Photo of the Day
cavers in orange jumpsuits climbing through enormous underground crystals in a cave
October 18, 2020
Cave of Crystals
Massive beams of selenite dwarf explorers in Mexico's Cave of Crystals, deep below the Chihuahuan Desert. Formed over millennia, these crystals are among the largest yet discovered on Earth.
Go Further
Animals
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- 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
Environment
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- 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.
History & Culture
- In 1500s Europe, masks were fashionable—and scandalousIn 1500s Europe, masks were fashionable—and scandalous
- 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
Science
- Why smallpox vaccines fell out of use—and how that affects monkeypoxWhy smallpox vaccines fell out of use—and how that affects monkeypox
- Meet the marvelous creatures that bring soil to lifeMeet the marvelous creatures that bring soil to life
- 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
Travel
- Sailors, sirens, and surfers of the Basque Coast
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Sailors, sirens, and surfers of the Basque Coast