Articles

Uncovering the Truth Behind the Myth of Pancho Villa, Movie Star

In 1914, the Mexican rebel signed a contract with an American newsreel company that required him to fight for the cameras. Too good to be true? Not entirely

November 6, 2012

We Can Bank Online. Why Can’t We Vote Online?

Voting experts David Becker and Thad Hall discuss the technologies that could forever change the way we register and cast our votes

November 6, 2012

Events November 6-8: Mark Catesby’s Wildlife, Wintering Insects and a U-2 Pilot

This week, celebrate the British illustrator’s 300th anniversary, learn about how insects survive the season and hear from a U-2 pilot

November 6, 2012

The Long and Grueling Journey on the Presidential Campaign Trail

A look at each candidate’s long, long journey that ends at the polling booth

November 5, 2012

Recapping ‘The Jetsons’: Episode 07 – The Flying Suit

Viewers got their first look at jetpacks as well as what actually happens on the ground beneath the Jetsons, and while it may not be zombies, it isn’t pretty

November 5, 2012

Brits Have Invaded Nine Out of Ten Countries

At various times, a new study found, the British have invaded almost 90 per cent of the countries around the globe

November 5, 2012

The World’s Rarest Whale Species Spotted in New Zealand

A pair of spade-toothed whales washed ashore on a beach, the first time the complete body of a member of this species has ever been seen

November 5, 2012

D is for Dyoplosaurus

A hidden ankylosaur species changes how paleontologists understand the evolution of North America’s Late Cretaceous dinosaurs

November 5, 2012

The Science of Good Cooking: Tips From America’s Test Kitchen

The newest book from Christopher Kimball and company pairs good food with good science

November 5, 2012

Are Your Political Beliefs Hardwired?

Brain scans suggest Democrats and Republicans actually are different biologically. Welcome to the world of political neuroscience.

November 5, 2012

Did Lucy Walk Too Slow for Her Taller Group Mates?

Huge variability in Australopithecus afarensis height may have made it difficult for group members to walk together at the same speed

November 5, 2012

The Return of the Hand-Painted Sign

Hand-painted signs are making a comeback, but are they the work of artists or “mechanics”?

November 2, 2012

Beetles Invasion: One Artist’s Take on the Insect

A swarm of giant beetles, lovingly sculpted by Washington D.C.-based artist Joan Danziger, descends on the American University Museum

November 2, 2012

Faces From Afar: Two Oregonians on the Hunt for Exotic Durians

Meet Lindsay Gasik and Rob Culclasure, who are spending a year of their lives in Southeast Asia feasting on the bizarre fruit

November 2, 2012

New Dinosaur Discovered – Named After the Demonic Sauron from Lord of the Rings

A bizarre skull fragment hints at a new species of giant predatory dinosaur from Morocco

November 2, 2012

Why Do Readers Cheat Content Paywalls in Online Journalism?

A new study shows that justifying paywalls as fair makes readers much more likely to pay for online content

November 2, 2012

Should Cities Prepare For the Worst?

Is the crippling of New York City enough to motivate other cities to protect themselves against extreme weather?

November 2, 2012

Incredible Political Fashion Statements From Past Elections

Forget buttons and T-shirts. Check out these mini dresses, bell bottoms and digital watches from old campaign trails

November 1, 2012

Food During Times of Grief

In a funereal setting, food often servers a number of symbolic functions

November 1, 2012

Video: This Elephant Learned to Speak Korean

Koshik, an Asian elephant at a South Korean zoo, learned to uncannily mimic five Korean words by stuffing his trunk in his mouth

November 1, 2012