MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

It's not just about pelvic pain or bad periods.

6 Common Misconceptions About Endometriosis

There’s a lot of confusion about endometriosis symptoms, treatment, and other basics. We spoke to a specialist to set the record straight.

Naming a cat "Whiskers" is like naming a baby "Fingertips."

Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?

Apart from being the feline equivalent of a fancy mustache, what are cat whiskers for? As it turns out, multiple things.

Why Do We Say 'Cut to the Chase'?

“Cut to the chase” is a slightly friendlier way of telling someone to get to the point, but old Hollywood filmmakers meant it literally.

The Reason Why Clothes in the Laundry Shrink When You Wash Them—and How to Stop It

Are you making doll clothing after every wash? Here's how to prevent the dreaded shrinkage in your laundry piles.

Why Are Bathtubs So Small? The Answer Is More Complex Than You Might Imagine

If you're a human of average size, taking a bath isn't always as relaxing as it sounds—especially when your legs are sticking halfway out of the water. The problem? Bathtubs are too small. But why?

Are Tennis Balls Bad for Dogs?

As far as dog toys go, tennis balls aren’t exactly the safest kind. Here are the risks (and how to avoid them).

Sympathy vs. Empathy: What’s the Difference?

Empathy’s definition originally described the relationship between humans and objects. Now, it’s much less straightforward.

Why Are Deserts So Hot During the Day and Cold at Night?

Deserts either want to broil you alive or force you to put on layers. It's a fascinating ecological condition with a simple explanation.

What Happened to the White Dog Poop That Used to Be Everywhere?

It wasn't a product of your young imagination: Chalky, white dog poop really was everywhere in the 1970s and '80s. Here's why it went away.

Greeters can mean increased profits for stores.

The Reason Why Walmart and Other Retail Stores Put Greeters at the Door

Having a person stand at attention at the entrance to a store makes shoppers feel welcome, but there's also a financial benefit for retailers.

Carpeting in cars provides a real benefit.

The Reason Cars Have Carpeted Floors

They collect dirt, grime, snow, and assorted gunk. They stain. So why do car manufacturers insist on carpeting floors?

Can Honey Go Bad?

Honey can spend years in a pantry without spoiling because bees are very diligent when it comes to food safety.

Rock salt can damage concrete driveways.

The Reason You Should Never Spread Rock Salt on Concrete Driveways

Millions of people treat slippery surfaces with rock salt, but it can wind up doing your driveway a lot more harm than good.

Public bathrooms are uncomfortable for a reason.

The Reason Public Bathroom Stalls Have Gaps

The design of public restrooms guarantees you'll never be all that comfortable. Blame Frank Lloyd Wright.

An 'ice volcano' erupts along Lake Michigan.

'Ice Volcanoes' Are Forming—Here's Why

The peculiar mounds of ice that 'erupt' with water are popping up near the Great Lakes and as far away as Kazakhstan.

The Real Reason Cars Have Those 'Grab Handles' Above the Doors

This particular car safety feature isn’t so your passengers can wordlessly convey that they think you’re a reckless driver.

If they're not sitting at a desk all day, they might be a blue-collar worker.

Blue Collar vs. White Collar Jobs: What’s the Difference?

White collar jobs are purportedly better paying and more respectable than blue collar jobs—here’s how that came to be.

JLGutierrez/iStock via Getty Images Plus

What's the Difference Between Copyright, Trademark, and Patents?

When you have a great idea, do you copyright, trademark, or patent it? Well, it all depends on what kind of idea it is.

As potholes go, this one is pretty photogenic.

How Do Potholes Form?

Potholes are the bane of drivers everywhere. Unfortunately, not much can be done to prevent them from forming.

How to Stop a Running Toilet Without Calling a Plumber

A hissing or noisy throne is usually an easy fix if you know what to look for. Here's how to stop a running toilet.

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), NOAA

What Exactly Is a Nor’easter?

Nor’easters have earned their reputation for wreaking havoc on land. But what qualifies a storm as a nor’easter?

What's the Difference Between Buzzards and Vultures?

If you call a buzzard a vulture in the UK, be prepared to get some strange looks. There is a difference between the two birds of prey.

Chains hanging from service vehicles serve a purpose.

The Reason Service Vehicles Like Ambulances and Fire Trucks Have Chains Hanging From the Bottom

Like a cat on a perch, the chains on school buses and ambulances seem to dangle with no apparent purpose. Their true mission is actually pretty clever.

The Reason Your Cat Loves to Sit On Your Computer Keyboard

This confounding cat behavior is mostly because our furry friends love warm spots and attention from you.

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