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
- Why these seabirds stage a rowdy springtime love-inWhy these seabirds stage a rowdy springtime love-in
- Tuberculosis is killing this zoo's lemurs—but it hasn't closedTuberculosis is killing this zoo's lemurs—but it hasn't closed
- Mystery dolphin deaths plague casino on the Las Vegas stripMystery dolphin deaths plague casino on the Las Vegas strip
- Chicago museum disrupted an at-risk bird's habitatChicago museum disrupted an at-risk bird's habitat
- Hibernating bears could hold a clue to treating diabetesHibernating bears could hold a clue to treating diabetes
Environment
- 4 easy ways to make your holidays more eco-friendly4 easy ways to make your holidays more eco-friendly
- Melting mountain peaks could kill thousands. Can science help?Melting mountain peaks could kill thousands. Can science help?
- Oysters are making a comeback on menus and in the water—for nowOysters are making a comeback on menus and in the water—for now
- Five technologies and innovations helping to protect the Okavango, Video Story
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Five technologies and innovations helping to protect the Okavango - This hot pepper is surviving Italy's extreme heat waveThis hot pepper is surviving Italy's extreme heat wave
- Marine heat waves are rising. What are these blobs of hot water?Marine heat waves are rising. What are these blobs of hot water?
- History helps uncover old methane-leaking oil wellsHistory helps uncover old methane-leaking oil wells
- Toward a living wage: What it is and why it matters, Video Story
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Toward a living wage: What it is and why it matters
History & Culture
- Landmines took their limbs. Soccer brought them glory.Landmines took their limbs. Soccer brought them glory.
- After Alexander the Great's death, this Indian empire roseAfter Alexander the Great's death, this Indian empire rose
- Why Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish yearWhy Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year
- Why some celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day—not Columbus DayWhy some celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day—not Columbus Day
- Excavating lifestyles of the rich and English underneath LondonExcavating lifestyles of the rich and English underneath London
Science
- How Fido evolved to have those irresistible puppy-dog eyesHow Fido evolved to have those irresistible puppy-dog eyes
- 230-million-year-old mystery fossil hints at pterosaurs’ origins230-million-year-old mystery fossil hints at pterosaurs’ origins
- Spectacular fossil fish reveal a critical period of evolutionSpectacular fossil fish reveal a critical period of evolution
- What comes after Omicron? New variants are emerging.What comes after Omicron? New variants are emerging.
- To practice saving Earth, NASA hit an asteroid with a spacecraftTo practice saving Earth, NASA hit an asteroid with a spacecraft
Travel
- Uncover hidden legends on Ireland’s southern coastUncover hidden legends on Ireland’s southern coast
- Follow in the footsteps of samurai on this ancient trailFollow in the footsteps of samurai on this ancient trail
