Mental Floss

WATER

Axolotls are cute and important to the environment.

Captive-Bred Axolotls Can Survive in the Wild, Sparking Hope for the Endangered Species

Scientists in Mexico have found that axolotls bred in captivity can survive and thrive in their native habitat—which is great news for the species.

If you didn't know they had them before, now you do.

Why Does Bottled Water Have an Expiration Date?

Bottled water might seem like it lasts forever, but containers have expiration dates attached. Discover why and whether it’s safe to drink after it’s expired.

India‘s Thar Desert is looking a little greener than this nowadays.

Indian’s Thar Desert Is Getting Greener, Thanks to Human Activity

Thanks to increased accessibility to water and energy, the Thar Desert is now the most populated desert on Earth.

They look like they‘re made of glass.

Thousands of Blue Blobs Wash Up in California, Signaling Spring

Learn what these creatures are, why they appear, and if they’re safe to touch.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing a wash routine that‘s best for you.

How Often Should You Wash Your Hair?

Find out how factors like age, hair type, and lifestyle influence your ideal shampoo routine.

Damaged mirrors can certainly make one distraught.

Why Do Mirrors Have Black Spots?

Those unsightly black marks even have a name: mirror rot.

The UK is stricter about its bottled water than the U.S., as it were.

Why Can’t You Buy Dasani Bottled Water in the UK?

Dasani bottled water was poised to take the UK market by storm, but shortly after it was released in 2004, Coca-Cola yanked it off shelves. Discover the real reasons why here.

Time to get pampered.

Maine Fisherman Pampers the Protected Lobsters He Catches With Claw Manicures

One Maine lobster fisherman goes the extra mile by taking care of the protected crustaceans he catches before returning them to the water.

Marine mystery of octopus riding shark

Brave Octopus Filmed Hitchhiking on a 10-Foot Shark

A Maori octopus was spotted clinging to a shortfin mako shark, leaving scientists puzzled.

Here‘s how to keep your kicks looking fresh.

How to Clean Your Dirty White Sneakers

Bring your white shoes back to life with these steps.

Many alligators were found in Alachua County‘s sewage system.

At Least One Florida Sewage System Is Swimming With Alligators, Study Shows

Alligators living in the sewers isn’t just an urban legend.

How do these guys do it?

How Do Octopuses Poop?

The funnel they use to get around serves a dual purpose.

Astronauts face lots of challenges, including what to do with dirty underwear.

Do Astronauts Do Laundry in Space?

Tossing stinky socks in a washer isn’t really an option once you leave Earth.

Some mushroom coral species can move.

Study Reveals How Some Corals ‘Walk’ Across the Sea Floor

Witness a mushroom coral on the move.

This isn't Australia's first tussle with mystery beach blobs. A similar incident happened in 2024.

Mystery ‘Grease Balls’ Washing Ashore in Australia Are Prompting Beach Closures

The tiny little tar blobs could be nothing—or they could be dangerous.

They don't have an unlimited shelf life.

Is It Time To Replace Your Water Bottle? Here’s How To Tell

When is it time to bid farewell to your trusty water bottle? Here's what to look for, plus why it’s such a big problem in the first place.

These otters are so cute and helpful.

Otters Are Keeping Invasive Crabs Under Control in Monterey Bay

A new study shows that hungry sea otters are keeping Monterey Bay’s green crab population in check, one bite at a time.

Uh oh.

How to Keep Your Water Pipes From Freezing This Winter

Knowing how to prevent frozen pipes—and what to do if one freezes or bursts—is important information for homeowners.

Don’t look up.

What‘s the Difference Between Hail, Sleet, and Freezing Rain?

Frozen precipitation comes in many forms, and they all pose unique threats.

Shot of A23a taken from space.

1 Trillion-Ton “Megaberg” Is Roaming the Ocean Once Again

The mammoth iceberg first broke off in 1986. Roughly the size of Rhode Island, A23a is on the move once more.

It looks scrumptious.

Vodka Is the Secret to a Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust

Nobody likes tough pie crust. Vodka can prevent the issue.

If you want to visit the Trevi Fountain in Rome, you should probably wait until maintenance is done.

Visitors in Rome Settle for Makeshift Pool as Trevi Fountain Undergoes Maintenance

People won’t get to throw coins in the Italian city’s biggest fountain for a while.

It's a chore the whole family can get in on.

Yes, You Need to Clean Your Dishwasher—Here’s How

Discover the easiest ways to clean your dishwasher, plus the spots you definitely don't want to forget about (like your dishwasher seals).

The Neptune Memorial Reef off Florida’s coast.

Explore the World’s First Underwater Cemetery

Neptune Memorial Reef is a piece of art, a cemetery, and a haven for wildlife.