Ask Smithsonian: How Does Night Vision Work?
The ability to see in the dark is becoming more accurate and more portable
Ask Smithsonian: How Does Skin Heal?
The skin is an organ system that is unique to each individual, so not everyone heals the same way
Ask Smithsonian: Why Do Flamingos Stand on One Leg?
Flamingos may be doing their one-legged tree pose to stay warm or just because it’s comfortable
Ask Smithsonian: Why Do We Get Prune Fingers?
Some researchers say that, like tire treads, our fingers and toes could get better traction in wet conditions
Ask Smithsonian: What Makes Us a Righty or a Lefty?
Scientists are interested in studying why some of us are non-right-handers because it might offer insight into how the brain develops
What Did Insects Evolve From and More Questions From Our Readers
You asked, we answered
Ask Smithsonian: Why Does Rain Have A Distinctive Smell?
Summertime humidity—and our own memories—help create the conditions for how we perceive the sharp, fresh odor of a rain storm
Ask Smithsonian: What Makes Skunk Spray Smell So Terrible?
When the omnivorous cat-size mammals take aim, the malodorous spray can hit with pin-point accuracy up to 20 feet away
Ask Smithsonian: What Happens When You Get a Concussion?
It’s scary what we don’t know about the lasting effects after a knock to the noggin
Ask Smithsonian: How Many Rings Does Saturn Have?
The age, origin and purpose of Saturn’s rings have mystified scientists since the days of Galileo
Ask Smithsonian: Are Cats Domesticated?
There is little genetic difference between a tabby and a wild cat, so scientists think the house cat is only domestic when it wants to be
How Do Seals Find Their Prey and More Questions From Our Readers
You asked, we answered
Ask Smithsonian: Could the Volcano Beneath Yellowstone National Park Ever Erupt?
The good news is that an eruption there is highly unlikely, but the bad news is that it would be huge
Ask Smithsonian: Why Do We Love Junk Food So Much?
The jury is still out, but some are suggesting that sodas, chips and fries trick the brain into thinking no calories were consumed
Who Determined That the Sun Was a Star and More Questions From Our Readers
You asked, we answered
Ask Smithsonian: Will the Leaning Tower of Pisa Ever Topple?
Imperceptible changes are occurring, but no worries, a collapse is not in the forecast
Are QR Codes Safe and Other Questions From Our Readers
You asked, we answered
Ask Smithsonian: What’s the Deepest Hole Ever Dug?
The answer to the question, says a Smithsonian researcher, is more about why we dig, than how low you can go
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