Mental Floss

LISTS

In 2021, scientists identified what is believed to be the earliest known human victim of a shark attack.

While many of us spent the bulk of 2021 stuck inside (again), we learned—for the second year in a row—that groundbreaking discoveries in archaeology, paleontology, astrology, and Skeet Ulrich’s filmography don’t stop just because of a pandemic.

Editorial Staff






Unsung heroes from history.

History may be written by the victors, but it’s high time some of history’s quieter contributors got the attention they deserve.

Zoë Randolph


Chimpanzees hang out in Gombe National Park.

Chimpanzees share about 98 percent of their genes with humans, but you wouldn't want to invite this side of the family over for dinner.

Liz Langley
Run-DMC pictured in 1987.

It took a little convincing, but in 1987—fresh off their smash hit album 'Raising Hell'—Run-DMC agreed to record a holiday song for the star-studded charity album 'A Very Special Christmas.' And a Christmas classic was born.

Kenneth Partridge






Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and The Duchess of Sussex leave following their wedding ceremony in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.

From England to Japan, royal family members have been upending tradition and risking it all to be with the people they love for decades.

Kaeli Conforti




Denzorr/iStock via Getty Images

What’s worse: Lava or ash? And what are these rocks plummeting from the sky? Volcanologist Dr. Janine Krippner shared her tips for how to escape an erupting volcano.

Mike Rampton






subjug/iStock via Getty Images Plus (folder) // Edwin Tan/iStock via Getty Images Plus (the dog) // peshkov/iStock via Getty Images Plus (desk)

We spoke to dog groomers about the most challenging breeds to groom, their tricks for handling difficult customers, and other hairy aspects of the job.

Michele Debczak
George Clooney and Brad Pitt star in Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's Eleven (2001).

In 2001, newly minted Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh gathered up some of the biggest names in Hollywood and pulled off a heist movie for the ages.

Jon O'Brien
Many other countries put a spin on eggnog.

Eggnog is a holiday staple in the U.S., but America hasn't cornered the market on the beverage; in fact, countries from Mexico to Scotland have their own eggnog recipes.

Ashley M. Biggers