Dinosaurs ruled the world for roughly 140 million years—until they suddenly disappeared. While decades of research point to an asteroid impact at Chicxulub crater as the end of the dinosaurs' reign 66 million years ago, scientists weren't always so sure what happened to these mesmerizing creatures. Theories varied wildly throughout the twentieth century as the field of paleontology grew, but it wasn't until the 1980s that one theory emerged as a major breakthrough in the extinction mystery. Today's scientists continue to piece together the puzzle with discoveries that give us a clearer picture of what happened to the dinosaurs.
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Animals
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- How scientists found 'Nemo,' Australia's newest dancing spiderHow scientists found 'Nemo,' Australia's newest dancing spider
Environment
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- Offshore wind is poised to take off in the U.S.—but it won’t be easyOffshore wind is poised to take off in the U.S.—but it won’t be easy
- How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.
- How to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planetHow to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planet
- 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
History & Culture
- After 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who foughtAfter 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who fought
- Archaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sightArchaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sight
- Stolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuriesStolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuries
- 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt
Science
- Europe says blood clots should be listed as a ‘very rare’ side effect of J&J vaccineEurope says blood clots should be listed as a ‘very rare’ side effect of J&J vaccine
- How virus variants get their confusing names—and how to make them betterHow virus variants get their confusing names—and how to make them better
- Billions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists reportBillions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists report
- NASA Mars helicopter makes history as first vehicle to fly on another planetNASA Mars helicopter makes history as first vehicle to fly on another planet
- NASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moonNASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moon
Travel
- Birds, bison, and bears—here’s how to see wildlife from your carBirds, bison, and bears—here’s how to see wildlife from your car
- She visited every country on Earth. Here’s what she learned.She visited every country on Earth. Here’s what she learned.
- What it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great LakeWhat it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great Lake
- Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.
- Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem.
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Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem.