There was a mistletoe shortage this year–Does this mean there were fewer KISSES this Christmas? Scientists can’t tell us if hanging the plant above a doorway really does inspire love, but they do know the history behind this seasonal plant.

Mistletoe is found mainly in tropical or temperate areas. Its name refers a species of flowering parasitic plants. There are some 1,300 species of mistletoe worldwide. Most of the mistletoe sold in the US comes from Texas, a state that had the worst drought in its history this year.
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Why do we like the kinds of music we do? It could have to do with our brains (as well as the shape of our ears). We all love the sights and sounds of Christmas, but there are some noises that are hard to take, like SQUEEEK! The sound of fingernails on a chalkboard sets our teeth on edge, but it’s easier to take if we think it’s music. This may explain why certain songs can sound like raucous noise to one person but seem musical to someone else.
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