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Articles

Mistletoes evolved the ability to grow not on the roots of trees, but instead on their branches.

Mistletoe: The Evolution of a Christmas Tradition

Why does this parasitic plant remind us of romance?

In his illustrated books, Patel distills the gods and goddesses down to their essentials as shown in this illustration from Ramayana: Divine Loophole (2010).

Sanjay Patel: A Hipster’s Guide to Hinduism

The 36-year-old pop artist and Pixar veteran brings a modern twist to the gods and demons of Hindu mythology

The cover and record "The Sounds of Earth," included aboard the Voyager 1 and 2 probes.

Carl Sagan and “The Sounds of Earth”

On the 15th anniversary of astronomer Carl Sagan’s death, we celebrate one of his most lasting impacts: a time capsule for humankind

Don’t Stop Believin’ (in Santa Claus)

Shirley Temple drops some knowledge on a Christmas tradition

A model of Conrad F. Bartling's 1888 fence-building machine

The Return of Patent Models to the Original Patent Office Building

A new exhibition at the American Art Museum features models of a variety of unusual 19th-century devices

An Allosaurus threatens a Stegosaurus at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

Where the Dinosaurs Are

Ready for a dinosaur road trip? We have a list of top dinosaur “evotourism” destinations just for you

Don’t be caught drinking until this Georgian man is done toasting.

Faux Pas: Mortifying Missteps of the Innocent Abroad

It was only weeks later that I learned what a klutz I’d been. It’s a miracle I wasn’t thrown to the bears

Miracle berries

Hanukkah Parties With a Twist

Latkes are delicious, but I’ve been thinking it’s time to throw some new food traditions into the Hanukkah mix

Justice John Marshall Harlan

The Great Dissenter and His Half-Brother

John Harlan championed racial justice on a hostile Supreme Court. Robert Harlan, a freed slave, achieved renown despite the court’s decisions

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Evolution, A Book That Turns Science Into Art

See examples of these beautiful photographs of animal skeletons in our image gallery

Photos: The Scariest Santas You’ll Ever See

Browse our selected illustrations of some of the strangest and creepiest Santa Clauses ever put down on paper

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Brain Pickings’ Top 11 History Books of the Year

The editor behind the site that curates the best content on the web lists the most interesting history books of 2011

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Hitchcock’s Primeval Birds

Paleontologist Edward Hitchcock was one of the first dinosaur track experts, but why did he insist that birds left the footprints?

Flying machine of the year 2012

The Fanciful, Chocolate-Filled World of 2012

In 1912, the French chocolate company Lombart printed a series of six collectible cards envisioning daily life one hundred years in the future

This ancient rock painting from Zimbabwe depicts a person smoking out a beehive.

Humans, the Honey Hunters

Energy-rich honey may have helped hominids evolve big brains

Join curators to learn about "Pair of Prickly Pairs" as part of a gallery talk.

Events Dec. 19-22: Fly Me To Mars, Holiday Arts and Crafts, American Craft Masterpieces, Butterfly Pavilion

This week, meet a children’s author and scientist, make holiday crafts, learn about a masterpiece tapestry, and see exotic tropical butterflies

Mashed potatoes for your holiday meal

Inviting Writing: Must-Have Potatoes

The ultimate holiday treat

How close are we to living to 150 years old?

One Step Closer to Beating Old Age

Thanks to medical innovations and research breakthroughs, living past your 100th birthday will one day not be such a big deal

Aspen trees in Colorado

What Was Killing the Aspens?

Scientists determine it was lack of water, not food, that was responsible for sudden aspen decline

World War I soldiers writing letters home

Military Mail Stories at the Postal Museum

A new exhibition covers the history of mail in the military

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