MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

How Do Cars Get Their Names?

Naming a car is like naming a baby, only with a few hundred million dollars at stake.

Why Did Toys Disappear From Cereal Boxes?

The days of police badges and lightsaber spoons lurking in boxes are over. Kids now get QR codes. What happened?

Room temperature is a frame of reference.

What Exactly Is ‘Room Temperature’?

Misunderstanding room temperature can have some surprisingly serious consequences.

Why Do Cars Catch Fire?

A car accident in a movie usually ends in a huge fireball. But what really causes vehicle fires?

Where Did the Expression ‘Gung Ho’ Come From?

We get this byword for enthusiasm from an officer in the Marines named Evans Fordyce Carlson.

You Probably Have a Favorite Burner—and You’re Probably Using It Wrong

Each burner technically has a name and a specific purpose, which means there's a chance you've been using your stovetop incorrectly this whole time.

Palm coolers are a relatively new sports science innovation.

What Are Those Devices Basketball Players Are Holding on the Sidelines?

Athletes are embracing a new kind of performance enhancer.

Sleeping naked might improve your sleep quality.

Should You Sleep in the Nude? Here’s What the Experts Say

Sleeping in your birthday suit may feel good, but is it good for you?

Why Are Brown LEGO Bricks So Brittle?

LEGO bricks are notorious for being indestructible, but one color is an exception.

What Happens When an Astronaut Gets Sick in Space?

Sick astronauts on a space mission can’t just pop down to Earth to see a doctor. Here’s how they deal with bumps, bruises, and worse.

Next time, there won't be any need to panic.

What Do These 18 Common Car Dashboard Symbols Actually Mean?

When something goes wrong with your car, a curious-looking icon illuminates on the dashboard. But what those symbols mean isn’t always obvious.

How Did Latin America Get Its Name?

Latin isn’t widely spoken in Latin America, so why is it called that?

Road signs shout less than they used to.

Why Many Road Signs Are No Longer Written in All Caps

Road signs have changed case in the last 15 years or so—here's why.

Why Are Potatoes Called “Spuds”?

We dig down to the root of the issue.

The ultimate cheat code to winter coziness.

13 Toasty Tips for Staying Warm in Cold Weather

You’d be surprised by the ways you can keep yourself warm—and these budget-friendly winter hacks can help, too.

The truth is, sometimes the answer varies.

Does Bagged Lettuce Still Need to Be Rinsed?

Are bagged salads and other leafy greens safe to eat without rinsing off first? Find out whether pre-washed produce still needs to be cleaned off beforehand, plus more.

Does Dish Soap Ever Go Bad?

Common household cleaning products like dish soap and laundry detergent might get forgotten about for years before being found and used. Will they still be effective?

Being in a carrier is not usually a cat’s favorite activity.

How to Load Your Cat Into a Carrier

It doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience.

Where did this weather-related idiom come from?

Why Do We Say “Right as Rain”?

Where did this curious expression come from, and what’s so right about rain, anyway?

Where Did the Saying ‘Stick Out Like a Sore Thumb’ Come From?

The phrase dates back to the 19th century, but it took a fictional 20th century detective to take its popularity to new heights.

You’re Probably Brushing Your Teeth All Wrong

It’s easy to make these common mistakes when you're brushing your teeth, but here’s how to do it the right way.

Don’t skip this just because it’s still snowing.

The Real Reason You Should Keep Washing Your Car Every Winter

Skipping this part of your winter car maintenance routine could spell big problems come spring. Discover the benefits of winter car washes, plus how often to do it.

Why Do We Say That Love Makes People Go “Weak at the Knees”?

In honor of Valentine’s Day, discover the origins of the phrase ‘weak at the knees,’ including its ties to ancient Rome and even astrology.

Try not to hold any knife like this. It could lead to a mishap.

Why Do Some Chef’s Knives Have Dimples?

Also called scallops, these tiny indentations have a purpose. And it’s not just to make the knife look cute.