MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

Your sheets need to be washed on a regular basis.

Here's How Often You Should Be Washing Your Sheets

Bedsheets may look clean, but they harbor a variety of nasty things—from dust mites to, yes, even poop.

These seemingly random digits can tell you a lot.

What Do the Numbers on Barcodes Mean?

Barcode scanners don’t need to register the number below the barcode, but it can tell you a lot about a product.

Fabric softener acts as a lubricant for your laundry.

What Does Fabric Softener Actually Do?

Fabric softener is supposed to reduce friction and wrinkles and prolong the life of your clothing. But there are some downsides to using it.

Pharmacists are happy to help. But only after you've walked through the entire store.

The Reason Pharmacies Are Usually Located in the Back of a Store

There's an excellent reason why pharmacy locations like CVS and Walgreens make you walk all the way through the store before picking up your antibiotics.

Coronavirus vaccine trials pose a lot of questions for those looking to volunteer.

10 Questions About Joining a Coronavirus Vaccine Trial, Answered

Thinking of enrolling in one of the coronavirus vaccine trials being conducted around the country? Here's what you need to know.

Earthquakes don't cause giant cartoonish chasms to open up, but they can tear up the landscape like this.

9 Rockin' Facts About Earthquakes

Fear not: the chances of “The Big One” hitting while you read this article are very, very slim. But that doesn't mean you should let your guard down.

The face of a dog who clearly knows that a hard rain's a-gonna fall.

The Reason Dogs Are Terrified of Thunderstorms—And How You Can Help

Your dog’s anxiety might be from the thunder itself—or it could be related to knowing a thunderstorm is coming.

Why Do We Say ‘Spill the Beans’?

The phrase was around long before Kevin Malone dropped his famous chili in season five of ‘The Office.’

If you're looking for a caffeine fix, you know that orange pot isn't going to help.

Why Are Decaf Coffee Pots Orange?

Both decaf and regular coffee drinkers know what the orange spout and handle on a carafe means, but they may not know why the color was chosen.

If you ever find yourself in a Mac and Me-type situation, it's best to know what to do.

What Should You Do In the Unlikely Event You Meet An Alien?

We've all seen 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.' But if you find an alien in your backyard—who you gonna call?

This woman is going to make a quick stop at Whole Foods' bakery section before book club.

Why Does Altitude Affect Baking?

Don’t blame yourself for those bone-dry brownies you made in Aspen—blame the air pressure (or lack thereof).

Princess Anne's aversion to handshakes isn't personal—it's logical.

The Reason Princess Anne Doesn’t Shake Hands With the Public

It’s technically a tradition, but many royal family members have dropped the practice (including Queen Elizabeth II).

Wax paper is great for keeping your counter space clean (as seen above).

Wax Paper vs. Parchment Paper: What’s the Difference for Cooking?

These two paper goods are a common sight in kitchens, but there's an important—and potentially flammable—distinction to make between them.

A stand at the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey.

Herb vs. Spice: What’s the Difference?

Simon and Garfunkel sang about herbs, not spices—but that’s not the only difference between the two.

What Are Your Rights If You Get Arrested?

You lose certain rights when you're taken into police custody, but there's plenty you can do (or avoid doing) to legally protect yourself.

This woman systematically drinks orange juice while her creative juices are flowing.

Systemic vs. Systematic: How to Use Each Word Correctly

Something systemic—like a disease—means it’s present throughout a system. ‘Systematic’ refers to how a system is operated.

Abandoned shopping carts could be a sign of social dysfunction.

The Reason Some People Never Return Shopping Carts, According to Science

Leaving a cart abandoned in a parking lot is a social nuisance. What drives people to practice poor supermarket etiquette?

The Reason We Get Morning Breath

Waking up to a foul taste is a common dilemma. Fortunately, there are some easy steps to reduce a bad oral presentation in the morning.

The Clever Reason Oranges Are Sold in Red Mesh Bags

Orange citrus is almost always sold in red packaging, and the reason for that has to do with how our brains perceive color.

These 2-ton concrete balls are for shoppers' safety, but they pose a risk of their own.

The Reason Target Has Those Giant Red Concrete Spheres Outside

The giant red spheres, a.k.a. bollards, outside Target's stores do help reinforce the brand's red bullseye logo, but they’re mainly there to keep shoppers safe.

Even without raging benders, dogs might still get headaches.

Do Dogs Get Headaches?

Dogs and humans share some of the same central neural pathways. Does that mean they need blackout curtains for crippling headaches, too?

3 p.m. is basically noon for people who wake up at 12 p.m.

Why Did Noon Used to Mean 3 p.m.?

We don’t know exactly when or why noon began to refer to 12 p.m., but it could have something to do with hungry monks.

What’s the Difference Between a Tiara and a Crown?

There’s a reason that Meghan Markle’s first time sporting a tiara (borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II) was on her wedding day.

What Day Is It Again? Why It's So Easy to Lose Track of Time in Quarantine

If your Tuesday feels like a Thursday, you're not alone. Here's why we've lost access to our internal calendars.

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