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The Year’s Most Outstanding Science Visualizations
A juried competition honors photographs, illustrations, videos, posters, games and apps that marry art and science in an evocative way
February 05, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
PHOTOS: Orchids of Latin America
Known for being particularly eye-catching, the orchids of Latin America are part of religious, cultural and even culinary life in the region
January 25, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Plants Flower Nearly a Month Earlier Than They Did A Century Ago
In 2012, many plants in the eastern U.S. flowered earlier than in any other year on record
January 16, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Covered in Ink, Cross-sections of Trees Make Gorgeous Prints
Connecticut-based artist Bryan Nash Gill uses ink to draw out the growth rings of a variety of tree species
January 15, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Long-Term Marijuana Use Could Have Zero Effect on IQ
Last summer, a study found that long-term cannabis use reduced cognitive skills. A new study seems to say the opposite
January 14, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
5 Science Stories to Watch in 2013
The new year could feature discoveries of life within subglacial Antarctic lakes, the brightest comet in generations and more
December 28, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Marijuana Isn’t a Pain Killer—It’s a Pain Distracter
A new study finds that under the influence of marijuana, the same levels of pain are simply less bothersome
December 20, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Flower Power, Redefined
In a new book, Andrew Zuckerman embraces minimalism, capturing 150 colorful blooms on white backdrops
December 12, 2012 |
By Ryan R. Reed
Smithsonian Curators Offer Up a Holiday Gift Guide for History Lovers
The best of history reads from Lincoln's true thoughts on slavery, to the White House dinner that shocked a nation, to California's hip-hop scene
December 11, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Why Does the Durian Fruit Smell So Terrible?
Scientists examine what chemicals make the Asian fruit smell like "turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock"
November 30, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Amazing Close-Ups of Seeds
A scientist-artist duo creates stunning images, taken through a scanning electron microscope, of seeds in the Millennium Seed Bank
November 09, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Nikon Announces the Winners of its “Small World” Competition
See a selection of beautiful images captured by scientists gazing through light microscopes
October 29, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
How to Keep Your Jack O’Lantern Looking Dapper Longer
Pumpkin expert Thomas Andres, of the New York Botanical Garden, provides tips for prolonging the life of your pumpkin
October 24, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Sinfully Delicious Apples That You Should Never Try to Eat
Inspired by the work of Cornell scientists, Los Angeles-based Jessica Rath creates sculptures and photographs of the autumn fruit
October 05, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
VIDEO: Watch This Carnivorous Plant Fling an Insect Into Its Mouth
A small plant native to Australia features two sets of touch-sensitive tentacles to catapult insects towards its digestive concavity and then draw them in deeper
September 26, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
PHOTOS: Tour Smithsonian Gardens’ Fall Flowers
The heat and torrents of rain have paid off with bright, beautiful blooms around the Mall
September 21, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Picture-Perfect Bonsai
In a new book, botanical photographer Jonathan Singer focuses his lens on the potted plants
September 13, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
This African Fruit Produces the World’s Most Intense Natural Color
Pollia condensata produces its striking deep blue color with a mechanism virtually unknown in plants
September 10, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Can Natural Herbs Protect Your Skin From the Sun?
A number of studies indicate that several herb extracts could protect against sunburn and other damage from UV light
August 01, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Bats Lose Out to Historic Trees in Sydney
Flying foxes can defoliate trees, but should the Royal Botanic Garden shoo this vulnerable species from its grounds?
June 18, 2012 |
By Sarah Zielinski
