Blogs

What Makes the Trout in Ecuador Look Like Salmon?

Aiming to catch a few trout for dinner, the author decides to try his luck at one of the region’s many “sport fishing” sites

February 12, 2013

World War I: 100 Years Later

Unmanned Drones Have Been Around Since World War I

They have recently been the subject of a lot of scrutiny, but the American military first began developing similar aerial vehicles during World War I

February 12, 2013

Reckless Breeding of the Unfit: Earnest Hooton, Eugenics and the Human Body of the Year 2000

A future America, populated by horse-faced, spindly giants with big feet

February 12, 2013

PHOTOS: A Piece of History, Celebrating Mardi Gras in D.C.

Historical photographs of Mardi Gras celebrations also tell the story of D.C.’s African American roots

February 12, 2013

An Asteroid Will Skim Right By the Earth on Friday Afternoon

The 147-foot-wide rock will pass a scant 17,200 miles from Earth’s surface, under the orbits of some telecom satellites

February 12, 2013

The Masked Merriment of Mardi Gras

For centuries, the day’s revelry has featured the liberated feeling of hiding in plain view

February 12, 2013

At Age 204, Charles Darwin Gets Animated

Check out scenes from the new comic “Darwin: A Graphic Biography” by Eugene Byrne and Simon Gurr

February 12, 2013

This Artist Uses Meat As His Medium

Dominic Episcopo’s red and raw images capture the spirit of Americana.

February 11, 2013

Sneak Peek of “Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4”

Airing February 11, the Smithsonian Channel documentary tells the story of the lunch counter sit-in that helped to change the country

February 11, 2013

Grammy Gold: Folkways Takes Home Two Awards

Congratulations to the record label for the success of Woody at 100 and Quetzal’s Imaginaries album

February 11, 2013

Events February 12-14: Women in Sustainability, China’s Investment in Africa and an Emancipation Proclamation Theater Performance

This week, hear from a panel of sustainability rock stars, see a documentary on China’s presence in Africa and watch a Black History Month celebration

February 11, 2013

Photos of Starfish Up Close: What Are You Looking At?

A stunning look at starfish reveal beautiful patterns—but what exactly are those wormy structures, bald patches, and spiky maces?

February 8, 2013

Imagining a Drone-Proof City in the Age of Surveillance

As drones become common as tools of the military and intelligence agencies, how are architects and designers responding?

February 8, 2013

Can Birds Survive Climate Change?

Predicted increases in torrential rain and severe drought will force birds in Asia to relocate in search of food and viable habitat, a new study finds

February 8, 2013

Q+A: The Youngest of the Little Rock Nine Talks About Her First Day of School

Carlotta Walls LaNier recently donated the dress she wore on what would’ve been her first day at the desegregated high school

February 8, 2013

Viva Las Venus: The Jetsons and Wholesome Hedonism

What happens in the year 2063 stays in the year 2063

February 8, 2013

Can Machines Learn Morality?

The debate over drones stirs up questions about whether robots can learn ethical behavior. Will they be able to make moral decisions?

February 8, 2013

Discussion at the American Indian Museum: Time to Put Racist Mascots to Bed

The panel talk on the controversial practice spilled over in the Twittersphere as people talked about the history of racist mascots and what can be done

February 7, 2013

The Unsettling Beauty of Lethal Pathogens

British artist Luke Jerram’s handblown glass sculptures show the visual complexity and delicacy of E. coli, swine flu, malaria and other killing agents

February 7, 2013

PHOTOS: Wynton Marsalis, Honoring Duke Ellington

The artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center celebrates the jazz legend who won affection at home and abroad

February 7, 2013