December 2019 Issue
See the Mississippi River's hidden history, uncovered by lasers
See the Mississippi River's hidden history, uncovered by lasers
Using hyperprecise LiDAR data, a cartographer maps the river’s bends and channels over time with mesmerizing results.This mysterious ancient predator had a killer jaw
- Decoder
This mysterious ancient predator had a killer jaw
The sharklike Helicoprion lived 275 million years ago and could slice its prey in two with its buzz saw jaw.Latest Issues
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Animals
- A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.
- Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.
- Ringling Circus is back—but this time, without animalsRingling Circus is back—but this time, without animals
- Bears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts sayBears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts say
- A surprising discovery upends what we know about turtlesA surprising discovery upends what we know about turtles
- Cage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really meanCage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really mean
Environment
- Meet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddityMeet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddity
- How to compost—and why it’s good for the environmentHow to compost—and why it’s good for the environment
- Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?
- Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.
- How 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescueHow 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescue
- Step inside 3 innovative new workplaces around the globe
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Step inside 3 innovative new workplaces around the globe - Summer storms can strike suddenly. Here’s what causes them.Summer storms can strike suddenly. Here’s what causes them.
- This summer's extreme weather is a sign of things to comeThis summer's extreme weather is a sign of things to come
- What does a melting glacier sound like? 'Gunshots.'What does a melting glacier sound like? 'Gunshots.'
- There’s only one offshore fish farm in the U.S. Why?There’s only one offshore fish farm in the U.S. Why?
- How to store fruits and veggies for maximum freshnessHow to store fruits and veggies for maximum freshness
History & Culture
- Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.
- Meet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survivedMeet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survived
- Inside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was bornInside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was born
- How the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by historyHow the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by history
Science
- The uncanny valley, explained: Why you might find AI creepyThe uncanny valley, explained: Why you might find AI creepy
- Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.
- Asteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar systemAsteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar system
Travel
- How a commuter bridge turned into a bucket-list experienceHow a commuter bridge turned into a bucket-list experience
- From grain to glass: the story of Japanese sake
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From grain to glass: the story of Japanese sake
