Photo of the Day
people harvesting rubber sap in China
March 14, 2016
A Slow Draw
Because rubber sap flows best at night, tappers in Xishuangbanna, China, use headlamps to light the trees while they work, as shown in this time exposure. The latex drips into cups from incisions in the bark. A typical tree produces a few ounces’ worth of rubber a day.
See more pictures from the January 2016 feature story "Why We (Still) Can’t Live Without Rubber."
Go Further
Animals
- A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.A humpback whale swam halfway around the world. His name is Frodo.
- Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.Meet the newest species of tarantula. It’s electric blue.
- Ringling Circus is back—but this time, without animalsRingling Circus is back—but this time, without animals
- Bears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts sayBears at Disney World? Get used to it, experts say
- A surprising discovery upends what we know about turtlesA surprising discovery upends what we know about turtles
- Cage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really meanCage-free or free-range? Here’s what those egg labels really mean
Environment
- Meet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddityMeet ‘Dogxim,’ the world’s first known dog-fox hybrid—and a genetic oddity
- How to compost—and why it’s good for the environmentHow to compost—and why it’s good for the environment
- Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?Which cities will still be livable in a world altered by climate change?
- Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.Hurricanes are escalating more quickly than ever. Here’s why.
- How 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescueHow 200 volunteers pulled off a daunting cave rescue
History & Culture
- Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.Who was Merlin the Great, really? Here’s the history.
- Meet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survivedMeet Henry VIII’s most underrated wife—the queen who survived
- Inside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was bornInside the Irish ‘hell caves’ where Halloween was born
- How the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by historyHow the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been shaped by history
Science
- The uncanny valley, explained: Why you might find AI creepyThe uncanny valley, explained: Why you might find AI creepy
- These 5 asteroids pose the greatest risk to Earth
- Science
These 5 asteroids pose the greatest risk to Earth - Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.Women are more likely to be sleep deprived. Here’s why that’s so bad.
- Asteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar systemAsteroid sample returned to Earth tells of ancient solar system
Travel
- How a commuter bridge turned into a bucket-list experienceHow a commuter bridge turned into a bucket-list experience
- From grain to glass: the story of Japanese sake
- Paid Content for Advertiser
From grain to glass: the story of Japanese sake - What to do if you're caught in a disaster while travelling?What to do if you're caught in a disaster while travelling?
- This Thai hill tribe is teaching coffee-making to travellersThis Thai hill tribe is teaching coffee-making to travellers