ecology
Why a Wayward Coati’s Selfie on a Brazilian Airbase Surprised Scientists
The adorable appearance highlights an unexpected ally in conservation.
All Stories
scientists at work
Podcast: National Ice Core Lab
Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
sushi
The Hidden Histories of To-Go Container Art
Who drew that winking chef on your pizza box?
biology
Will the Jaguar Return to the American Southwest?
Scientists monitoring the big cats in northwestern Mexico see potential paths to reintroduction across the border.
standing stones
Puzzle Monday: Deciphering Ireland's Ancient Standing Stones
orchards
Forestiere Underground Gardens: A Hidden Oasis
In these underground gardens, you can pluck oranges from 113-year-old trees and nap under a fish pond.
coffee
The Vietnamese Cafés Where Koi Fish Are the Stars
These lavish coffeeshops are aquatic wonderlands.
hollywood
A Once-Lost Dress from 'The Wizard of Oz' Goes to Auction—Maybe
Dorothy wore the disputed blue-and-white frock when she faced down the Wicked Witch.
fungus
What the World's Largest Organism Reveals About Fires and Forest Health
In Oregon, the Humongous Fungus plays a complex role in an ecosystem reshaped by humans.
roman
A Roman Emperor's Villa Is Now Producing Olive Oil
Hadrian's estate has trees found nowhere else on Earth.
letters
Letters from the Loneliest Post Office in the World
A story of Antarctic adventure seekers, stamp collectors, politics, and penguins.
sculpture gardens
Podcast: The Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum
Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
mazes
How a Master Maze Maker Gets You Lost
Michigan-based artist Michelle Boggess-Nunley has created a new, Atlas Obscura–inspired challenge.
labyrinths
Exploring the Mysterious Allure of Mazes and Labyrinths
On the joys and frustrations of losing yourself.
tunnels
Saving the Sacred Upton Stone Chamber
This ceremonial stone chamber dates back to before the colonies—and its owner tried to build a cell tower over it.
codes
7 Puzzles That Perplexed People for Centuries
From the secrets of Venice’s codebreakers to China’s intricately carved puzzle balls, these historical ciphers will inspire your curiosity.
forgotten foods
What Happened to Montreal’s Legendary Melon?
A medley of efforts, and one abbey's monks, may bring back the forgotten fruit.
repatriation
Podcast: Benin Bronzes
Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
