Mental Floss

CHEMISTRY

Harvey Washington Wiley (back row, second from left) and the young volunteers of the Poison Squad.

The Men Who Volunteered to Be Poisoned by the Government

In 1902, 12 men agreed to take low doses of poison in order to test their efficacy as food preservatives. No one died. Basically.

When the conclave of cardinals have elected a new pope, white smoke is emitted from the chapel chimney.

How Do They Make the Smoke for a Papal Conclave?

When Catholic cardinals meet to pick a new pope in a papal conclave, they have signaled their progress by sending colored smoke up the chapel chimney.

This pile of yeast and bacteria could be helpful for scientists.

Researchers Are Asking Home Bakers to Donate Their Sourdough Starters to Science

Sourdough for science? Researchers are analyzing live cultures from bread starters to develop healthier, plant-based fermented foods.

Room temperature is a frame of reference.

What Exactly Is ‘Room Temperature’?

Misunderstanding room temperature can have some surprisingly serious consequences.

Perhaps a recall is in order.

Why Do Cars Catch Fire?

A car accident in a movie usually ends in a huge fireball. But what really causes vehicle fires?

Just don’t overdo it.

Tired of Drinking Bitter Tea? Try Adding Salt, Not Sugar

Tea and sugar are a classic combination. But salt may actually be more helpful when it comes to improving tea’s flavor.

Here‘s how to get the most out of your hand warmers during this frosty season.

How to Extend the Life of Your Hand Warmers

Tired of wasting hand warmers after a single use? Learn how to stretch them as long as possible.

Can You Put the First 25 Elements of the Periodic Table in Order?

Here’s hoping you paid attention in science class.

Roman coins from the Hoxne hoard, buried in the 5th century in Hoxne, Suffolk, UK.

Lead Pollution May Have Lowered IQs in Ancient Rome, Study Finds

The mass production of silver coins in the Roman Empire had an unintended effect: spewing so much lead into the atmosphere that it may have lowered citizens’ IQs.

There‘s a time and place for black tea (left) and herbal tea (right).

Decaffeinated vs. Caffeine-Free Tea: What’s the Difference?

“Caffeine-free tea” isn't actually tea at all.

Next time someone confuses the two drinks, you‘ll know how to correct them.

Champagne vs. Prosecco: What’s the Difference?

Don’t let wine aficionados hear you confuse these two sparkling beverages.

Not a snack.

Why Do So Many Products Come With ‘Do Not Eat’ Packets?

And what happens if you chow down on one anyway?

Super-thin pasta has medical usefulness.

The World’s Thinnest Spaghetti Could Have Surprising Medical Applications

It's 200 times thinner than human hair, and you won't find it at Olive Garden anytime soon.

We don’t recommend doing this.

New Study Reveals the Source of the Corpse Flower’s Horrible Stench

Research (and lots of dry-heaving) has revealed why the flower reeks of weeks-old road kill.

‘Alchemist in His Workshop’ by David Teniers the Younger, 17th century.

8 Fascinating Facts about Alchemy

There’s more to this spooky pseudo-science than simply turning lead into gold.

Tollund Man—a bog body at the Silkeborg Museum in Denmark

8 Kinds of Mummies That Aren’t From Ancient Egypt

China, Chile, and New Zealand are a few places that have historic mummies of their own.

Stainless steel is rust-resistant, but not quite rust-proof.

What Stops Stainless Steel From Rusting?

Stainless steel has a secret ingredient that makes it highly resistant to rust.

Surprisingly, there is truth in this advertising.

Does Febreze Really “Trap” Bad Odors?

When you spritz some Febreze into the air, it actually uses compounds called cyclodextrins to trap those odor-causing molecules.

The key to a brighter smile? Hydrogen peroxide.

How Do Teeth Whiteners Work?

The main ingredient for a whiter smile? Hydrogen peroxide.

Magnificent cheese.

The Scientific Reason Cheddar Cheese Tastes So Good

That delicious bowl of cheddar soup is really a big bowl of (good) bacteria.

Mmmm... cake!

What Are Urinal Cakes, Anyway?

Don't let the name fool you: Urinal cakes are most definitely not meant to be eaten. So what are they, and what do they do?

There’s a science behind all those colors.

How Do Fireworks Get Their Colors?

The chemistry behind the vibrant colors of fireworks is another reason to “ooh” and “aah” at the sky this Fourth of July.

Many bread recipes call for active dry yeast, but is it OK to substitute for instant yeast in a jam?

Active Dry Yeast vs. Instant Yeast: What’s the Difference?

You can use active dry and instant yeast interchangeably in most cases, but they’re not exactly the same.

Who wears rings like this?

Why Does Fake Jewelry Turn Your Skin Green?

Learning how to stop a ring from turning your finger green is easy. So is understanding why it happens in the first place.