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Articles

The "loyalty dance" was a fixture of China's Cultural Revolution, and Kang Wenjie's performance at a giant Maoist teach-in was boffo.

Dancing for Mao

A photograph of a 5-year-old girl made her famous in China—and haunted the man who took it

Explorer Robert Scott built a hut at Cape Evans during his 1910-1913 expedition; all five members of his team perished.

Finding Feisty Fungi in Antarctica

In a place where no one believed they existed–-treeless Antartica–wood fungi are feasting on polar exploration relics

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May Anniversaries

Momentous or Merely Memorable

Koval in an undated photograph from his FBI file.

George Koval: Atomic Spy Unmasked

Iowa-born and army-trained, how did George Koval manage to steal a critical U.S. atom bomb secret for the Soviets?

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Much Ado About Chicxulub

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“I Do Solemnly Swear” Celebrates Obama’s First Hundred Days

To celebrate the occasion, the American History Museum presents its exhibition, “I Do Solemnly Swear: Photographs of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.”

Curator Finds Murphy Bed’s Place in American History

The Murphy Bed was born of necessity—the inventor had a driving desire to hide his bed, so he could entertain his lady

Citizens of Mexico City wear masks to prevent the spread of swine flu.

Dreading the Worst When it Comes to Epidemics

A scientist by training, author Philip Alcabes studies the etymology of epidemiology and the cultural fears of worldwide disease

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