The Latest Breaking News from Smithsonian Magazine

A legendary river that shaped ancient empires and civilizations may have just revealed its past

Euphrates River origin: Contrary to popular belief, the mighty Euphrates River wasn't always a single entity. New research reveals it began as two colossal ancient waterways, Paleo-Karasu and Paleo-Murat, flowing separately into the Mediterranean Sea around 5.5 million years ago.

The Economic Times · Jun 23

A shark that walks instead of swims? Scientists just found a new one in the wild, and it may already be facing extinction

Scientists have identified a new species of 'walking' shark in Papua New Guinea, named Hemiscyllium dudgeonae. This unique shark uses its pectoral fins to navigate shallow reef flats, a trait shared with other members of its genus. Researchers suspect this newly discovered species is already at risk of extinction due…

The Economic Times · Jun 18

What happens when ants get addicted to junk food as much as we do? The consequences could be serious

Ants eating junk food behavior study: Tiny potato chip crumbs are a big distraction for ants. Researchers found ants are drawn to human snacks like chips and cookies. This attraction interferes with their important job of moving plant seeds. Ants carry seeds to their nests, eat a nutritious part, and…

The Economic Times · Jun 17

When a 9-year-old tripped in the New Mexico desert, he accidentally uncovered the remains of an ancient elephant relative from 1.2 million years ago

A remarkable fossil discovery in New Mexico, made by a 9-year-old boy, has unearthed a 1.2-million-year-old stegomastodon skull. This chance find highlights how significant paleontological breakthroughs can occur outside formal expeditions, emphasizing the importance of public observation and responsible reporting in uncovering ancient history.

The Economic Times · May 12

Who Was the First Black Person to Win an Oscar? Hattie McDaniel’s Legacy

Discover the powerful story of Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Oscar in 1940. From a segregated ceremony to Sidney Poitier’s historic win.

Bored Panda · Mar 13

6 Side-By-Side Portraits Of Black Civil War Heroes And Their Direct Descendants

The award-winning British photographer has spent nearly two decades tracking down descendants of notable people and asking them to pose for recreated portraits of their famous ancestors. The post 6 Side-By-Side Portraits Of Black Civil War Heroes And Their Direct Descendants first appeared on Bored Panda.

Bored Panda · Mar 13, 2024

It's Museum Day. Here's how to get free tickets and have some fun

The annual Museum Day has arrived. Visitors can get free admission to one of the hundreds of participating institutions in the U.S. All it takes is an email address and the desire to have some fun.

WEKU · Sep 17, 2022

Rising seas are trouble for Charleston’s booming community. This method may prevent disaster

CHARLESTON, S.C. — In Charleston, a place where street lines blur with sunny day tidal flooding and major storms dump enough water on downtown that one can kayak the deluge, Dale Morris is right at home.

Tribune News Service · Aug 16, 2022

Northumberland museum named one of 2022's most anticipated openings in the world

Ad Gefrin, which is due to open in autumn, has been named one of the world's most anticipated museum openings in the Smithsonian Magazine

Chronicle Live · Feb 3, 2022