Mental Floss

BIG QUESTIONS



Tomatoes can be either fruit or vegetable, depending on who you talk to.

One vendor’s dispute against a 19th-century import tariff led the U.S. Supreme Court to classify the tomato as a vegetable. But botanists disagree.

Jake Rossen






The future?

If humans ever become a multi-planet species, some would have to spend years in space. And researchers have definitely speculated whether space travel would allow for reproduction.

Nick Keppler








You can practically hear this photo.

We know cats purr for a variety of reasons. But the actual mechanics of how they make their signature sound remains unclear.

Matt Soniak
Happy shopping!

Let’s take a look at a few of the rules regarding duties and declarations, and see what's up with the duty-free shop.

Ethan Trex
How else would cats know how handsome they are?

Considering the near-magical function mirrors perform, their construction is surprisingly simple.

Anna Green








Karaoke is a beloved pastime (for some people).

We have two innovators to thank for our ability to scream-sing Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” in front of a group of strangers.

Erin McCarthy
The addictive ’80s game might also have psychological benefits.

Anyone who has ever played ‘Tetris’ knows how addictive the ’80s video game can be. Scientists say the Tetris Effect may even have psychological benefits for people coping with PTSD.

Beth Robertson