SCIENCE

Why a Dripping Faucet Makes That Maddening 'Plink' Sound—and How to Stop It

Scientists have found a hack to help you quell the sound until the plumber comes.

15 Riveting Facts About Alan Turing

More than six decades after his death, Alan Turing’s life remains a point of fascination—even for people who have no interest in his groundbreaking work in computer science.

NASA Has a Plan to Stop the Next Asteroid That Threatens Life on Earth

Don't panic—the U.S. government has a plan for doomsday.

10 Scientific Benefits of Being a Dog Owner

Dogs make you happier and healthier, and they might even detect cancer.

This Scientist's Idea of the 'Perfect' Human Body Is Kind of Terrifying

Perhaps most disturbing of all is the baby head poking out of the sculpture’s marsupial pouch.

These Sparrows Have Been Singing the Same Songs for 1500 Years

Talk about a one-hit wonder.

Undersea Internet Cables Could Be Key to the Future of Earthquake Detection

A lot of earthquakes happen offshore, but we don't yet have a comprehensive network of sensors to study them.

New Plant-Based Coating Can Keep Your Avocados Fresh for Twice as Long

We can all sleep a little easier now.

16 Facts About Migraines

Migraine disorder is much more than a bad headache.

Illustration by Mental Floss / Images: iStock

11 Facts About the Appendix

It has a function after all.

Science Has a Good Explanation For Why You Can't Resist That Doughnut

It's not just you.

Yoga and Meditation May Lead to an Inflated Ego

Participants were more likely to say that statements like "I am the most helpful person I know" describe them.

Daniel Maclise, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Charles Dickens Museum Highlights the Author's Contributions to Science and Medicine

His works of fiction contained a great deal of scientific truth.

Feeling Down? Lifting Weights Can Lift Your Mood, Too

Resistance training can improve symptoms of depression, according to a new study—regardless of how strong you get.

Uncombable Hair Syndrome Is a Real—and Very Rare—Genetic Condition

Some speculate that Einstein may have had it.

Stephen Hawking’s Memorial Will Beam His Words Toward the Nearest Black Hole

Though he wasn't able to go to outer space during his lifetime, his words will travel there after his death.

Pucker Up: Tasting Something Sour Is Linked to Taking Risks

Is the key to bravery just eating lemons?

'Hotel Influenza' Will Pay You $3500 to Come Get the Flu

You'll get the flu virus shoved directly up your nose, but you'll also get $3500 shoved directly into your pocket.

Ravens Can Figure Out When Someone Is Spying on Them

Ravens, like primates, can discern the mental states of others.

World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research

This Interactive Chart Shows How Your Lifestyle Can Change Your Cancer Risk

Here's an easy guide to what the evidence actually shows when it comes to cancer risk.

Don't Be So Quick to Trust Companies That Claim to Know Your 'Cellular' Age

At-home telomere tests are available online, but proceed with caution.

The Moon Is Making the Days on Earth Longer

You won't notice it, though.

6 Reasons Why Swearing Is Good for You

Read on and curse if you must. Why the hell not?

Can You Solve These 11 Optical Illusions?

Looking for a way to give your brain a jumpstart? Try tackling the 11 perplexing optical illusions in this interactive game.

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