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
- Chimpanzee moms are like us: They mourn, dote, and take 'me' time.Chimpanzee moms are like us: They mourn, dote, and take 'me' time.
- Bird migration is one of nature’s great wonders. Here’s how they do it.Bird migration is one of nature’s great wonders. Here’s how they do it.
- Ant 'portraits' reveal how beautiful these insects areAnt 'portraits' reveal how beautiful these insects are
- South Africa plans to end controversial captive lion industrySouth Africa plans to end controversial captive lion industry
- These birds nap while they fly—and other surprising ways that animals sleepThese birds nap while they fly—and other surprising ways that animals sleep
- Trillions of cicadas are arriving soon—and that’s a good thingTrillions of cicadas are arriving soon—and that’s a good thing
Environment
- Antarctica’s ice could cross this scary threshold within 40 yearsAntarctica’s ice could cross this scary threshold within 40 years
- The controversial future of nuclear power in the U.S.The controversial future of nuclear power in the U.S.
- Did the Amazon rainforest contribute to the ‘Little Ice Age’ of the 1600s?Did the Amazon rainforest contribute to the ‘Little Ice Age’ of the 1600s?
- Plastic gets to the oceans through over 1,000 riversPlastic gets to the oceans through over 1,000 rivers
- Why planting wildflowers makes a difference
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Why planting wildflowers makes a difference - Highest weather station in the Andes will help scientists search for climate answers, Video StoryHighest weather station in the Andes will help scientists search for climate answers
- Nature Sounds: José González on how connecting with the natural world has influenced his musicNature Sounds: José González on how connecting with the natural world has influenced his music
- Garlic mustard hurts native plants but its power is waningGarlic mustard hurts native plants but its power is waning
- 'Forest gardens’ show how Native land stewardship can outdo nature'Forest gardens’ show how Native land stewardship can outdo nature
- For young climate activists, the pandemic is the defining moment for actionFor young climate activists, the pandemic is the defining moment for action
- Biden wants to cut U.S. climate pollution in half—here’s howBiden wants to cut U.S. climate pollution in half—here’s how
History & Culture
- Was Napoleon Bonaparte an enlightened leader or tyrant?Was Napoleon Bonaparte an enlightened leader or tyrant?
- 'The Death of Napoleon' captures the end of a tumultuous era'The Death of Napoleon' captures the end of a tumultuous era
- The real story behind the infamous mutiny on the H.M.S. BountyThe real story behind the infamous mutiny on the H.M.S. Bounty
- How vaccination became 'hip' in the '50s, thanks to teensHow vaccination became 'hip' in the '50s, thanks to teens
- 80 years ago, a player made baseball history … an organ player, that is80 years ago, a player made baseball history … an organ player, that is
- 240 men started Magellan's voyage around the world. Only 18 finished it.240 men started Magellan's voyage around the world. Only 18 finished it.
Science
- India’s crisis shows how oxygen is a vital medicine not everyone can accessIndia’s crisis shows how oxygen is a vital medicine not everyone can access
- Why we shouldn't panic about the millions who missed their second vaccine dose—yetWhy we shouldn't panic about the millions who missed their second vaccine dose—yet
- Child’s grave is the oldest human burial found in AfricaChild’s grave is the oldest human burial found in Africa
- Pfizer to seek authorization for vaccine for children ages 2 to 11 in SeptemberPfizer to seek authorization for vaccine for children ages 2 to 11 in September
- The four-decade quest for an HIV vaccine yields new hopeThe four-decade quest for an HIV vaccine yields new hope
- How fast can vaccines solve India's COVID-19 crisis? It's complicated.How fast can vaccines solve India's COVID-19 crisis? It's complicated.
Travel
- Fixing the Grand Canyon’s aging water pipeline won’t be easy—but it’s necessaryFixing the Grand Canyon’s aging water pipeline won’t be easy—but it’s necessary
- The fascinating history behind the popular ‘waving lucky cat’The fascinating history behind the popular ‘waving lucky cat’
- Eight ways to enrich your next visit to Seoul
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Eight ways to enrich your next visit to Seoul - How did the bluebonnet become a symbol of Texas?, Video StoryHow did the bluebonnet become a symbol of Texas?
