Mental Floss

NEWS



"So that's why I twitch in my sleep!"

While the COVID-19 pandemic was a driving force behind some of Mental Floss's most popular stories of 2020, the historical precedent of the 1918 pandemic was clearly of interest, too.

mentalfloss .com


Octavia E. Butler autographs a copy of Fledgling at a book signing.

Born in Pasadena, California, on June 22, 1947, science fiction author Octavia E. Butler was one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century.

Kritika Agrawal




A cat that nuzzles your head is essentially saying you're part of the team. A subordinate, but still part of the team.

Cats seem to enjoy booping humans on their foreheads. Is it a sign of affection, or yet another sign of condescension?

Jake Rossen
Whatever this is, it can't be good.

The Merugo Parasitological Museum has more than 300 life-sucking species on display, including a 28.9-foot long tapeworm. It's got date night written all over it.

Jake Rossen






A resourceful restaurant employee is one person we have to thank for this delicious dish.

From the chips, to the toppings, to the molten yellow cheese that’s become synonymous with the dish, the history of nachos can tell us a lot more than their simple ingredients list might suggest.

Michele Debczak


She knows it's coming.

Just like fireworks and thunderstorms, vacuums are unexpectedly loud—but that’s not the only reason your dog hates them so much.

Ellen Gutoskey