MF EXPLAINS IT ALL

If you ever freeze after hearing something go ‘bump’ in the night, you’re not alone.

Why Do We Freeze When We’re Scared?

You’ve likely heard of fight or flight, but a third reaction—to freeze—is misunderstood by many.

They may look weird, but they are perfectly fine to eat.

Why Do Some Pumpkins Have Warts?

Some gourds are bred to have a bumpy appearance.

Linguine vs. Fettuccine vs. Spaghetti: What’s the Difference?

The three types of pasta are all long, but when and how you use them will make all the difference for your meals.

Moo Deng’s cuteness is hijacking our brains.

The Science Behind the Internet’s Obsession With Moo Deng, Thailand's Celebrity Pygmy Hippo

If you experience a violent reaction to Moo Deng’s cuteness, you’re not alone.

Old age may precede dying, but it doesn’t directly cause it.

Do People Really Die of ‘Old Age’?

Can an octogenarian really just collapse from the wear and tear of life?

For some people, the “Countdown to Christmas” really is the most wonderful time of the year.

How Schmaltzy Hallmark Christmas Movies Came to Rule the Holiday Season

The Hallmark Channel’s annual Countdown to Christmas kicks off every October. But the channel's reputation for producing feel-good holiday films began years before the annual event.

President Theodore Roosevelt, the youngest U.S. president.

Who Are the Youngest Presidents Ever Elected?

Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton are among the youngest U.S. presidents.

The crescent wrench has helped DIYers for decades.

Why Is It Called a “Crescent Wrench”?

A Swedish immigrant changed the face of wrenches forever.

Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Smell Funny?

Not everyone experiences funny-smelling urine after eating asparagus, but it's common enough that it poses one very big question: why does it happen in the first place?

Your Dresser Is a Serious Tipping Hazard—Here’s How to Fix It

Furniture tip-overs are no laughing matter, but that’s especially true when it comes to dressers. Here’s everything you need to know about how to keep these clothing storage units secured.

That gas stove may not be all it's cracked up to be.

Should You Replace Your Gas Stove With an Electric One? Here’s What Chefs and Scientists Say

The debate over gas vs. electric stoves is hotter than ever. But according to some professional chefs and scientists, there’s a clear frontrunner.

How to Find Out If You’re Registered to Vote

If you’ve recently moved or changed your name (or just haven’t voted in a while), you probably need to re-register to vote.

Peter’s poor wife did not have a good time.

The History—and Surprisingly Dark Theories—Behind ‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’

‘Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater’ may not be the most kid-friendly nursery rhyme, as several interpretations of it involve murder.

Stainless steel is rust-resistant, but not quite rust-proof.

What Stops Stainless Steel From Rusting?

Stainless steel has a secret ingredient that makes it highly resistant to rust.

These days, we use ‘GOP’ to refer to Republicans—but that wasn’t always the case.

What Does ‘GOP’ Stand For?

What ‘GOP’ means isn’t complicated—but its history is.

He wants you to learn about the symbol’s history.

Who Was Uncle Sam, and Why Did He ‘Want’ You?

Uncle Sam is an easily recognizable piece of wartime propaganda. And legend says he was based off a real person—though that may not actually be the case.

That little pocket was originally intended to hold something else.

The Forgotten Uses of 9 Everyday Objects

The tiny little pocket on your jeans, the hole in your pot handle, and the drawer under your oven were designed with specific purposes in mind.

Why 7 Animals Became Associated With Halloween

Black cats, bats, and spiders commonly appear in people’s Halloween decorations. Here’s why.

Why Do We Laugh When We’re Scared?

Laughter is a surprisingly common reaction to being scared out of your mind.

All this sugar would have horrified the inventor of graham crackers.

Graham Crackers Were Invented to Combat the Evils of Coffee, Alcohol, and Masturbation

Social media users regularly joke about the origins of the simple graham cracker as a way to curtail sexual impulses. And while it might sound bizarre, this is one viral trend that is based in truth.

It’s kind of weird that ‘ghost’ is spelled with a ‘gh.’

Why are ‘Ghost,’ ‘Ghastly,’ and ‘Ghoul’ Spelled with ‘gh’?

Only a handful of English words start with ‘gh’—what gives?

Why Is September the Most Popular Birthday Month in the U.S.? People Have Theories

What September lacks in major holidays, it more than makes up for in birthday parties—here’s why that could be.

The Real History of the Folk Song ‘Kumbaya’

From a heartfelt spiritual, to a children’s campfire song, to a powerful protest anthem, to a derisive phrase, “Kumbaya” is certainly a bit of a musical chameleon.

Why Do Dogs Stick Their Heads Out of Car Windows—And Is it Safe?

Dogs love a good sensory experience. But letting them stick their head out of a moving car’s window is not a good idea. Here’s why.

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