michael Ohl's 'The Art of Naming.'

Remembering Sudan, the World's Last Male Northern White Rhino

Following age-related complications, Sudan—the last male northern white rhinoceros alive—was euthanized by a team of vets in Kenya in March 2018. But his genetic material could still be used to help save the species.

What Is a Scientific Theory?

A theory in science is very different from a theory in everyday conversation.

More Evidence to Suggest That Your Insomnia Is Genetic

Blame your parents.

Why Does My Skin Wrinkle in Water?

Have you ever noticed that your fingers and toes get wrinkled when you’ve been soaking in water for a while?

New Lobster Emoji Gets Updated After Mainers Noticed It Was Missing a Set of Legs

The people of Maine fought hard for this emoji, and they want designers to get it right.

How Scientists Are Using Plant-Based DNA Barcodes to Bust Counterfeiters

It sounds like science fiction, but it’s already happening.

Where Do Birds Get Their Songs?

Singing is woven into their DNA.