Weather Prevents Different Giraffe Species From Interbreeding
In zoos, different giraffe species will readily mate, but if the species cross paths in Kenya, their rain-driven mating cycles won’t be in sync
Your Ethnicity Determines the Species of Bacteria That Live in Your Mouth
Everyone has a unique “fingerprint” of oral bacteria species, and new research shows that, in isolation, it can be used to predict your ethnicity
This Clever Augmented Reality System Lets Drivers See Through Cars
One day, augmented reality may help drivers know when to pass up a slow truck on a two-lane road
Can an Algae-Powered Lamp Quench Our Thirst For Energy?
A French chemist is developing street lights that can absorb carbon dioxide 200 times more efficiently than trees
Gold Particles in Eucalyptus Trees Can Reveal Deposits Deep Underground
The plants can absorb gold particles in their roots and transport them up to their leaves—a finding that could be a boon for mining companies
Why We Missed America’s National Treasures During the Shutdown
The Smithsonian’s Richard Kurin reflects on the recent shutdown and the icons that have shaped American history
Discovered: A Natural Protein in Breast Milk That Fights HIV
Scientists have identified a milk protein called Tenascin C that binds to HIV and prevents it from injecting its DNA into human cells
Horrific Tales of Potatoes That Caused Mass Sickness and Even Death
A greened potato indicates the presence of a toxin that can cause gastrointestinal distress, induce coma or even death within 24 hours of consumption
A New Car Proves It Can Fly (Barely)
A video demonstration by the Aeromobil may have you thinking it’s best to stay grounded for now
Cooper-Hewitt Announces Design Award Winners
As part of National Design Week, National Design award winners celebrated their achievements with a gala held October 17
Next Year, Your Smartphone Might Actually Charge Itself Using Solar Power
“Invisible” solar cells may soon turn smartphone displays into battery-assisting solar panels
The Perfect Way to Ripen Fruit and Other Ingenious Inventions Recognized by the Dyson Awards
Entries into the annual inventors competition include an Iron Man-inspired suit and a printer that fits in your bag
The Panda Cam is Back
After a 16-day hiatus, the Smithsonian National Zoo panda cam is back on the air
Chimpanzees Intentionally Warn Their Friends About Danger
A new study shows that the apes make specific warning calls when near other chimps, and they keep sounding the alarm until their friends are safe
Smithsonian Museums and the Panda Cam are Back in Business Today
After the 16-day government shutdown, visitors can once again visit the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo relaunches the panda cam
The Science of Winning Leaps at the Calaveras County Frog Jumping Competition
Biologists visited the world-famous frog jubilee to study the amphibians’ record-breaking jumps and the frog jockeys’ expert techniques
Macro or Micro? Test Your Sense of Scale
A geographer and a biologist at Salem State University team up to curate a new exhibition, featuring confounding views from both satellites and microscopes
This “Death Watch” Allegedly Counts Down the Last Seconds of Your Life
A watch that predicts when its wearer will expire is proving popular with the masses. But why?
The Many, Many Designs of the Sewing Machine
Rioting tailors, destitute inventors and the court system all got involved in one of the 19th century’s biggest innovations
No Good News for Oceans As Climate Changes
From the ocean surface to the seafloor, climate change is set to ravage marine environments, leaving practically no part of the sea untouched by 2100
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