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Subjects including the arts and humanities, government, nature, people, recreation, science and societyDiscover Smithsonian articles related to the arts, history, science and popular culture.
A Restaurant in Japan Is Serving a $110 Tasting Menu Featuring Dirt
Japan's foodies have turned their attention to a new delicacy on Tokyo menus; will dirt turn up next in haute cuisine in New York and London?
February 12, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Trash Threatens Fragile Antarctic Environment
Decaying field huts, open pits of trash and oil-slicked beaches mar King George Island, a logistical hub for Antarctic research
February 12, 2013 |
By Mohi Kumar
What Makes the Trout in Ecuador Look Like Salmon?
Aiming to catch a few trout for dinner, the author decides to try his luck at one of the region's many "sport fishing" sites
February 12, 2013 |
By Alastair Bland
The Saltiest Pond on Earth Could Explain How Bodies of Water Form on Mars
At 40 percent salinity, the pond is the saltiest body of water on the planet.
February 12, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Unmanned Drones Have Been Around Since World War I
They have recently been the subject of a lot of scrutiny, but the American military first began developing similar aerial vehicles during World War I
February 12, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
When Building New Power Plants, Wind Can Be Cheaper Than Coal
In Australia, wind power is now cheaper than coal
February 12, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Reckless Breeding of the Unfit: Earnest Hooton, Eugenics and the Human Body of the Year 2000
A future America, populated by horse-faced, spindly giants with big feet
February 12, 2013 |
By Matt Novak
PHOTOS: A Piece of History, Celebrating Mardi Gras in D.C.
Historical photographs of Mardi Gras celebrations also tell the story of D.C.'s African American roots
February 12, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Tourists’ Photos Could Help Scientists Understand Whale Sharks
Every year, tourists take approximately a bazillion pictures. Most of them never wind up anywhere but someone's hard drive, never seen again, but some of those pictures might actually be useful. Especially if they're of whale sharks
February 12, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
An Asteroid Will Skim Right By the Earth on Friday Afternoon
The 147-foot-wide rock will pass a scant 17,200 miles from Earth's surface, under the orbits of some telecom satellites
February 12, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
How Much Damage Could North Korea’s New Nuke Do?
North Korea's new nuke could take out a big chunk of Lower Manhattan
February 12, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
The Masked Merriment of Mardi Gras
For centuries, the day's revelry has featured the liberated feeling of hiding in plain view
February 12, 2013 |
By Emily Spivack
To Measure the Taste of Food, Listen to Your Taste Buds
What does the taste of coffee actually sound like?
February 12, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
At Age 204, Charles Darwin Gets Animated
Check out scenes from the new comic "Darwin: A Graphic Biography" by Eugene Byrne and Simon Gurr
February 12, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Harry Truman’s Adorable Love “List” to His Wife, Bess
As a celebration of 38 years of marriage, the former president shared his memories, both fond and bittersweet, from each anniversary
February 12, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Fifty Years After Sylvia Plath’s Death, Critics Are Just Starting to Understand Her Life
Cultural fascination with the author and poet continues to burn brightly despite - or perhaps because of - Plath's premature departure from this world
February 11, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Elephants Choose to Stay Inside Safe, Less Stressful National Parks
Elephants living within the park's boundaries are significantly less stressed than those living outside of its protective borders
February 11, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
This Artist Uses Meat As His Medium
Dominic Episcopo's red and raw images capture the spirit of Americana.
February 11, 2013 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Vote on Names for Pluto’s Teeny Moons
Styx, Orpheus, Erebus or something else? What should Pluto's moons be named?
February 11, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Sneak Peek of “Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4″
Airing February 11, the Smithsonian Channel documentary tells the story of the lunch counter sit-in that helped to change the country
February 11, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz

