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.See Previous Issues
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Animals
- Why do male gorillas beat their chests? New study offers intriguing evidenceWhy do male gorillas beat their chests? New study offers intriguing evidence
- A mysterious neurological disease is afflicting endangered Florida panthersA mysterious neurological disease is afflicting endangered Florida panthers
- Endangered trout may soon return to the concrete Los Angeles RiverEndangered trout may soon return to the concrete Los Angeles River
- In Spain, sanctuaries give forever homes to farmed animalsIn Spain, sanctuaries give forever homes to farmed animals
- Many mammals are contagious yawners—this might be whyMany mammals are contagious yawners—this might be why
Environment
- Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.
- Once-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the regionOnce-rare Arctic lightning is now more frequent—and may reshape the region
- As halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleetsAs halibut decline, Alaska Native fishers square off against industrial fleets
- Hazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the makingHazardous spill in Florida highlights environmental threat decades in the making
- Gas heat and stoves are warming the climate. Should cities start banning them?Gas heat and stoves are warming the climate. Should cities start banning them?
- Big winter snows in the North could be fueled by Arctic sea ice lossBig winter snows in the North could be fueled by Arctic sea ice loss
- Europe’s plastics industry is about to boom. U.S. fracking is driving it.Europe’s plastics industry is about to boom. U.S. fracking is driving it.
- A locust plague hit East Africa. The pesticide solution may have dire consequences.A locust plague hit East Africa. The pesticide solution may have dire consequences.
- How Inuit avoid falling through thinning Arctic iceHow Inuit avoid falling through thinning Arctic ice
History & Culture
- 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt
- How the first pitch became baseball's Opening Day traditionHow the first pitch became baseball's Opening Day tradition
Science
- Why the St. Vincent volcano has such a deadly reputationWhy the St. Vincent volcano has such a deadly reputation
- Europe to review Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine over reports of rare blood clotsEurope to review Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine over reports of rare blood clots
- How this more contagious virus variant became dominant in the U.S.How this more contagious virus variant became dominant in the U.S.
- Does everyone need to wear a mask outside? Experts weigh in.Does everyone need to wear a mask outside? Experts weigh in.
- Parasites are going extinct. Here's why we need to save them.
- Science
- Gory Details
Parasites are going extinct. Here's why we need to save them.
Travel
- What happens to street animals when tourists suddenly disappear?What happens to street animals when tourists suddenly disappear?
- This U.S. national park has the world’s longest cave systemThis U.S. national park has the world’s longest cave system
