MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

People have kept these beautiful fish as pets for centuries.

How the Goldfish Became Everyone’s First Pet

They’re quintessential starter pets for young children. But it’s important to know how to properly care for a pet goldfish.

Some male lions simply don’t have manes. What’s up with that?

Why Do Some Male Lions Lack Manes?

Climate can cause a big difference in how much hair a lion grows.

A dreidel and pile of chocolate gelt are a common sight during Hanukkah celebrations.

The Surprising History of the Hanukkah Dreidel

It’s often said the dreidel was a way Jewish people communicated their faith during ancient times of oppression. But the Hanukkah game is actually a lot more recent.

Why Is an Informant Called a ‘Stool Pigeon‘?

Pigeons aren’t known to be particularly talkative birds.

What’s the Purpose of a Turkey’s Wattle?

The loose flesh that hangs from a turkey’s neck isn’t the most attractive part of the bird—to humans, at least.

Cleaning a porta potty is no walk in the park.

How Are Porta Potties Cleaned?

To keep porta potties (relatively) clean, sanitation workers require special equipment and a strong stomach.

Why Is Opening an Umbrella Indoors Supposed to Be Bad Luck?

When it comes to superstitions about bad luck, indoor umbrellas are right up there with broken mirrors and black cats.

Modern office machines are made to fit a certain size of paper.

The Reason Why a Standard Piece of Paper Is 8.5 Inches by 11 Inches

The letter-sized standard actually has roots in the 1660s, when paper was made by hand—and Herbert Hoover had something to do with it, too.

Use of the word ‘placebo’ in a medical context is more recent than you might think.

Why Is It Called the “Placebo Effect”?

What is a placebo? Technically, a Latin phrase meaning ‘I will please.’ It’s also a Catholic prayer and a clever insult.

A cosplayer dressed as Freddy Krueger during Comic Con.

The Smart—and Scientific—Reason Freddy Krueger’s Sweater Is Red- and Green-Striped

Wes Craven didn’t intend for his classic horror film villain to look like he was headed to a Christmas party.

Hawaii is home to a number of lava tubes.

What Is a Lava Tube, and Where Can I Find One?

Caves and volcanoes don’t often go hand-in-hand in our imaginations, but the second most common type of cave in the world is made from the power of volcanoes.

Do Scarecrows Actually Work?

Scare crows may deter crows and blackbirds, but you'll have to make some modifications for them to really work.

What Is an Oreo Cookie's "Creme" Filling Made Of?

The "creme" in Oreo cookies isn't really cream at all, but does that make Oreos vegan? The answer is complicated.

Disinformation vs. Misinformation: What’s the Difference?

The difference between misinformation and disinformation boils down to the intent behind it (or lack thereof). Plus, a handy trick for knowing which term to use when the time comes.

How Does Sword Swallowing Really Work?

The ancient art of sword swallowing may seem like some sort of elaborate trick—but it’s very, very real (and very, very dangerous).

The Reason Wine Bottles Have Dents in the Bottom

The dent (or “punt”) in the bottom of a wine bottle served an important function centuries ago, but it’s there for different reasons today.

Watching a scary movie can definitely send shivers down your spine—but why?

Why Do We Get Shivers Down Our Spines?

You’re watching a scary movie or the music swells during your favorite song—the shiver up and down your spine is your body responding to a range of emotions.