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9 Facts About the Denisovans, Our Mysterious Human Ancestor
The Denisovans went extinct around 30,000 years ago. Scientists are just beginning to unravel their genetic legacy.
SCIENCE
Why Do Kids Eat Their Boogers?
Catching a kid picking their nose isn’t too unusual, but have you ever wondered what makes them want to actually eat their boogers? Discover more about the science behind mucophagy and its enduring appeal to youngsters.
The Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks on Earth Day in 2024
Make some time for the Lyrid meteor shower and you’ll probably see shooting stars zooming across the heavens every few minutes.
How an Amateur Astronomer Discovered Uranus
In 1781, William Herschel looked through his telescope and saw Uranus.
What’s the Difference Between Moths and Butterflies?
Both develop from caterpillars and both have impressive wings, but if you know what to look for, it's easy to tell moths and butterflies apart.
‘What Hath God Wrought’: The Biblical Phrase That Made Scientific History
The origins of ‘what hath God wrought’ go much farther back than the first telegraph message.
Does Febreze Really “Trap” Bad Odors?
When you spritz some Febreze into the air, it actually uses compounds called cyclodextrins to trap those odor-causing molecules.
7 Fascinating Facts About Martian Dust Devils
Martian dust devils have been intriguing astronomers and climatologists for decades. Here’s some amazing trivia about these red planet whirlwinds.
NASA's Interactive Eclipse Map Tells You Where and When to Get the Best View
If you want to experience the solar eclipse on April 8, this interactive tool has everything you need to know.
10 of the Biggest Earthquakes in History
From a surprise temblor in the Mississippi Valley to colossal ruptures and tsunamis around the Pacific Ring of Fire, these are some of the biggest earthquakes in modern times.
How Do Teeth Whiteners Work?
The main ingredient for a whiter smile? Hydrogen peroxide.
12 Facts About Hammerhead Sharks
Some of them swim sideways.
Leona Libby, the Pioneering Nuclear Physicist Who Helped Build the Atomic Bomb
To win a nuclear arms race, Leona Libby hid a pregnancy and brushed off being irradiated.
Can You Really Go Blind Staring at a Solar Eclipse?
Total solar eclipse mania is gripping the United States. Should the wide-eyed and unprotected hazard a peek at this rare phenomenon?
How Do Owls Fly So Silently?
Owl feathers’ special structures help the wise birds sneak up on their meals.
Do Sharks Really Not Get Cancer?
As the thinking goes, sharks don’t get cancer, so the pills will keep you from getting it, too. But there’s a problem with that theory.
10 Clever Facts About Raccoons
Whether they’re scaling skyscrapers or digging through your trash, raccoons are fascinating. Discover more about their habits, diet, and intelligence.
8 Safety Tips for Watching the 2024 Solar Eclipse
Whether you’ll be in the path of totality or elsewhere in North America, you need to be cautious when viewing the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Solar Eclipse 2024: The Mental Floss Viewing Guide
Here's everything you need to know about Great North American Eclipse, from its path of totality, to the best place to view it, to finding safe eclipse glasses.
Bloody Mary: Why We Think We See Ghosts in Mirrors
The spooky Bloody Mary phenomenon has a scientific explanation.
Coyotes vs. Foxes: What’s the Difference—and How to Tell Them Apart
It may be hard to tell foxes and coyotes apart from far away, but there are several key differences distinguishing them.
How Do Baby Birds Breathe Inside Their Eggs?
Discover the fascinating ways eggs provide everything a baby bird needs, including oxygen through a sophisticated system of membranes and air pockets.