Mental Floss

MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Thought microwave heat would be enough to kill all forms of bacteria? Think again.

Microwaves can harbor radiation-resistant bacteria, according to a new study published in 'Frontiers in Microbiology.' Fortunately, these microwave cleaning hacks can help.

Ah, the dreaded red sock.

Thanks to modern technology, you don’t usually need to separate your laundry—though it can still be beneficial in certain cases.

Bees have given us lots of idioms.

Making a beeline for the buffet table? You’re buying into some bee stereotypes.

Some kids are already hitting the books while other are still relaxing at home.

If you've ever wondered how varied back-to-school start dates are across the country, you've come to the right place.

Fat stacks of cold, hard cash.

The meaning behind the money.

The word is ‘soup.’

There's a fancy term for forgetting a word—'lethologica.'

A wiggly tape measure isn't to blame for any mistaken measurements.

There's a good reason the metal hook on a tape measure wiggles, and it has to do with why the first inch is actually 1/16th of an inch short.

Team Italy at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Synchronized swimming now goes by the name ‘artistic swimming.’ Here's why.

The Libero on Brazil’s team wears blue.

Volleyball doesn’t have goalkeepers, but it does have liberos—and the rules are a little different for them.

Léon Marchand at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

There are several reasons why a host country might see a boost in the Olympics medal count.

Some Olympic athletes still sport paper bibs.

The big paper tags seen on Olympic track and field athletes are both high-tech tracking devices and sentimental souvenirs.

The song may not actually have much to do with a weasel at all.

You may think you know the words to “Pop! Goes the Weasel.” The tune is everywhere from jack-in-the-box toys to Data and Riker’s first encounter in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. But it may not even be about a weasel at all.

Tourists will notice something different about their soda cans when visiting Hawaii.

Sodas in the Aloha State look a little different from what you’re probably used to.

The expression—which can be used for all things adorable—dates back to the early 20th century.

Red eyes are a hallmark of many albino creatures.

It has nothing to do with red pigment.

Dutch field hockey player Lars Balk during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Here’s why high-level field hockey competitions keep the turf nice and watered.

The extra cap isn't entirely for show.

Deodorant sticks often come with one outer cap and one inner cap, but the purpose of that extra inner cap isn’t really clear.

No one wants to see anything near 100°F on their dashboard.

You aren’t imagining things: Your weather app and your dashboard don’t often agree.

Italy's Laura Bruschini at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.

Beach volleyball's hand signals are a handy way for a blocker to clue their teammate into their next move.

Two caps offer a smooth finish.

There's a reason why two caps are better than one.

Note the lack of coconuts on the right.

You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? It may have actually been a different type of palm tree.

French fencer Auriane Mallo-Breton at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Fencing body cords aren't a safety measure.

The pools at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are built with speed in mind.

Learn the science behind the most advanced swimming pools out there.

Great Britain's Kieran Bird at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

It's to get the blood flowing—or is it?