Mental Floss

NATURE

John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove and the Montgomery County Audubon Collection, Audubon.org // Public Domain

John James Audubon didn't establish the Audubon Society, but he did create of America's most iconic works of natural history, 'The Birds of America.' He also had controversial views about vultures.

Austin Thompson




iStock.com/yodiyim

The ancient Greeks and Romans gorged themselves while lying down, but medical professionals say eating (and digesting) in a reclined position isn't such a good idea.

Emily Petsko








iStock.com/Thomas Schnitzler

Visitors to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in Iceland nearly doubled after Justin Bieber shot a music video there—but is the pop star really to blame for the site's closure?

Michele Debczak




iStock.com/SumikoPhoto

Whether you’ve made the trek yourself or seen it on a postcard, the Grand Canyon is one of the most instantly recognizable sights in the United States. But how well do you really know the Colorado River’s most famous handiwork?

M. Arbeiter
iStock/pulpitis

With their comical expressions and orange beaks full of fish, Atlantic puffins and their kin are some of the most recognizable birds on the planet. Read on for more puffin facts.

Colin Ainsworth


J. Malcolm Greany, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

The celebrated photographer—who was born on this day in 1902—once mutilated his own negatives. On purpose.

Jake Rossen