December 2018 Issue
Inside the cloak-and-dagger search for sacred texts
- On the cover
Inside the cloak-and-dagger search for sacred texts
In the shadowy world where religion meets archaeology, scientists, collectors, and schemers are racing to find the most precious relics.Features
Meet the bowhead whale hunters of northern Alaska
- Proof
Meet the bowhead whale hunters of northern Alaska
Each spring, local hunters sit on the edge of the ice and wait for whales—a custom that’s at least 1,000 years old.From the President and CEO
From the Editor
See the millennia-old formations underneath Yellowstone
- Getting There
See the millennia-old formations underneath Yellowstone
Beneath the national park’s surface is a world few visitors see. See how Brian Skerry photographed these towering geologic formations.Watch This
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Animals
- SeaWorld violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?SeaWorld violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
- Vengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boatsVengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boats
- These deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at riskThese deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at risk
- Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.
- World’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truthWorld’s first ultrasounds of wild manta rays reveal a troubling truth
Environment
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
- Why taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadlyWhy taking a cold dip on a hot day could be deadly
- California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.California’s epic superbloom is here. Don’t ruin it.
- Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?
- How a wild river became a national park—and sparked a movementHow a wild river became a national park—and sparked a movement
History & Culture
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
- 'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
- England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?
Science
- Raging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on MarsRaging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on Mars
- The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.
- How a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issuesHow a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issues
- Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.
- Early spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynastyEarly spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynasty
Travel
- Canada's greatest natural wonders: what not to missCanada's greatest natural wonders: what not to miss
- 5 new things to do for families on the British coast5 new things to do for families on the British coast