https://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/world-records/RSS feed for World RecordsenTue, 20 Oct 2026 21:20:19 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-rhode-island-man-grew-the-first-pumpkin-to-surpass-3000-pounds-the-gargantuan-gourd-is-the-largest-fruit-ever-180989723/On October 10, Ron Wallace took the pumpkin king crown with a 3,156-pounder. The previous record—a respectable, nearly 2,857-pound pumpkin—was set just a week earlier by British grower Ian PatonTue, 20 Oct 2026 21:20:19 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-rhode-island-man-grew-the-first-pumpkin-to-surpass-3000-pounds-the-gargantuan-gourd-is-the-largest-fruit-ever-180989723/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-took-a-cheek-swab-from-the-worlds-oldest-tortoise-his-dna-could-reveal-hints-to-longevity-180989663/Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise, is about 194 years old and the oldest land animal alive today. Discoveries about his genetics could provide clues to extending lifespan in humansFri, 09 Oct 2026 17:28:10 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-took-a-cheek-swab-from-the-worlds-oldest-tortoise-his-dna-could-reveal-hints-to-longevity-180989663/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-91-year-old-man-fell-71-times-while-hiking-appalachian-trail-he-just-became-oldest-person-complete-2190-mile-trek-180989428/Dale Sanders finished the hike in just under a year. Nicknamed "Grey Beard," he's no stranger to age-defying feats of enduranceTue, 01 Sep 2026 18:24:07 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-91-year-old-man-fell-71-times-while-hiking-appalachian-trail-he-just-became-oldest-person-complete-2190-mile-trek-180989428/