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Reef sharks have smooth, hydrodynamic bodies, in contrast to more portly, deeper-dwelling sharks.
science

The Lazy Zeppelins and Breakneck Boeings of the Shark World

Aircraft make surprisingly good analogues for the variety of sharks out there.
Natasha Frost November 28, 2017
It's locals versus cartels in this feud over money-making avocados.
food

Tancítaro's Avocado Protection Force

The town created a paramilitary group to ward off Mexican cartels.
Anne Ewbank November 28, 2017
Grad student Chua Jian-Yong and professor Liu Shao-Quan enjoy a refreshing glass of tofu-based Sachi.
science

Care for a Taste of the World's First Tofu-Based Alcoholic Beverage?

Finally, you can get loaded on soybeans.
Natasha Frost November 27, 2017
Massasoit, the leader of the Wampanoag, smokes a pipe with Plymouth Colony governor John Carver.
holidays

The Struggle to Revive the Lost Native Language of Thanksgiving

Sometimes it is not easy to fulfill a prophecy.
Natasha Frost November 22, 2017
Lion Aquamanile, North German or Mosan, circa 1200, bronze, 15.3 cm. long
objects of intrigue

Fancy Medieval Nobles Washed Their Hands With Bronze Lion-Shaped Vessels

Without forks, hand-washing at mealtime was extra important.
Sarah Laskow November 22, 2017
No Vin Diesel here—only coffee diesel.
food

London's Buses Are Getting a Boost From Coffee Fuel

No reports yet on tea-fueled buses.
Anne Ewbank November 21, 2017
A male dolphin balances a marine sponge on his rostrum.
science

The Secret to Dolphin Seduction Is the Gift of a Large Marine Sponge

Update your holiday wishlist accordingly.
Natasha Frost November 21, 2017
The Convent of Santa Ines, in Seville, was founded in 1374.
churches

The Spanish Nuns in Hot Water for an 'Unauthorized' Organ Refurbishment

$170,000 for repairs or a $200,000 fine. Choose wisely.
Natasha Frost November 20, 2017
Uncooked Swedish meatballs. Now imagine 20 tons of these.
food

A 20-Ton Meatball Spill Surprises Swedish Drivers

If only they'd fallen onto plates.
Paula Mejia November 20, 2017
Alan Tennyson holds more than 20 fossilized kakapo beaks. Just 154 of the birds are alive today.
science

The Pit of Death That Holds the History of New Zealand's Flightless Birds

A natural trap that became a grave for thousands of avians.
Natasha Frost November 17, 2017
boats

The Ferry McFerryface Controversy Tearing Australia Apart

Politicians are angry, workers are threatening to strike, and at least one environmentalist is devastated.
Cara Giaimo November 17, 2017
Berlin Wall segments in Los Angeles.
museums

A Cold-War Museum Gets the Perfect New Home—an Empty Cold-War Armory

Culver City's Wende Museum is moving into what was once a secret military site.
Sarah Laskow November 16, 2017
Songs such as <em>Happy Birthday</em> have both high positive "emotional valence" and ultra-happy major seventh chords.
science

The Secret Chord That Makes Pop Music Sound Happy

The musical formula for good vibrations.
Natasha Frost November 15, 2017
news

Nova Scotia Is Streaming Its Favorite Local Meat Log

The donair, a Haligonian delicacy, is getting its moment in the sun (or heatlamp).
Cara Giaimo November 15, 2017
Unstfest celebrates puffins, among other features of Unst.
news

A Remote Shetland Island Could Become a Spaceport

Unst's isolation is an asset for satellite launches. And it has a radar station.
Sarah Laskow November 15, 2017
Detail from Bronzino's murals in the Basilica di Santa Croce.
art

How Great Art Can Make You a Little Crazy

Braving the long lines to see the last Leonardo in private hands.
Natasha Frost November 14, 2017
Gold "Stuart crystal" mourning slide, England, late 17th century.
museums

One of America's Largest Collections of Memento Mori Is for Sale

Once held at the Museum of Mourning Art, more than 150 pieces will go to auction.
Sarah Laskow November 14, 2017
meteorites

A Meteor Struck the Grounds of a School in Northern Ireland (Or Did It?)

Strange things were afoot at Castle Gardens Primary School.
Natasha Frost November 13, 2017