reproduction
The Miracle of the Shark 'Virgin Birth'
As more cases of sharks reproducing asexually emerge, scientists are reversing a lot of assumptions about parthenogenesis.
All Stories
fireworks
Inside the World's Deadliest Fireworks Accident
Happy July 4th, y'all.
civil rights
The Racist Contradiction at the Heart of the Famous 'Freedom Train'
A new Rosenbach Museum exhibit highlights the irony of riding the traveling museum piece in the era of Jim Crow.
crime and punishment
In the UK, It's Still Legal to Place People in the Stocks
After discovering the legal loophole, one town councillor is envisioning a potential tourist attraction.
india
The Buddha's Skull Bone May Have Been Found in a Chinese Crypt
An ancient inscription claims it belongs to the Buddha.
environmental disasters
The Hole in the Ozone Layer Above Antarctica Might Be Healing Itself
Progress.
feature
The Strange Perils of Running a Novelty Item Empire
Top-secret torpedoes and government agents get involved.
tennis
What Women's Wimbledon Outfits Looked Like in the Swinging Sixties
Meet Teddy Tinling and his tennis-themed minidresses.
moneygall
The Best Obama Swag Comes From This Tiny Irish Town
Moneygall, Ireland, has cashed out on its distant connection to the U.S. president.
erotic
Sex Tips I Learned at the New York Public Library
The Berg Collection of English and American Literature has some fascinating erotica.
boats
Grunge Band Shows Up for Christening of Research Boat Called SoundGuardian
The '90s were good.
bug
Massachusetts Overrun By the Biggest Caterpillar Outbreak in 25 Years
The voracious gypsy moth larvae are munching, squirming, and pooping their way through the state.
time-capsule
Found: A Beautiful Old 10-Cent Bill
In a time capsule, no less.
police
Happy Birthday to the World's First Emergency Number
London's '999' turned 79 this week.
list
Here are 8 Fascinating New Locations in the Atlas
The week of June 27 saw the addition of Disney’s Singing Runway, Philadelphia’s Moon Tree, and more.
cultures and civilizations
1916's Song Of The Summer Was the Fake-Hawaiian Tune 'Yaka Hula Hickey Doola'
One hundred years ago, Tin Pan Alley met Hawaii, and it didn't go great.
snorkeling
Go For a Virtual Swim in a Beautiful Finnish Pond
Who knew a humble puddle could be so pretty beneath the surface?
japan
Google's New 5,500-Mile Undersea Cable from the U.S. to Japan Is Now Going Online
It's faster than your modem.
