Social Sciences
The social sciences study cultural artifacts, innovations, language and behaviors to discover how humans relate to each other and to society
The Inside Story of a Controversial New Text About Jesus
According to a top religion scholar, this 1,600-year-old text fragment suggests that some early Christians believed Jesus was married—possibly to Mary Magdalene
September 18, 2012 |
By Ariel Sabar
Flooding in Pakistan Threatens Remains of 4500-Year-Old Civilization
Strong flooding fueled by the annual monsoon threatens the ancient town of Mohenjo-Daro
September 14, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Skeleton Found Under a Parking Lot May Be English King Richard III
A skeleton consistent with that of the long-dead king was unearthed recently in Leicester
September 13, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Russian Mammoth Discovery May Lead to Furry Clones
Scientists discovered the remains of a woolly mammoth in Yakutia region on Russia’s Arctic coast
September 12, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
How A Facebook Experiment Increased Real World Election Turnout
On Election Day 2010, a message displayed on Facebook news feeds drove 340,000 Americans to the polls, according to a new study
September 12, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Paint-on Hosiery During the War Years
A back "seam" drawn with an eyebrow pencil topped off the resourceful fashion effect
September 10, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Stocking Series, Part 1: Wartime Rationing and Nylon Riots
As hemlines rose, DuPont's wonder fabric was a sensation among women. But during WWII, it was needed for parachutes
September 04, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Tacky History of the Pink Flamingo
From its start in Massachusetts, of all places, to its inspiration of a John Waters film, the lawn ornament has some staying power
September 2012 |
By Abigail Tucker
The Swimsuit Series, Part 6: Ladies in Wading in Art
A look at how artists spent their summer vacations—at the beach
August 31, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
What Did Playtex Have to Do With Neil Armstrong?
The astronaut's lunar outfit was designed by the women's bra manufacturer and inspired a series of space age fashions
August 27, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Why Did the Mayan Civilization Collapse? A New Study Points to Deforestation and Climate Change
A severe drought, exacerbated by widespread logging, appears to have triggered the mysterious Mayan demise
August 23, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Yes, We’re Actually Still Looking for the Yeti
Scientists are accepting DNA samples from cryptozoologists who claim to have evidence of the Yeti
August 17, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Archaeologists Excavate Death Pit, Finding Hundreds of Sacrificed Soldiers in Denmark
Archaeologists are excavating hundreds of skeletons from the boggy swamps, and the remains belong to men who all sacrificed around the time of Christ
August 15, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Hot for Hominids – Did Humans Mate With Neanderthals Or Not?
Geneticists are busy figuring out whether humans and Neanderthals got busy
August 15, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Google Earth Probably Didn’t Just Find New Pyramids
Amateur archaeologist claims to have found lost pyramids using Google Earth. Real archaeologists are skeptical
August 14, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Great Wall of China Collapses After Torrential Rains
Flooding fueled by heavy rains brought down a 36 meter long stretch of the Great Wall of China.
August 10, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Archaeologists Discover 1000-Year Old Hyper-Caffeinated Tea in Illinois
Unearthed from a site near modern day St. Louis, Missouri, archaeologists found tea residue in pottery beakers that dates back to as early as 1050 A.D.
August 08, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
The Swimsuit Series, Part 5: Olympic Athletes, Posing
Vintage styles cycle in and out of favor among medal-winning racers
August 08, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Packing List Series, Part 2: An Artist’s Illustrated Guide
With a watercolor sketchbook guide, Adolf Konrad drew on his talents to record his belongings
August 01, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
When LBJ Ordered Pants From the White House
Johnson liked his Haggar slacks slack—and colorfully described a special custom-cut
July 30, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
