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
- How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?
- Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect themFireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
- Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?
- This ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelryThis ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelry
- Why 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmedWhy 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmed
- SeaWorld allegedly violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?SeaWorld allegedly violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
Environment
- Seaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate changeSeaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate change
- Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserveIs banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
- Dust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructiveDust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructive
- 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?
History & Culture
- From police raids to pop culture: The history of modern dragFrom police raids to pop culture: The history of modern drag
- How the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movementHow the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movement
- They were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surpriseThey were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surprise
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
Science
- At 64, Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida. How'd she do it?At 64, Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida. How'd she do it?
- A ‘kitten-otter-bear’? Identifying a very strange skeletonA ‘kitten-otter-bear’? Identifying a very strange skeleton
- Fossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinctionFossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinction
- You can't detox your uterus—debunking popular myths about PCOSYou can't detox your uterus—debunking popular myths about PCOS
Travel
- 5 unmissable foods that unlock Jordan’s culinary scene
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5 unmissable foods that unlock Jordan’s culinary scene - Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?