January 2022 Issue
2021: The year in pictures
2021: The year in pictures
46 photographs from an unforgettable yearExploreSee more of 2021’s best photography, along with the most amazing discoveries of the year and the year’s biggest environmental wins.
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Animals
- Never-before-seen bird hybrid surprises scientistsNever-before-seen bird hybrid surprises scientists
- USDA must now publicly report all animal welfare violationsUSDA must now publicly report all animal welfare violations
- Sea creatures pollinate marine plants and algae, surprising scientistsSea creatures pollinate marine plants and algae, surprising scientists
- Mysterious deep-sea Arctic shark found in the CaribbeanMysterious deep-sea Arctic shark found in the Caribbean
- Stingrays recorded making sounds for the first time—but why?Stingrays recorded making sounds for the first time—but why?
- Tigers have nearly tripled in Nepal, but at what cost?Tigers have nearly tripled in Nepal, but at what cost?
- Beloved Chincoteague ponies' mythical origins may be realBeloved Chincoteague ponies' mythical origins may be real
Environment
- Nuclear fusion powers stars. Could it one day electrify Earth?Nuclear fusion powers stars. Could it one day electrify Earth?
- Can food crops grow in the dark? Scientists are working out how.Can food crops grow in the dark? Scientists are working out how.
- Indonesia's giant capital city is sinking. Can it be saved?Indonesia's giant capital city is sinking. Can it be saved?
- No state is losing land like Louisiana. None has a bolder plan.No state is losing land like Louisiana. None has a bolder plan.
- Rising seas threaten the Gullah Geechee. They're fighting back.Rising seas threaten the Gullah Geechee. They're fighting back.
- Can restoring mangroves protect Miami from rising seas?Can restoring mangroves protect Miami from rising seas?
- Venice's plan to save the city may also destroy its fragile lagoonsVenice's plan to save the city may also destroy its fragile lagoons
- How one photographer and his farm survived Portugal’s wildfiresHow one photographer and his farm survived Portugal’s wildfires
- Drought threatens Italy’s rice crops—and its beloved risottoDrought threatens Italy’s rice crops—and its beloved risotto
- Increasingly heavy farm equipment is crushing fertile soilsIncreasingly heavy farm equipment is crushing fertile soils
- The key to protecting Yosemite’s sequoias from wildfires? More fireThe key to protecting Yosemite’s sequoias from wildfires? More fire
History & Culture
- What the end of the war in Afghanistan means to one familyWhat the end of the war in Afghanistan means to one family
- This tomb held the treasures of Greece's 'Griffin Warrior'This tomb held the treasures of Greece's 'Griffin Warrior'
- Who wrote the Dead Sea scrolls? Science may have the answerWho wrote the Dead Sea scrolls? Science may have the answer
- Why Partition still casts a long shadow over India and PakistanWhy Partition still casts a long shadow over India and Pakistan
- Life, both big and small, returns to NYC’s 500 miles of coastlineLife, both big and small, returns to NYC’s 500 miles of coastline
- How the 'wickedest city on Earth' was sunk by an earthquakeHow the 'wickedest city on Earth' was sunk by an earthquake
- What is the Islamic New Year—and how is it celebrated?What is the Islamic New Year—and how is it celebrated?
- Age-old secrets revealed from the first metropolisesAge-old secrets revealed from the first metropolises
- New law in Spain could help families in their search for relativesNew law in Spain could help families in their search for relatives
- How we went from hunter-gatherers to monument builders, Video StoryHow we went from hunter-gatherers to monument builders
Science
- Why monkeypox cases are still rising at such an alarming rateWhy monkeypox cases are still rising at such an alarming rate
- Humans are not prepared for a pandemic caused by fungiHumans are not prepared for a pandemic caused by fungi
- How helicopters are shaking up the hunt for life on MarsHow helicopters are shaking up the hunt for life on Mars
- Iceland eruption may be the start of decades of volcanic activityIceland eruption may be the start of decades of volcanic activity
- COVID rebounds aren't definitively linked to PaxlovidCOVID rebounds aren't definitively linked to Paxlovid
- How multiple COVID-19 infections can harm the bodyHow multiple COVID-19 infections can harm the body
- Inside the hunt for mysterious ‘twilight’ asteroidsInside the hunt for mysterious ‘twilight’ asteroids
- Debate deepens over Wuhan market's role in the pandemicDebate deepens over Wuhan market's role in the pandemic
- 'Lost' treasure trove of fossils rediscovered after 70 years'Lost' treasure trove of fossils rediscovered after 70 years
- How a satellite found a tiny island—and made Canada a bit biggerHow a satellite found a tiny island—and made Canada a bit bigger
- How you should dispose of unused or expired medicationsHow you should dispose of unused or expired medications
Travel
- Sailors, sirens, and surfers of the Basque Coast, Video Story
- Paid Content
Sailors, sirens, and surfers of the Basque Coast - Uncover the natural, the unexpected, and the awe-inspiring in Maine
- Paid Content
Uncover the natural, the unexpected, and the awe-inspiring in Maine - Menorca’s ‘houses of the dead’ reveal these ancient secretsMenorca’s ‘houses of the dead’ reveal these ancient secrets
- Horrific summer travels? These tales are worse.
- Travel
- Book Club
Horrific summer travels? These tales are worse. - How to see Stonehenge: Everything you need to knowHow to see Stonehenge: Everything you need to know
