Science | Smithsonian

Why Humans Are Only Primates Capable of Talking

New study suggests ape vocalizations vary according to neural abilities, not vocal anatomy

Where Megalodon Came From

No longer thought of as "living fossils," ancient sharks sported a crazy amount of variety

Nine Travel Tips from Astronauts

What can terrestrial travelers learn from people who have been to space?

A Unique Enzyme Gives Bermuda Fireworms Their Glow

A new study reveals the secret to the invertebrates’ dazzling mating ritual

How Volcanoes Reshape Ecosystems

Volcanic eruptions change the natural world in dramatic ways

The Remarkable Way Calamari Squid Catch Their Prey

They might be delicious to us but in the ocean, calamari squid are formidable predators, using concealed tentacles which shoot out toward any prey within a three-foot radius

Zebra Finches Dream a Little Dream of Melody

Zebra finches flex their singing muscles while snoozing, as if they're lip-syncing in their sleep—and scientists want to know why

Why Humans Are Only Primates Capable of Talking — Why Humans Are Only Primates Capable of Talking

New study suggests ape vocalizations vary according to neural abilities, not vocal anatomy

Where Megalodon Came From — Where Megalodon Came From

No longer thought of as "living fossils," ancient sharks sported a crazy amount of variety

Nine Travel Tips from Astronauts — Nine Travel Tips from Astronauts

What can terrestrial travelers learn from people who have been to space?

A Unique Enzyme Gives Bermuda Fireworms Their Glow — A Unique Enzyme Gives Bermuda Fireworms Their Glow

A new study reveals the secret to the invertebrates’ dazzling mating ritual

How Volcanoes Reshape Ecosystems — How Volcanoes Reshape Ecosystems

Volcanic eruptions change the natural world in dramatic ways

The Remarkable Way Calamari Squid Catch Their Prey — The Remarkable Way Calamari Squid Catch Their Prey

They might be delicious to us but in the ocean, calamari squid are formidable predators, using concealed tentacles which shoot out toward any prey within a three-foot radius

Zebra Finches Dream a Little Dream of Melody — Zebra Finches Dream a Little Dream of Melody

Zebra finches flex their singing muscles while snoozing, as if they're lip-syncing in their sleep—and scientists want to know why

August 13, 2018 4:36PM

Why Curators Killed Hatcher, the 66-Million-Year-Old Triceratops

August 13, 2018 3:01PM

A Macaw Breeding Center Supplied Prehistoric Americans With Prized Plumage

August 13, 2018 1:31PM

Ancient Ceramic Cups Reveal Oldest Direct Evidence of Beer in Mesopotamia

August 13, 2018 12:15PM

Newfoundland's Volunteer Puffin Patrol Helps Save Hundreds of Baby Seabirds Confused by Light Pollution

Second Opinion: Forging the Future June 12, 2017

Are You Optimistic About the Earth's Future?

August 9, 2018 | Updated: August 11, 2018

Behind the Scenes With the Spacecraft That Will Soar Through the Sun's Atmosphere

August 10, 2018

The Corn of the Future Is Hundreds of Years Old and Makes Its Own Mucus

August 9, 2018

Megalodon Wasn't the Only Impressive Shark in the Prehistoric Seas

August 9, 2018

The National Zoo’s Beloved, Aging Emu Has Died

August 9, 2018

Nine Travel Tips from Astronauts

More Recent Stories »

SmartNews Keeping you current

August 13, 2018 3:17PM

U.K. Heat Wave Triggers Rare Flamingos to Lay Eggs for the First Time in 15 Years

August 13, 2018 2:21PM

Laziness May Have Contributed to the Decline of Homo Erectus

August 13, 2018 1:07PM

New Research

Algae and Coral Have Been BFFs Since the Dinosaur Age

August 13, 2018 10:00AM

Mysterious, Plant-Like Fossil May Have Been One of the Earliest Animals

August 13, 2018 9:00AM

New Research

Citizen Scientists Show Black Widows Creeping North In Canada

August 10, 2018

New Research

Why Humans Are the Only Primates Capable of Talking

More SmartNews Stories »

Human Behavior

chinese butcher

Mind & Body

Deep Earth Geology

volcano image 3

Featured Science Videos

Sir David Attenborough and His Crew Race to Film a Walking Shark

Never-Before-Seen Footage of Clownfish Hatching

Watch This Male Mantis Shrimp Dance to Attract a Mate

Subscribe

Save 84% off the newsstand price!

First & Last Name

First Name

Last Name

Address 1

Address 2

City / State

City

State

Zip

Email Address

Enter your email address