Mental Floss

SCIENCE

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Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Getting Too Much Sleep

Getting six to eight hours of sleep seems to be the sweet spot.

A Generic EpiPen Coming in Early 2019 Could Save You Money

The new drug is coming on the market in the midst of an EpiPen shortage.

CDC/Dr. Govinda S. Visvesvara, Wikimedia Commons // Public domain

Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills Seattle Woman Who Used Tap Water in Her Neti Pot

One doctor says these kinds of infections could happen more frequently.

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How to Make a Homemade Pie Crust, According to Science

You just need three ingredients: Flour, water, and fat. What could go wrong?

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Happy Relationships are the Key to a Fulfilling Life, According to 75-Year-Long Harvard Study

It's all about love.

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A 17th-Century Noblewoman's Rare Poems About War-Torn England Can Be Read Online

Hester Pulter broke convention—and the expectations of her gender and class—by writing about science and politics.

NASA, Wikimedia Commons

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Discovered on International Space Station Toilet

Drug resistance is a problem on Earth. Now it's happening in space, too.

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McDonald's Touchscreen Menus Are Covered in Poop, Report Finds

A UK-based study found poopy screens in eight restaurants.

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Ants Take Sick Days to Protect Their Colonies from Disease

Ants save the queen.

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11 Insightful Facts About Eyes

See how many you know.

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Science Now Knows How Long It Takes to Poop Out a Swallowed LEGO Head

Not everything is awesome when you're trying to pass a LEGO noggin.

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How A Christmas Story's Tongue-on-the-Flagpole Scene Was Filmed

If the classic 1983 holiday movie 'A Christmas Story' taught us anything, it’s to be wary of BB guns, mall elves, and flagpoles. More specifically: sticking your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

BrainGate Collaboration

Experimental Brain Implant Lets Paralyzed People Communicate by Turning Thoughts Into Text

It also lets people browse websites, shop online, and use various apps.

Artist's depiction of NASA's InSight lander parachuting toward the surface of Mars.

How to Watch NASA's Live Stream of the InSight Mars Landing

After covering 91 million miles of the solar system, the robotic lander is set to make contact with the Red Planet's Elysium Planitia this afternoon.

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Laughter in the Workplace Can Boost Productivity—and Make You Seem More Competent

It's also good for your health, in more ways than one.

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Florida Is Home to 'Skull-Collecting' Ants, Because Florida

Gnarly.

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The Science Behind Brining Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Why exactly does brining make your roasted turkey so delicious?

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Why Your Cat's Tongue Is Nature's Perfect Hairbrush

One day, we might all use cat-inspired brushes.

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Finally! Scientists Have Figured Out How Wombats Poop Cubes

In case you've been dying to know.

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9 Not-So-Pesky Facts About Termites

Most termites aren't interested in eating houses. In fact, one day they may teach us how to build them.

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This Live Stream Lets You Eavesdrop on Endangered Killer Whales' Conversations

If you're lucky.

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How to Cook a Turkey for Thanksgiving, According to the Experts

The correct way to serve your family the bird.

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6 Factors That Determine Whether or Not You Remember Your Dreams

If you want to recall more dreams, sleep longer.

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Feeling Stressed? Playing Tetris Could Help Relieve Your Anxiety

The tile-shuffling game might be able to reduce negative emotions in players.