- How To Turn Your Smartphone Into a “Dumb Phone”
Could making your mobile device a bit “stupider” be the key to curbing that pesky smartphone addiction? You can see for yourself with these handy tips.
- 2 days ago 18 Jul 25, 3:02pm -
- How Your Android Phone Can Alert You to Earthquakes Before You Feel Them
Every second counts when it comes to earthquakes, and Android‘s AEA system is changing how people prepare for one of nature’s most unpredictable disasters.
- 2 days ago 18 Jul 25, 2:01pm -
- The Reason You Shouldn’t Drink From Your Garden Hose
Tempting though it may be, sipping from a hose is inviting a whole lot of health problems.
- 2 days ago 18 Jul 25, 1:01pm -
- Mapped: Theme Parks With the Longest (and Shortest) Lines
Spend less time waiting in line and more time holding on for dear life.
- 2 days ago 17 Jul 25, 5:01pm -
- 7-Eleven’s New Delivery Robots Are Using Public Transportation in China
A growing trend in automation is reshaping how everyday items reach store shelves in Shenzhen, China.
- 3 days ago 17 Jul 25, 4:21pm -
- 10 Best States for Concert Lovers
Tennessee is obviously a dream for music fans, but other states on the list might surprise you.
- 3 days ago 17 Jul 25, 3:01pm -
- Surprising Partnership Between Ocelots and Opossums Captured By Trail Cameras
Scientists in the Amazon have discovered a rare and puzzling bond between ocelots and opossums—two species typically seen as predator and prey.
- 3 days ago 17 Jul 25, 1:01pm -
- 6 Campfire Hacks for Building a Better Blaze
Don’t get left in the cold on your next camping trip. Build a better campfire with these easy hacks.
- 3 days ago 17 Jul 25, 11:02am -
- Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #47
The riddle below dates back to 1902—can you figure it out?
- 3 days ago 17 Jul 25, 10:04am -
- Mapped: Each State‘s Top-Searched Summer Book Genre
Discover the most-searched summer book genres in every U.S. state, from gripping fiction to heartfelt romance.
- 3 days ago 16 Jul 25, 5:01pm -
- 5 Misconceptions About AI
If you’ve ever caught yourself sympathizing with ChatGPT, you may have fallen for one of these common misconceptions about AI.
- 4 days ago 16 Jul 25, 3:01pm -
- What Is “Gen Z Stare”?
All you need to know about the latest generational phenomenon sparking arguments on TikTok and other social media platforms, from what it is to why Gen Z is doing it.
- 4 days ago 16 Jul 25, 2:03pm -
- Why You Should Think Twice Before Using TikTok’s “Bucket of Doom” Mosquito Hack
Some swear by this summertime hack, and it does work. Unfortunately, though, the “bucket of doom” won’t solve all your mosquito woes this summer—here’s why.
- 4 days ago 16 Jul 25, 12:59pm -
- Crispy Salmon Meets Zesty Salsa Verde in This Quick Dinner Recipe
This pan-fried salmon recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home.
- 4 days ago 16 Jul 25, 12:02pm -
- Definition Detective Quiz #46
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
- 4 days ago 16 Jul 25, 10:01am -
- The Lost “Song of Wade”: A New Translation Decodes Fragment of Mysterious Medieval Tale
The medieval hero known as Wade was thought to have encountered elves in his adventures. But they might have been wolves instead.
- 4 days ago 15 Jul 25, 6:01pm -
- Map: The Most-Searched Tattoo Designs By State
Wondering what tattoo to get next? Check out which designs are most searched in each state, according to Google data.
- 4 days ago 15 Jul 25, 5:01pm -
- What’s Really in Floodwater—and Why It’s More Dangerous Than You Think
With flooding on the rise across the U.S., understanding what’s in the water is critical to protecting yourself and your loved ones.
- 5 days ago 15 Jul 25, 3:31pm -
- The 10 Word Pronunciations People Are Searching for Most
If you have a hard time pronouncing croissant, you‘re not alone.
- 5 days ago 15 Jul 25, 3:03pm -
- When Is the Best Time to Buy Bananas?
Should you buy bananas when they’re green or when they're visibly yellow and ripe? Discover the right time and color stage to purchase bananas, plus how to best store them at home.
- 5 days ago 15 Jul 25, 1:01pm -
- Tune Twist Quiz #50
It’s time to play Tune Twist, where we translate the lyrics of popular songs into multiple languages and then back into English. Can you figure out what the song is, or who performed it?
- 5 days ago 15 Jul 25, 9:56am -
- 5 of the Best Jane Austen Adaptations
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth by putting these classic adaptations on your watch (or rewatch) list.
- 5 days ago 15 Jul 25, 7:02am -
- Hungary’s Oldest Library Races to Rescue Books From Hungry Beetles
Tiny bugs are causing huge problems in Hungary.
- 5 days ago 14 Jul 25, 6:01pm -
- Map of the World’s Must-Try Desserts, According to TikTok
You’re going to be very hungry after reading this.
- 5 days ago 14 Jul 25, 5:02pm -
- How to Get a Free Fried Chicken Bucket With Your Next KFC Order
Looking for a KFC deal? The chain is giving away free chicken buckets with digital orders at participating locations.
- 5 days ago 14 Jul 25, 4:40pm -
- Starbucks Just Made Its Most Popular Secret Menu Drinks Easier to Order
Unlock Starbucks’s secret menu with the app and try one of four new cold drinks.
- 6 days ago 14 Jul 25, 3:30pm -
- 7 Easy Tips For Cleaning Your Ceiling Fan
Tired of fan dust falling everywhere? These ceiling fan cleaning hacks—including natural solutions and smart safety tips—will make the problem easier to deal with.
- 6 days ago 14 Jul 25, 3:01pm -
- The Classic Sci-Fi Film That May Have Killed Its Director
Alex Garland, Jonathan Nolan, and the creators of Burning Man are just a few of the people influenced by Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1979 film ‘Stalker’—but the film also has a more unsettling legacy.
- 6 days ago 14 Jul 25, 12:59pm -
- Can You Match the Disney Princess to Their Home Country?
Let’s see how well you know where these Disney princesses originated.
- 6 days ago 14 Jul 25, 10:03am -
- Why Is It Called “Pickleball”?
Forget what you’ve heard about a dog—here’s the real story behind the origins of the name ‘pickleball.’
- 6 days ago 14 Jul 25, 9:01am -
- The Real Reason Why Weddings Have Flower Girls
Discover everything you need to know about flower girls, including the history behind why this wedding tradition got started in the first place.
- 7 days ago 13 Jul 25, 1:02pm -
- 30 Costco Items That Will Save You the Most
Want to know where you’re really saving at Costco? These 15 items deliver the most bang for your buck, from snacks to pantry staples.
- 7 days ago 13 Jul 25, 7:01am -
- How Artists Put Acadia National Park on the Map
This stunning slice of Maine remained relatively unknown—until 19th-century artists spread its beauty far and wide.
- 7 days ago 13 Jul 25, 5:06am -
- What’s the Kennection? #175
All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?
- 8 days ago 12 Jul 25, 11:01am -
- Why Is It Called “Green Goddess” Dressing?
Yes, it’s green, but eating it may not make you feel like a health goddess.
- 8 days ago 12 Jul 25, 9:01am -
- Ulysses S. Grant’s Great-Great-Grandson Is Alive—and Writing Erotic Vampire Novels
The 18th president’s descendant had a storied career in museum curation before turning his attention to an affable vampire.
- 8 days ago 12 Jul 25, 5:03am -
- Ford Is Recalling Over 850,000 Vehicles Due to a Serious Safety Issue
The carmaker is raising the alarm over a defective part that can lead to accidents.
- 9 days ago 11 Jul 25, 11:41am -
- Why Are the Metal Bars on Some Windows Curved?
Some old-fashioned window guards look like they have a potbelly. Discover the real reason why, as well as the history surrounding these unique grills.
- 9 days ago 11 Jul 25, 9:04am -
- Which States Will Pay the Most—and the Least—for Electricity This Summer?
Some U.S. states, like Hawaii, may have to deal with higher electricity bills for summer 2025 than others.
- 9 days ago 11 Jul 25, 7:04am -
- 10 States That Eat the Most Fast Food
Maryland tops the list of states obsessed with fast food—see how others stack up.
- 10 days ago 10 Jul 25, 3:01pm -
- This Simple Tool Can Help You Avoid the Tick-Borne Red Meat Allergy
A household item that retails for less than $5 can provide a good first-line preventive measure against tick-borne illnesses.
- 10 days ago 10 Jul 25, 1:02pm -
- Mental Floss’s 2026 Desk Calendars Are for Word Nerds and Fact Fans of All Kinds
Our Amazing Facts 2026 calendar features fun facts from all areas, while the Word Nerd 2026 calendar is especially for language lovers.
- 10 days ago 10 Jul 25, 11:14am -
- Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #46
The riddle below dates back to 1598—can you figure it out?
- 10 days ago 10 Jul 25, 10:04am -
- These Cities Have the Best (and Worst) Drivers in the U.S., According to Allstate
Drivers are pretty safe in Boise, but they might find themselves getting whiplash in Boston.
- 10 days ago 10 Jul 25, 7:01am -
- Map: American Cities With the Worst DMVs
If you’re in one of these cities, know what you’re in for before you head to the local DMV. (Plus, the cities with the best and most-improved DMVs.)
- 10 days ago 9 Jul 25, 4:56pm -
- 15 Bloody Facts About the ‘Jaws’ Sequels
Though the 1975 original film is legendary, the ‘Jaws’ sequels occupy a weird (and somewhat complicated) place in cinema history—and here are the real reasons why.
- 11 days ago 9 Jul 25, 3:03pm -
- This Foil Packet Shrimp Boil Is Perfect for Your Next Camping Trip
Looking for a simple yet flavorful camping meal? Try this shrimp boil in foil, packed with sausage, veggies, and spices.
- 11 days ago 9 Jul 25, 2:01pm -
- The Reason Why ‘Peggy’ Is Short for ‘Margaret’
Nickname origins can be tricky—but this one is actually pretty straightforward. (And it doesn't involve pegs.)
- 11 days ago 9 Jul 25, 12:57pm -
- This Off-Menu Costco Treat Is Perfect for Summer—and It’s Less Than $3
Costco shoppers are making ice cream floats for under $3, and you can too with this clever trick.
- 11 days ago 9 Jul 25, 12:01pm -
- Definition Detective Quiz #45
We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?
- 11 days ago 9 Jul 25, 9:58am -