Mental Floss

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Mattel's latest Barbie offering.

The company worked in tandem with the National Down Syndrome Society to craft a doll that's reflective and respectful of those with the condition, which affects roughly one in 772 children born in the U.S.

Jake Rossen
Photo illustration by Mental Floss. Images: iStock/Customdesigner (TV), iStock/D-Keine (crime scene)

Everywhere you turn these days, it seems like there’s a new—and wildly successful—book, podcast, or show devoted to a crime. Which raises the question: Why are we so obsessed with true crime? Here’s what the experts have to say.

Erin McCarthy




The choices were made with a healthy dose of humility.

Which food has done the most to shape human development? Like a lot of interesting questions, it’s kind of impossible to answer.

Jon Mayer










The Devil's Island lighthouse in the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.

The Great Lakes of North America span 750 miles from east to west and form the largest freshwater system on Earth. Here are 10 facts about the fab five.

Benjamin Lampkin


The first time scientists encountered a platypus specimen, they thought the animal was a hoax. Read on for a few more things you might not have known about this quirky creature.

Hannah Keyser








The beloved star of 'Game of Thrones,' 'The Mandalorian,' and 'The Last of Us' can't handle hearing Prince's "Purple Rain" because it moves him "so deeply."

Garin Pirnia