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
- Here’s why poisonous animals don’t poison themselvesHere’s why poisonous animals don’t poison themselves
- A person or a thing? Inside the fight for animal personhoodA person or a thing? Inside the fight for animal personhood
- Goliath grouper fishing may be allowed in Florida againGoliath grouper fishing may be allowed in Florida again
- 86,000 wild mustangs that roam the West are at the center of raging controversy86,000 wild mustangs that roam the West are at the center of raging controversy
Environment
- This new technology could help cool people down—without electricityThis new technology could help cool people down—without electricity
- The deadliest flower in the insect world is a lifeline to farmers—and the planetThe deadliest flower in the insect world is a lifeline to farmers—and the planet
- Restoring protections to Bears Ears will likely spark legal fightsRestoring protections to Bears Ears will likely spark legal fights
- More 'good fire' could help California control future catastrophesMore 'good fire' could help California control future catastrophes
- Wildfire smoke blowing across the U.S. is more toxic than we thoughtWildfire smoke blowing across the U.S. is more toxic than we thought
- Can a new way to measure tropical rainforest vulnerability help save them?Can a new way to measure tropical rainforest vulnerability help save them?
- This summer could change our understanding of extreme heatThis summer could change our understanding of extreme heat
- Climate change goals and oil production are clashing in the U.S.Climate change goals and oil production are clashing in the U.S.
- Experts fear Germany’s deadly floods are a glimpse into climate futureExperts fear Germany’s deadly floods are a glimpse into climate future
- Nearly half of Americans say climate change has become a bigger threatNearly half of Americans say climate change has become a bigger threat
History & Culture
- Viking ‘amulet factory’ discovery forces rethink of enigmatic artifactsViking ‘amulet factory’ discovery forces rethink of enigmatic artifacts
- A year after Beirut’s horrific port explosion, ‘nobody cares that people died’A year after Beirut’s horrific port explosion, ‘nobody cares that people died’
- Indonesia is a new COVID-19 epicenter. The peak has yet to come.Indonesia is a new COVID-19 epicenter. The peak has yet to come.
- Africa’s last absolute monarchy is shaken, as protestors defy Eswatini’s kingAfrica’s last absolute monarchy is shaken, as protestors defy Eswatini’s king
Science
- Why people who already had COVID-19 should get vaccinatedWhy people who already had COVID-19 should get vaccinated
- Struggling to assess pandemic risks? You’re not alone.Struggling to assess pandemic risks? You’re not alone.
- Biggest U.S. earthquake in more than 50 years strikes Alaska—here’s what we can learnBiggest U.S. earthquake in more than 50 years strikes Alaska—here’s what we can learn
- Prehistoric wild dog found at iconic human fossil sitePrehistoric wild dog found at iconic human fossil site
- 890-million-year-old sponge may be oldest animal yet found890-million-year-old sponge may be oldest animal yet found
Travel
- Here’s how World Heritage status helps destinations around the worldHere’s how World Heritage status helps destinations around the world
- Prairies to peaks: hiking gems in southern Alberta
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Prairies to peaks: hiking gems in southern Alberta - These national parks are home to some of the most incredible U.S. landmarksThese national parks are home to some of the most incredible U.S. landmarks
- Delta variant prompts venues to rethink how we stand in lineDelta variant prompts venues to rethink how we stand in line
- Spark your sense of wonder in Alberta’s cultural landscapes
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Spark your sense of wonder in Alberta’s cultural landscapes - The secret life of sake, Japan’s national obsessionThe secret life of sake, Japan’s national obsession
