Natural Sciences
No One Really Knows What a Shamrock Is
The three-leaf clover is what everyone wears, but what species is it?
Teachers Give Lower Math Scores to Girls
Teachers’ unconscious beliefs in the aptitude of boys over girls come out when grading math tests
Orchidelirium, an Obsession with Orchids, Has Lasted for Centuries
The once-elusive flower's striking beauty has inspired collectors and scientists to make it more accessible
Ten Cool Science Stories You May Have Missed in 2014
ICYMI, there's a newfound coral reef in Iraq, the smallest force has been detected and more in this year's surprising science
Our Top Stories of 2014
From weird red waterfalls to the pleasures of small-town America, these were the most read articles on Smithsonian.com this year
What Causes Namibia’s Fairy Circles? Probably Not Termites
Namibia's mysterious fairy circles might actually be caused by competition between grasses
This May Have Been the Worst Diamond Heist in History
An Albuquerque museum was robbed of a diamond that was returned the next day
How Much Do You Actually Know About What You're Putting in Your Mouth?
A little background in food science can turn you into a next-level foodie
Are Snowflakes Really Unique and Other Questions From Our Readers
You asked, we answered
It’s the Umami, Stupid. Why the Truth About MSG is So Easy to Swallow
Few remember that the food pariah and hot trend are so closely connected
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
How Chemistry Can Explain the Difference Between Bourbon and a Tennessee Whiskey
The unique flavor of a whiskey or scotch might be more than pure luck--it might be a science
The Science of Champagne, the Bubbling Wine Created By Accident
There's a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to the spirit's trademark fizziness
Hangovers: The Driving Force Behind Our Favorite Foods
Overimbibing makes some people's brains shut down, for others, it gets the innovative juices flowing
Delicious Molds: Four Fungi Fit For Your Plate
Some molds are perfectly fit for consumption, if not desired to produce fine dining fare
Is Dippin’ Dots Still the “Ice Cream of the Future”?
How founder and CEO Curt Jones is trying to keep the tiny ice cream beads from becoming a thing of the past
The Very Model of a Modern Major STEM School
As science and math-focused campuses multiply around the country, Denver’s School of Science and Technology is deciding what makes a STEM school great
16 Photographs That Capture the Best and Worst of 1970s America
A new exhibit at the National Archives highlights an interesting decade—one that gave rise to the environmental movement and some awkward fashion
From the Editor
From the Editor
Meals in a Jar: From Pancakes to Baby Back Ribs, Just Add Water
Ready-made meals, good for months on a pantry shelf, work for busy nights, camping trips and power outages
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