Mental Floss

ENVIRONMENT

The monarch butterfly is facing challenges.

Monarch Butterflies May Soon Be Protected By the Endangered Species Act

Conservationists warn that the monarch could die out by the end of the century unless action is taken.

What‘s less frequent than northern lights? Their opposite: anti-auroras.

Rare, Black ‘Anti-Auroras‘ Spotted in Alaska

Anti-auroras are even less common than the northern lights.

The northern lights are an event to remember.

Missed the Northern Lights This Year? Scientists Say They’re About to Get More Active

If the northern lights are on your bucket list, the 2026 to 2027 winter season will be exciting for you.

The online database covers nearly all the fossils discovered in New Zealand.

New Zealand Is the First Country to Open Its Fossil Database to the Public

New Zealand’s open-access fossil database makes it easier for scientists to collaborate.

It doesn’t look too friendly.

An Australian Zoo Needs Help Collecting Deadly Spiders and Their Eggs

The Australian Reptile Park is asking the public to capture the Sydney funnel-web spider, one of the most dangerous species in the world.

They are several differences between the two.

Tsunami vs. Tidal Wave: What’s the Difference?

Tsunamis and tidal waves may look similar, but they differ in crucial ways.

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.

The air looks good enough to buy.

Local Canned Air Is Being Sold as a Souvenir at Italy’s Lake Como

Forget the snow globes and ornaments. Buy souvenir air instead.

The beaches of Newfoundland are covered with gooey white blobs.

Weird White Blobs Are Taking Over Some Canadian Beaches

The beaches of Newfoundland are a little less pleasant since white blobs have appeared everywhere.

Giant sequoias are Earth’s most massive trees.

A Forest of Giant Sequoias Is Growing in Detroit

A local organization is aiming to fill Detroit’s vacant land with gigantic forests.

San Diego is at the top of the list.

The 10 Greenest Cities in the U.S.

If you want to lessen your impact on the environment, consider moving to one of these metro areas.

Mount Everest is slowly getting more challenging for climbers.

Mount Everest Keeps Growing—a New Study May Help Explain Why

The world’s tallest peak is experiencing an 89,000-year-long growth spurt.

The Neptune Memorial Reef off Florida’s coast.

Explore the World’s First Underwater Cemetery

Neptune Memorial Reef is a piece of art, a cemetery, and a haven for wildlife.

Scientists are concerned, and you should be too

Scientists Say Antarctica’s ‘Doomsday Glacier’ Could Be Gone Within 200 Years

Scientists warn that the loss of the Thwaites Glacier could raise global sea levels by 25 inches.

Raking leaves is annoying—and totally unnecessary.

Leave the Leaves: Why Nature Experts Say You Shouldn’t Rake Your Yard This Fall

Good news for anyone who hates raking their lawn: You don’t have to.

Linhares’ new law gives part of the ocean several protections.

Brazilian City Grants Legal Personhood to Ocean Waves in Historic First

Linhares in Brazil has taken a groundbreaking step by granting human rights to part of the ocean.

LEGO is showing customers it cares about the environment.

LEGO Wants to Source Half Its Plastic from Renewable Materials by 2026

The iconic toy company plans to reduce its environmental impact.

Pinpoint the perfect weekend for leaf-peeping.

Get Excited for Fall With the 2024 Peak Foliage Map

Can't wait for fall? Start planning the ultimate leaf-peeping expedition now with this interactive map showing peak foliage predictions for 2024.

Shiitake mushrooms (left) are edible, while fly agaric (right) is extremely toxic, causing serious symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations.

Mushrooms vs. Toadstools: What’s the Difference?

The definitions of toadstools and mushrooms are a bit intertwined.

You don't want to come across a bearded fireworm on your beach day.

Beachgoers, Beware: Venomous Fireworms Have Been Spotted on Texas Shores

Texans should take special caution on beaches—these fireworms pack a powerful sting.

Make a pollinator’s life easier by providing it a place to stay.

How to Make a Bee Hotel in Your Yard

The solitary bee population is declining—here’s what you can do to help.

Say hello to the world's cutest research assistant.

Sea Lions With Cameras Collect Valuable (and Adorable) Footage of the Ocean Floor

Sea lion camera crews are helping scientists map uncharted waters.

Air pollution may keep these pollinators from doing their jobs.

Air Pollution May Prevent Bees From Smelling Flowers

Air pollution is making it hard for bees to pollinate flowers.

Eating seafood is getting riskier.

Climate Change Is Making Seafood Dangerous to Eat

Mercury in seafood is another growing concern thanks to global warming.