Articles

Part of an ongoing project, the artist added bright, industrial paint to vases from the Han Dynasty. “Colored Vases” 2007-2010.

Ai Weiwei Takes Over the Smithsonian: “According to What?” Opens at the Hirshhorn

The museum hosts the U.S. premier of a blockbuster show from the controversial artist

Are These Two Toes the World’s First Prostheses?

This is probably the world's first prosthetic—a wooden toe that dates back to before 600 BC

The Black Sapote fruit develops a distinct “chocolate pudding” flavor after it has softened on the ground for a week or two.

All the Insane Australian Fruit You Can Eat

What the heck are black sapotes, carambolas and pomelo fruits?

Maria Snyder, Italian Vanity, Versace, 1983

Antonio’s World: The Life and Work of a Celebrated Fashion Illustrator

Antonio Lopez's electrifying art defined the style of the times, 1960s-'80s. Now, a gallery show and book call renewed attention to his accomplishments

Dilophosaurus, in a restoration based on an impression found at St. George, Utah. Art by Heather Kyoht Luterman

Dilophosaurus – An Early Jurassic Icon

Tracks made by a 20-foot predatory dinosaur have been found in rock from Connecticut to Arizona, but who made the tracks?

As part of the Pacific Centennial Oscillation pattern, ocean waters in certain areas become warmer and cooler as part of a century-long cycle. Red indicates warmer water; blue shows cooler.

New Climate-Shifting Pattern: Is PCO the Next El Niño?

Computer simulations indicate that ocean temperatures and weather patterns might vary on a 100-year-long cycle called PCO

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Recapping “The Jetsons”: Episode 02 – A Date With Jet Screamer

The Jetson family's descent into sex, drugs and rock & roll

A chronology of NFL helmets

Leatherhead to Radio-Head: The Evolution of the Football Helmet

From hand-cobbled beginnings, the football helmet has shifted to become one of the most highly designed pieces of equipment in all of sports

A new study indicates that fraud in the biomedical sciences occurs but is exceedingly rare.

How Often Do Scientists Commit Fraud?

The evidence says scientists are pretty honest. New techniques could make it easier for scientific fabricators to be caught

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The Unsolved Mystery of the Tunnels at Baiae

Did ancient priests fool visitors to a sulfurous subterranean stream that they had crossed the River Styx and entered Hades?

Recyclosaurus rex, seen outside the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, Florida.

Dinosaur Sighting: Recyclosaurus

A reader shows us a snapshot of a spare-parts dinosaur

Oldowan choppers are among the oldest-known type of stone tools.

Becoming Human: The Origin of Stone Tools

Archaeologists are still debating when hominids started making stone tools and which species was the first toolmaker

One of the treasures from Kazakhstan’s rich past included in “Nomads and Networks” at the Sackler.

Events October 2-4: Nomadic Arts, Guided Tours and Music from Kazakhstan

This week, music and finds from Kazakhstan's nomadic past and daily, guided tours

California Governor Jerry Brown

California Bans ‘Cure The Gays’ Therapy

In California, it's no longer legal to try to cure homosexual youth

A rally round the flag in Washington

Can You Change Your Political Beliefs?

New research suggests that most people may not be as committed to their moral principles as they think they are

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How Do Our Brains Process Music?

In an excerpt from his new book, David Byrne explains why sometimes, he prefers hearing nothing

A still of Jordan from the video Shadow Sites II, by Jananne Al-Ani.

Spotlight

Dr. Lewis Fielding’s File Cabinet.

The World’s Most Famous Filing Cabinet

After Daniel Ellsberg leaked the Pentagon Papers, the notorious Plumbers broke into his psychiatrist's office, looking for a way to discredit him

"It's possible my natural level is in the Senate," John F. Kennedy said—but then he won the 1960 election. As president, he and his wife hosted Ben and Tony Bradlee (left and third from left) at the White House.

Kennedy After Dark: A Dinner Party About Politics and Power

In this exclusive transcript from the JFK library, hear what he had to say just days after announcing his candidacy for the presidency

A Smith electric delivery van (such as this one in New York City) can reduce emissions by 85 percent, compared with diesel power.

Forget the Volt, Make Way for Electric Trucks

Smith trucks are powered by batteries, not diesel, which could make a big difference in the fight against climate change

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