Mental Floss

ENVIRONMENT

The northern lights are an event to remember.

If the northern lights are on your bucket list, the 2026 to 2027 winter season will be exciting for you.

The online database covers nearly all the fossils discovered in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s open-access fossil database makes it easier for scientists to collaborate.

It doesn’t look too friendly.

The Australian Reptile Park is asking the public to capture the Sydney funnel-web spider, one of the most dangerous species in the world.

They are several differences between the two.

Tsunamis and tidal waves may look similar, but they differ in crucial ways.

We don’t recommend doing this.

Research (and lots of dry-heaving) has revealed why the flower reeks of weeks-old road kill.

The air looks good enough to buy.

Forget the snow globes and ornaments. Buy souvenir air instead.

The beaches of Newfoundland are covered with gooey white blobs.

The beaches of Newfoundland are a little less pleasant since white blobs have appeared everywhere.

Giant sequoias are Earth’s most massive trees.

A local organization is aiming to fill Detroit’s vacant land with gigantic forests.

San Diego is at the top of the list.

If you want to lessen your impact on the environment, consider moving to one of these metro areas.

Mount Everest is slowly getting more challenging for climbers.

The world’s tallest peak is experiencing an 89,000-year-long growth spurt.

The Neptune Memorial Reef off Florida’s coast.

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

Scientists are concerned, and you should be too

Scientists warn that the loss of the Thwaites Glacier could raise global sea levels by 25 inches.

Raking leaves is annoying—and totally unnecessary.

Good news for anyone who hates raking their lawn: You don’t have to.

Linhares’ new law gives part of the ocean several protections.

Linhares in Brazil has taken a groundbreaking step by granting human rights to part of the ocean.

LEGO is showing customers it cares about the environment.

The iconic toy company plans to reduce its environmental impact.

Pinpoint the perfect weekend for leaf-peeping.

Can't wait for fall? Start planning the ultimate leaf-peeping expedition now with this interactive map showing peak foliage predictions for 2024.

Shiitake mushrooms (left) are edible, while fly agaric (right) is extremely toxic, causing serious symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations.

The definitions of toadstools and mushrooms are a bit intertwined.

You don't want to come across a bearded fireworm on your beach day.

Texans should take special caution on beaches—these fireworms pack a powerful sting.

Make a pollinator’s life easier by providing it a place to stay.

The solitary bee population is declining—here’s what you can do to help.

Say hello to the world's cutest research assistant.

Sea lion camera crews are helping scientists map uncharted waters.

Air pollution may keep these pollinators from doing their jobs.

Air pollution is making it hard for bees to pollinate flowers.

Eating seafood is getting riskier.

Mercury in seafood is another growing concern thanks to global warming.

You don't have to travel to Manitoba to see these majestic creatures.

Beat the heat by tuning into these Arctic sea creatures.

A grove of mountain cedar releases clouds of pollen.

The allergy-inducing mountain cedar may be the most hated tree in Texas.