putting us in our place
How the Great Lakes Formed—And the Mystery of Who Watched It Happen
Skilled hunters adapted to the changing landscape and left tantalizing clues to who they were.
All Stories
war
How Ukraine’s Museum Curators Are Risking Life and Limb to Document the War
Working to preserve memory, as history unfolds in real time.
decay theory
The Life and Death of the American Mall
The indoor suburban shopping center is a special kind of abandoned place.
domestication
Do You Speak Chicken?
A new study shows most people can tune into how chickens are feeling based on their clucks alone.
female scientists
Uncovering the Forgotten Female Astronomers of Yerkes Observatory
It all started with a photo of Einstein.
combat
The Surprising Roots of Ancient Rome's Gladiator Fights
The quintessential Roman spectacle, originally a way to honor the dead, was not Roman in origin.
great wall of china
Was Part of the Great Wall of China Built in a Panic—or Just to Control Livestock?
The Mongolian section could have been related to Genghis Khan or to cows.
hustlers & heists
The Furniture Fraud That Threw the French Antiques World Into a Furor
Was it an elaborate scam or a highbrow battle of wits?
holiday
How to Eat or Drink Your Christmas Tree
Don't just throw out your tree; use it to spruce up your cocktails, stews, and more.
environmental disasters
Lassen Volcanic National Park Bounces Back After California's Largest Single Fire
In 2021, the Dixie Fire burned much of the park. Now, Lassen's recovery offers surprising lessons on resilience.
data
A Map of Which States People Want to Stay In, Move To, or Leave
The population data of locals versus new comers is more easy to see than ever.
the secret world of games
The Hidden Worlds of Monopoly
From Atlantic City to high fashion to Karl Marx, the most recognizable board game has had serious cultural impact.
extinction
5 of Our Favorite Podcast Episodes Celebrating Earth's Natural Wonders
From everlasting lightning storms to magnificent bioluminescence, these classic episodes will delight and intrigue you.
wonder is everywhere
Wonder Is Everywhere: Silk Dress Secret, the Last Lightkeeper, and More From Around the Web
Get a peek into what we’re obsessed with right now.
paleontology
Half a Billion Years Ago, These ‘Terror Beasts’ Ruled the Seas
Spoiler alert: They’re giant worms.
year in wonder 2023
Our Favorite Ghost Stories of 2023
From haunted grocery stores to ancient demons on TikTok, it was a great year for supernatural exploration.
restoration
How Highland Cows Are Restoring Culloden Battlefield’s Historic Bog
Heritage breed cattle make quick work of the battlefield’s invasive plant species.
