The Beast’s Enchanted Rose Lasted a Decade. How Long Can a Real One Last?
A Smithsonian expert says the film’s was undoubtedly a hybrid tea rose
Why Is Pennsylvania Ave D.C.’s Main Thoroughfare and More Questions From Our Readers
Your questions answered by our experts
What Do Insects Do in Winter?
When winter comes, most bugs either migrate or time travel. But some get far more creative
Why Do Chinese Restaurants Have Such Similar Names?
Consistency and familiarity is the tradition
Can Humans Ever Harness the Power of Hibernation?
Scientists want to know if astronauts can hibernate during long spaceflights. First, they need to understand what hibernation is
Did Ellis Island Officials Really Change the Names of Immigrants?
On the 125th anniversary of the famous portal to the U.S., history shows inspectors were not the ones changing people’s names
Is the Earthworm Native to the United States and More Questions From Readers
You asked, we answered
When Did the Vice Presidency Stop Going to the 2nd Place Winner and More Questions From Our Readers
Also up for discussion—why are oceans seawater and not freshwater?
Ask Smithsonian: What Is a Freckle?
Those adorable and charming spots splayed across the nose and cheeks might also be an indicator of sun damage
Ask Smithsonian: How Do You Make a Mummy?
Mummification has been practiced for eons and the Egyptians are the best known, but not the only practioners
Ask Smithsonian: Is the World Due for Another Massive Plague Outbreak?
It is highly unlikely, experts say, but a plague-based bioterror assault is another matter
Ask Smithsonian: How Does Night Vision Work?
The ability to see in the dark is becoming more accurate and more portable
How Powerful Is a Volcanic Eruption and More Questions From Our Readers
You asked, we answered
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
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