Smithsonian magazine

How do scientists know which insects can see color?

Can Insects See Color? And More Questions From Our Readers

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Readers Respond to the November 2024 Issue

Your feedback on a multitalented fruit detective, a Jewish actor's journey and a long-overlooked Native American massacre

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This Interactive Map Shows Which Indigenous Lands You Live On

The nonprofit behind the tool wants people to learn the history of the spaces they inhabit

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Readers Respond to the September/October 2024 Issue

Your feedback on the First Continental Congress, Douglas MacArthur and England's tangled history

Could a private citizen get hold of a genome and use it to bring an extinct animal back to life? 

Could Anyone Bring an Extinct Animal Back to Life? And More Questions From Our Readers

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Readers Respond to the July/August 2024 Issue

Your feedback on escaped hippos, coastal defenses and ancient cultures

Did Hawaiian dancers traditionally wear grass skirts? 

What's the History of Hawaiian Grass Skirts? And More Questions From Our Readers

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Olympic rings are seen on the Eiffel Tower near the restored statue of "Cavalier Arabe" on the Pont d'Iéna bridge in Paris on July 4, 2024, ahead of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. 

The Paris Summer Olympics: Smithsonian's Guide to the Games

Prepare yourself for the Paris Olympics with this comprehensive guide to the history, science, arts and thrills of the worldwide celebration

Could different backyard birds, such as a robin and a bluebird, produce viable offspring? 

Could a Robin and a Bluebird Have Babies? And More Questions From Our Readers

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Readers Respond to the June 2024 Issue

Your feedback on lava tubes, scenic routes and diet history

Earthwork Portrait of Genghis Khan

Move Over, Genghis Khan. Many Other Men Left Huge Genetic Legacies

A 2015 study showed that ten other men have a lot of descendants. The paper is just one of several genetic studies revealing the secrets of descent

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Readers Respond to the April/May 2024 Issue

Your feedback on brilliant sea slugs, nostalgic drinks and hidden history

The world’s quietest room registers a background sound of -24.9 dBA.

In the Earth’s Quietest Room, You Can Hear Yourself Blink

Background noise in the custom-built chamber is actually measured in negative decibels, which means it’s below the threshold of human hearing

Where do we get the seeds for seedless fruit?

Where Do We Get Seeds for Seedless Fruit? And More Questions From Our Readers

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Readers Respond to the March 2024 Issue

Your feedback on art fakes, Tiffany lamps and World War II recovery missions

Why aren't there freshwater seals or dolphins in the Great Lakes?

Why Aren't Dolphins in the Great Lakes? And More Questions From Our Readers

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Readers Respond to the January/February 2024 Issue

Your feedback on John Coltrane, turtle conservation and George Washington's tent

Could we use volcanic energy as a power source?

Could Volcanoes Power Our Planet? And More Questions From Our Readers

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Readers Respond to the December 2023 Issue

Your feedback on robot artists, marsupial frogs and abolitionist icons

I thought I saw more red foliage this fall. Is that related to climate change?

Does Climate Change Affect Leaves' Fall Colors? And More Questions From Our Readers

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