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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.
Fathers Recognize Their Babies’ Cries Just as Well as Mothers
A new study shows that fathers and mothers are equally capable at knowing their infant's unique cry—if both contribute to parenting equally
April 16, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Kickstarter for Surgery Lets You Help Those in Need
A crowdfunding venture gives you a way to donate directly to people's surgeries
April 15, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Five Surprising Facts About the Common Cold
How far do germs travel after a sneeze? Can you really catch a cold if it's chilly outside? And does vitamin C actually help battle cold symptoms?
April 15, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
This Is the Coolest Way to Watch the Northern Lights (Without Going to the Arctic)
Pan and scroll your way around the northern lights
April 15, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Are Animal Rules for TVs And Movies Strict Enough?
The rules are extensive, but after three horses died in the filming of the HBO show "Luck," some are wondering if they're strict enough
April 15, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Merely a Taste of Beer Can Trigger a Rush of Chemical Pleasure in the Brain
New research shows just a sip can cause the potent neurotransmitter dopamine to flood the brain
April 15, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The Incredible True Story of Master Craftsman, Freedman Thomas Day
He rose to an elite status and created his own style along the way
April 15, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
China’s Deadly New Bird Flu Is Spreading
With 64 reported cases over the past two weeks, H7N9 is spreading
April 15, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Should We Fall Out of Love with Robot Surgery?
The FDA is investigating whether doctors aren't getting enough training before they start using machines to do surgery. Is the "wow" factor to blame?
April 15, 2013 |
By Randy Rieland
Edinburgh’s Mysterious Miniature Coffins
In 1836, three Scottish boys discovered a strange cache of miniature coffins concealed on a hillside above Edinburgh. Who put them there—and why?
April 15, 2013 |
By Mike Dash
This Computer Could Soon Beat You At Super Mario Bros.
Tom Murphy, a PhD student in computer science, just built a computer program that can play Super Mario Bros
April 15, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Our Closest Ape-Like Ancestor Is Reshuffling Thinking About Human Evolution
Australopithecus sediba included a strange mix of both modern Homo and ape-like australopith features
April 15, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
When Modern Art Met the Classic Chess Set
How far can you push the design of a knight before it stops looking like a knight?
April 15, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Events April 16-18: Art Classes, 19th Century Laundry and the Peacock Room
This week, learn how to knit or make pottery, appreciate how much of a luxury your washing machine is and experience the prettiest room on the Mall
April 15, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
How One Family Helped Change the Way We Eat Ham
The Harris family struck gold when they introduced the ice house to England in 1856, but what were the costs of their innovation?
April 15, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The Most Comprehensive Map of the Internet Yet May Give Clues for Sealing Up Vulnerabilities
Researchers are using ISP databases to connect the dots between networks in order to create a comprehensive map of the internet's global scope
April 15, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Introducing a Special Report on Education
How are schools adapting to the new demands of the 21st century?
April 15, 2013 |
By Rachael Brown
The Very Model of a Modern Major STEM School
As science and math-focused campuses multiply around the country, Denver’s School of Science and Technology is solving the equation for what makes a STEM school great
April 15, 2013 |
By Rachel Cernansky
The Business of American Business Is Education
From corporate donations to workplace restrictions, what’s taught in the classroom has always been influenced by American industry
April 15, 2013 |
By Dana Goldstein
The 10 Worst Teachers and Principals From Pop Culture
From Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to Mean Girls, on-screen educators have a talent for causing trouble. Here are the worst offenders.
April 15, 2013 |
By Eleanor Barkhorn


