Podcasts by Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week
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Why the Fastest Male Grizzlies Get the Girl from 2020-05-11T09:00
Bear courtship in Yellowstone National Park happens at breakneck speed - literally. The male grizzly sets off after the female, who tries to outrun him reaching speeds of up to 35 miles an hour.
A Former Soviet Agent Becomes a Notorious Weapons Dealer from 2020-05-11T09:00
After 1991, former Soviet agent Viktor Bout set about carving a new career for himself as an arms dealer. His exploits would earn him the nickname the ‘Merchant of Death’.
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This FBI Agent Sold Secrets to the KGB for Years from 2020-05-04T09:00
In 1985, an American FBI agent began to sell intelligence to the Russians, under the alias of Ramon Garcia. It would be another 16 years before he was finally arrested by the FBI.
The late...
Why Vervet Monkeys Love Zambezi Fig Trees from 2020-05-04T09:00
Vervet monkeys find the figs of the Zambezi fig tree to be completely irresistible. And because vervets rarely stay in one place for too long, they spread the tree’s seeds far and wide.
Th...
A Shy Orangutan Shares Her Breakfast with a Friend from 2020-04-27T09:00
A shy orangutan makes great strides by confidently securing her share of breakfast. But she’s not above sharing her bounty of turnips with another orangutan, whom she’s befriended.
The lat...
A Navy Warship Goes Down Weeks Before the End of WWII from 2020-04-27T09:00
In the final days of WWII, Eagle 56 was on a routine assignment in the Gulf of Maine. In an instant, the ship found itself ripped in half, with most of her crew dead – but what happened?
T...
This Salt Lick Doubles as a Reunion Spot for Elephants from 2020-04-20T09:00
A herd of migrating elephants are acquiring necessary minerals like calcium and potassium from a burnt wood clearing. It’s also an impromptu reunion spot for all traveling elephant herds.
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This Gun Was One of the Very First Machine Guns from 2020-04-20T09:00
In 1866, Hiram Maxim, an American engineer, tried out a rifle for the first time and found himself wondering how he could make it better. The result was the Maxim gun – the word’s first...
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The FBI Investigates Soviet Deep-Cover Spies in America from 2020-04-13T09:00
Over the course of a decade, deep-cover Russian spies embedded in America collected intelligence and passed it onto their handlers. The FBI investigation into them became known as Operation Ghost.....
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Orangutan Creates an Umbrella Hat to Stay Dry from 2020-04-13T09:00
Orangutans are adept at improvising and using tools – this experienced female has learnt to make a makeshift umbrella hat – useful in a storm.
The latest in science, culture, and history f...
Orangutans Need to Learn to Fear Snakes from 2020-04-06T09:00
In primates, recognition of snakes is instinctive, but fear of snakes is learned. Today, caretakers of the jungle school set about teaching them.
The latest in science, culture, and histor...
British Intelligence Uncovers a Deadly Al-Qaeda Terror Plot from 2020-04-06T09:00
In 2006, British Intelligence were convinced that two people they were surveilling were part of an active Al-Qaeda terror cell. They were about to discover the scale of their plotting.
The...
How Lizards are Turning Our Knowledge of Evolution Upside Down from 2020-03-23T09:00
Lizard biologists in the Caribbean have observed a fascinating phenomenon: different lizard species across different islands appear to share specific physical traits. But how, if they've never been...
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The C-5 Galaxy Had a Catastrophic Design Flaw from 2020-03-23T09:00
The C-5 Galaxy is a true giant among USAF cargo planes – but its development was not without problems. Just four years after it made its debut, a serious design flaw threatened the future of the......
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Not All Baboon Babies Are Treated Nicely from 2020-03-16T09:00
Baboons love babies – you can see it in the way the mothers carry their newborns around like royalty. But the cold reality is that their rank at birth will always determine how well they're treated...
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This Fighter Plane Landing Has Never Been Attempted from 2020-03-16T09:00
The F-35B is designed to stop in midair before landing vertically on an aircraft carrier, using immense downward thrust. What’s never been attempted before is a shipborne rolling vertical landing –...
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The Different Teams Involved in Testing the F-35B Lightning from 2020-03-09T09:00
Testing the F-35B Lightning involves three different groups of people aboard the HMS Queen Elizabeth: British Royal Navy aircraft hands, civilian scientists and American maintainers from the...
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A Happy Event Offers Promise for the Survival of Cheetahs from 2020-03-09T09:00
From a breeding perspective, cheetahs are one of the hardest animals to work with. That’s why the birth of two litters at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is a huge coup for the speci...
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This Rabbit Never Saw It Coming from 2020-03-02T09:00
A python’s heat sense receptors have picked up a rabbit, feeding on some cabbage. It’s the perfect sized meal for an expectant mom with a clutch of eggs inside her.
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Aircraft Carrier Crew Face a Myriad of Risks Below Deck from 2020-03-02T09:00
Life for the crew of the HMS Queen Elizabeth is a challenging combination of cabin fever and high alertness: often confined to below deck, surrounded by potentially dangerous stockpiles of fuel and...
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The Crew of the Lady Mary Face a Fight to Stay Alive from 2020-02-24T09:00
On March 24, 2009, the Lady Mary was nearing the end of a successful scallop hauling expedition, when the boat began to list onto its port side. The crew braced themselves for the fight of their......
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Winged Termites Looking to Mate Become Monkey Food from 2020-02-24T09:00
After 20 hours of Luangwa rainfall, the skies begin to clear. But soon, the air is thick again with a swarm of winged termites, looking to mate. It’s an ideal feeding opportunity for a nearby troop...
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Did Modifications to This Fishing Trawler Destabilize it? from 2020-02-17T09:00
Preliminary investigations into the April 2, 2001 sinking of the Arctic Rose reveal that she previously underwent modifications to her design. Were they the reason this 93-foot fishing trawler...
This Young Rhino is Crucial to the Revival of her Species from 2020-02-17T09:00
A young female rhino has been brought into base camp so she can recuperate and build her strength. Her value cannot be overstated – a key hope for Zambia’s endangered rhino population.
The...
Undertaker Birds Defend Their Catch from an Eagle from 2020-02-10T09:00
A flock of marabou storks have stumbled on a handsome bounty: a small shoal of catfish. But their clumsy enthusiasm has attracted the attention of another opportunist.
The latest in scienc...
Was Icy Weather a Factor in This Plane's Fatal Crash? from 2020-02-10T09:00
Investigators determine that on the night of January 7, 1994, conditions were moderately icy around Port Columbus International Airport. But if other planes were able to land, why did Flight 6291.....
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How Baby Baboons Are Adept at Getting Around from 2020-02-03T09:00
A two-month-old baboon is sitting on his mother’s back, jockey-style, and taking in the world from his vantage point. By the time he’s just six-months-old, he’ll become a master of climbing on his....
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Did This Flight Crew Have the Training to Fly a Boeing 737? from 2020-02-03T09:00
With no apparent mechanical or external cause found for the September 14, 2008 crash, investigators focus on the flight crew’s experience. Were they qualified and adequately trained to fly a Boeing...
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Did Strong Crosswinds Cause This Plane to Abort Take Off? from 2020-01-27T09:00
Were crosswinds on December 20, 2008 in excess of the safety limit of 33 knots? If it was, that could explain why Flight 1404 veered so hard to the left before its crash at Denver International...<...
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Why Habituation is a Dangerous Game for Conservationists from 2020-01-27T09:00
A group of conservationists attempt to get close to a troop of gorillas, led by a male silverback. It’s a risky job – if the male feels threatened, he may lash out, with fatal consequences.
The Terrifying Physics of WWII Dive Bombing from 2020-01-20T09:00
The act of dive bombing during World War II was a death defying trial of skill and nerve. You aimed your plane down, four miles above the ocean, and plummeted at speeds of up to 275 miles per hour....
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These Baboon Couples Are Affectionate All Year Round from 2020-01-20T09:00
Kinda male-female bonds appear stronger than in other baboon species. This is apparent in the amount of time they spend grooming each other – even outside the mating season.
The latest in ...
A Passenger Faces Terrifying Choices on a Burning Ship from 2020-01-13T09:00
A man finds himself trapped in the cargo deck of the Norman Atlantic on December 28, 2014, with a fire bearing down on him. He has to make a decision: stay and evade the flames or jump into the sea...
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A Herd of Elephants Interrupt a Feasting Lion Pride from 2020-01-13T09:00
A powerful group of lions, the Nsefu pride, are busy digging into a recent buffalo kill when they are disturbed by a herd of elephants. Both sides immediately switch to high alert.
The lat...
This Pilot Was the Unsung Hero of the Battle of Midway from 2019-12-30T09:00
Dusty Kleiss is a bonafide American hero: a veteran pilot of the Battle of Midway, and one of the most effective dive bombers in U.S. military history.
The latest in science, culture, and ...
A Biologist Studies a New Species of Baboon from 2019-12-30T09:00
An American biologist sets out to study the little-known Kinda baboon species - and this involves getting close to them in their natural habitat. Everything is of interest, from their fur patterns ...
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Playing Games Help Leopard Cubs Learn and Unwind from 2019-12-23T09:00
Games among leopard litters like this one are an essential part of their development. But sometimes, it’s nothing more than having fun.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smi...
Did This Pilot Lack the Training to Land at Guantanamo Bay? from 2019-12-23T09:00
Landing on runway 10 at Guantanamo Bay is tricky and requires special training for pilots. But did the captain of Flight 808, which crashed on August 18, 1993, get that training?
The lates...
A Mystery Substance Wreaks Havoc on Flight 780 from 2019-12-09T09:00
Lab analysis reveals that a faulty valve on Cathay Pacific Flight 780 is an absorbent polymer, used in refueling trucks to prevent water from getting into the aircraft fuel tanks. So how did it end...
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This Leopard is Waiting for the Perfect Moment to Strike from 2019-12-09T09:00
A wily old leopard is hiding in a gully waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Nearby, zebras and antelope graze contentedly, unaware of the threat they’re under.
The latest in science,...
The F-35 and HMS Queen Elizabeth Were Made for Each Other from 2019-12-02T09:00
The F-35 Lightning, capable of speeds of up to a 1,000 miles per hour, and packed with advanced stealth characteristics, is the ideal jet fighter for the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Together, they form a....
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Oxpeckers Take Advantage of Their Hippo Hosts from 2019-12-02T09:00
Oxpeckers perform a valuable service to hippos, keeping their skin free of ticks and dead skin. But they've also been known to keep host wounds open, so they can feed off the flesh.
The la...
Why The Temperature of the Sea is Important for Sea Eagles from 2019-11-25T09:00
Herring in the sea of Okhotsk only lay their eggs once the temperature of the water has reached 40 degrees. This is important news for the vulnerable Steller’s Sea Eagles who rely on the herring fo...
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Was This P-51 Mustang Modified to the Point of Instability? from 2019-11-25T09:00
Investigators discover that the Galloping Ghost, the plane that crashed at the Reno Air Races on September 16, 2011, had its wings modified to make it faster. Was this a factor in its loss of contr...
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The Intricate Skill That Goes Into Tracking a Rhino from 2019-11-18T09:00
A team of researchers are on the trail of a black rhino bull whose transmitter has failed. To find him, they’ll rely on his spoor: clues such as urine trails, footprints and food he may have grazed...
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This Aircraft Pioneered Daylight Bombing Missions from 2019-11-18T09:00
The B-17 enabled the eighth Air Force to embark on a type of bombing campaign not seen before in the war: daylight bombing missions, aimed at minimizing civilian casualties.
The latest in ...
A Disabled Orangutan Exhibits Shockingly Unusual Behavior from 2019-11-11T09:00
A young female orangutan spots something across the water. To investigate, she wades in and begins to swim – startlingly unusual behavior for an orangutan.
The latest in science, culture, ...
Investigators of Flight 821 Run into Multiple Dead Ends from 2019-11-11T09:00
Investigators looking into the crash of Aeroflot-Nord Flight 821, which crashed on September 14, 2008, ran into a lot of dead ends: from a totally destroyed engine to a badly damaged flight data......
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Orphan Chimp Learns the Skills He Needs to Survive from 2019-11-04T09:00
At the chimp haven on Ngamba island, a 2-year-old orphan by the name of Easy spends most of his day slowly learning the skills that will help him reintegrate into chimp community.
The late...
The 1930s Were Not a Good Time for the British Royal Family from 2019-11-04T09:00
Britain was racked by devastating economic hardship in the 1930s and ordinary people began to taketheir anger out on what was seen as the ultimate symbol of entitlement: the British Royal family.
These Elephants Refuse to Get Into their Transport Boxes from 2019-10-28T09:00
Rangers are hoping to relocate a trio of elephants to their new home, in Kafue National Park. But first, they need to draw them into the transport container, and they’re hoping a treat will do the....
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The Worst Air Disaster in Romanian History from 2019-10-28T09:00
The crash of TAROM Flight 371 on March 31, 1995 resulted in the death of all 60 people on board. The pressure was on the government to come up with answers.
The latest in science, culture,...
Baby Indian Rhinos are Serious Milk Guzzlers from 2019-10-21T09:00
The sheer numbers involved in raising a rhino calf are staggering: a young rhino can drink up to seven gallons of milk a day – which means the mom needs up to 110 pounds of grass each day to sustai...
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The Devastation Caused by the 2018 Fuego Eruption from 2019-10-21T09:00
The eruption of Fuego on June 3, 2018 is one of the darkest events in the history of Guatemala. It left heartbreaking scenes in its wake, as survivors began a frantic search for family and friends....
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Three's a Crowd in this Orangutan Relationship from 2019-10-14T09:00
Two young orangutans show signs of affection towards each other – much to the chagrin of a third male orangutan who proceeds to disrupt their very public display of affection.
The latest i...
A Plane Crashes After Takeoff in the Heart of Miami from 2019-10-14T09:00
Fine Air Flight 101 departs from Miami International Airport on August 7, 1997 en route to the Dominican Republic. Shortly after take-off, the plane loses control and crashes, right in the middle o...
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Why Wyoming Takes Women's Rights Seriously from 2019-10-14T09:00
Wyoming was the first state to allow women the right to vote in 1870, and when Congress threatened to derail Wyoming's statehood unless the right was revoked, the state refused to back down.
An Unusual Guest Arrives at This Orangutan Rescue Center from 2019-09-23T09:00
Despite its name, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation also welcomes other animals. The latest addition is a baby orphan sun bear – affectionately named Denny Bear.
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How Science Helps Preserve Longmen Grottoes from 2019-09-23T09:00
The Buddhist statues of the Longmen Grottoes are a Chinese heritage - one in urgent need of preservation. To do this, archaeologists use advanced scanning technology to pinpoint the vulnerable area...
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How the Common Cold Affected the Crew of Apollo 7 from 2019-09-16T09:00
Things were not going well aboard Apollo 7: the astronauts felt stressed by the confines of the command module and to top it off, astronaut Wally Schirra developed a painful head cold.
The...
This Baby Orangutan Needs Treatment for Her Asthma from 2019-09-16T09:00
Baby Wine (pronounced WEE-NAY) is an orphan at the Nyaru Menteng school for orangutans, in Borneo. If she is to be released back into the wild, she’ll need treatment for her asthma.
The la...
How Fast Can Gibbons Swing Through the Forest? from 2019-09-09T09:00
Gibbons are incredible tree swingers, thanks to their long forearms, mobile joints and wrists that enhance fluid movement.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Chan...
Apollo 13's Intense Comms Blackout from 2019-09-09T09:00
A damaged Apollo 13 was about to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere amid a communications blackout. It would become the longest re-entry blackout in the history of the space program.
The latest i...
Rainy Season Gives Baby Orangutans Their Own Waterpark from 2019-09-02T09:00
Borneo’s rainy season has begun, and overnight, the local stream has become flooded. It doesn’t bother the young orangutans at the rehabilitation center – it’s just another opportunity to play.
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A Moon Sample Reveals a Surprising Link to Earth from 2019-09-02T09:00
‘Big Bertha’ was one of the moon rocks brought back by the Apollo 14 crew for geological analysis. What it revealed stunned scientists.
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How Neil Armstrong Trained to Land the Lunar Module from 2019-08-26T09:00
To prepare him for landing the lunar module, Neil Armstrong practiced on a training vehicle, right here on Earth. It was designed to replicate flying within a gravitational pull that was 1/6 that o...
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Meet Alba, Borneo's Only Albino Orangutan from 2019-08-26T09:00
As the only albino orangutan in Borneo, Alba the orangutan stands out among her peers in jungle school. She’s confident, capable, and firmly on schedule for a return to the wild.
The lates...
The Secret to this Spanish Train’s Powerful Performance from 2019-08-12T09:00
The AVE 103 is a powerful and speedy train between Madrid and Zaragoza, with a top speed of 217 mph – remarkable for a train that operates with no locomotive.
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Why Plague Doctors Wore Strange Masks from 2019-08-12T09:00
It’s the beak that lends the attire of the medieval plague doctor its surreal quality, but it wasn’t there just to scare.
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Sneaky Raccoon Dog Steals a Bird Egg from 2019-08-05T09:00
Raccoon dogs are the only member of the canine family that hibernate for winter. But in order to do this, they need to find enough food – and what they can’t scavenge, they steal.
The late...
People Believe in Witchcraft in this Corner of England from 2019-08-05T09:00
Do you believe in witches? For the good people of Long Compton, it’s part of a longstanding tradition – one that, as recently as 1875, cost a woman named Ann Tennant her life.
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Incredible African Rock Pythons Hatching from 2019-07-29T09:00
After they hatch, young rock pythons have just a few weeks to leave their nest. After that, they must wait to shed their skin before pursuing their first kill.
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Are Dogs Really More Intelligent Than Cats? from 2019-07-29T09:00
Most canines, including these adorable wolf pups, are social animals with brains that have evolved for that purpose. This is why dogs are, on the whole, smarter than some solitary animals.
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5 Kitchen Objects Inspired by NASA from 2019-07-22T09:00
Did you know that some of the technologies we take for granted in our kitchens were actually developed by NASA? Here are five of the best, from water filters to freeze-dried food.
The late...
This Arabian Dog is Fast Enough to Catch a Gazelle from 2019-07-22T09:00
Saluki are a breed of desert dog famed for their speed. In the old days, Bedouins relied on them to hunt for gazelle – today, they are more likely to race for sport.
The latest in science,...
The Stunning Filming location of "The Horse Whisperer" from 2019-07-15T09:00
The Horse Whisperer, shot in Montana and starring Robert Redford, tells the story of a troubled family, a troubled horse, and the horse whisperer who brings them together.
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Why Sand is the Secret Sauce for These Ecuadorian Trains from 2019-07-15T09:00
Tren Crucero trains rely on sand to go up and down steep inclines: on the way up, sand helps provide the wheels with traction on the steel tracks, while during a descent, it aids the electric braki...
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A Hungry Bird Brutally Separates a Bee From Its Stinger from 2019-07-15T09:00
Carmine bee-eaters use their long slender bill to pluck bees out of the air. Then, to neutralize their dangerous sting, they’ll smash the bee against the ground, several times.
The latest ...
How Giraffe Spots Act Like a Natural Air Conditioner from 2019-07-08T09:00
The dark patches on a giraffe’s skin have more blood vessels than the light skin. This can help heat dissipate, allowing them to stay cool.
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This New Zealand Train Line is a Panoramic Marvel from 2019-07-08T09:00
If you’re looking for the ideal vantage point to the stunning viaducts and landscapes of the Tongariro National Park in New Zealand, you have only have one option: the miraculous North Island Main....
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Why the Apollo 11 Crew Was Quarantined Upon Return from 2019-07-01T09:00
The crew of Apollo 11 had made history by landing on the moon and coming back to Earth in one piece. But before the celebrations could begin, they would have to spend some time in quarantine.
<...
Did a Porcupine Kill This Young Lion? from 2019-07-01T09:00
Who or what killed this yearling lion? The range of possibilities run from a run-in with a porcupine to a fatal encounter with another adult lion – or was there another explanation?
The la...
Surreal Footage of British Life Under Nazi Occupation from 2019-06-24T09:00
It’s 1941 and the Nazis are in full control of the British island of Alderney. They begin to construct fortifications to protect their grip on the Channel Islands – often with slave labor.
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The Best Time for a Male Vervet to Join a Troop from 2019-06-17T09:00
A new male has picked the wrong time to join a local troop of vervet monkeys. He’s hoping to be accepted within their ranks – but it’s up to the alpha to make the final call.
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These Chicks Have to get Past a Beach of Hostile Seals from 2019-06-10T09:00
A group of common murre chicks on Tyuleny Island, each around three weeks old, must navigate a dangerous obstacle to reach the sea: a beach packed with hostile fur seals, each one at least 40 times...
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The Tragic Side Effects of a Baboon Leadership Battle from 2019-06-03T09:00
Leadership challenges in baboon troops are between the alpha male and a rival outsider. But tragically, some of the younger troop members can end up as collateral damage.
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This State-of-the-Art Aircraft Carrier Relies on Old Technology from 2019-06-03T09:00
The USS Vinson is one of the most advanced and sophisticated aircraft carriers around. Yet some of its key functions are powered by a 300-year old technology: steam.
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These British Fighter Planes Ruled the Skies of Dunkirk from 2019-05-27T09:00
It’s May 1940, and high above the skies of Dunkirk, a squadron of Spitfires is desperately trying to hold off as many German Messerschmitt as they can. The lives of 300,000 British troops depend on...
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This Magical Train Ride Was Used in a Harry Potter Film from 2019-05-20T09:00
Just a few miles from Ben Nevis mountain is the start of one of the most breathtaking train journeys in the world – so spectacular, in fact, that it was adapted by the Harry Potter movies as the......
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This Unpleasant Royal Job Came with a Fancy Title from 2019-05-20T09:00
It may sound like an auspicious title; but the ‘groom of the stool’ was anything but. Simply put, it was a role that entailed monitoring and assisting with Henry VIII’s bowel movements.
Th...
Was This Beloved Queen of Britain a Drug User? from 2019-05-13T09:00
We have this image of Queen Victoria as a highly proper, disciplined monarch. But the Queen was also someone who liked to get high: from opium tinctures to chewing gum laced with cocaine.
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The Good Looks of These Monkeys May Be Their Downfall from 2019-05-13T09:00
At just nine inches tall, cotton-top tamarins are among the smallest monkeys in the world. Unfortunately, because of their distinctive look, they’re also in-demand and endangered.
The late...
Admiring the Power and Innovation of a 747 Engine from 2019-05-06T09:00
While the science behind the high bypass ratio engine in a 747 plane may seem complicated, the results are striking. It's capable of delivering over 70% more power than a standard engine.
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How One Picture Would Prove Black Holes Actually Exist from 2019-05-06T09:00
Many scientists believe that black holes make sense in the realm of theoretical physics, but couldn't really exist in real life. Capturing an image of a black hole would change all that.
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The Unique Beauty of Yorkshire Dales Inspires Its Divine Nickname from 2019-04-29T09:00
With 800 miles of stunning hills and dipping valleys, it's clear that the often-cited beauty of the Yorkshire Dales is no exaggeration. It's earned its grandiose nickname: God's Own Country.
How Magic Spells Played a Big Role in Rome's Chariot Races from 2019-04-29T09:00
In ancient Rome, chariot race fandom was serious business - sometimes to ridiculous lengths. For example, it was very common for people to pay money to local magicians to cast curses on rival teams...
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The Staggering Number of Staff Needed for This Stately Home from 2019-04-22T09:00
Chatsworth House, the historic home of the Cavendish family, is a vast estate that once spanned 35,000 acres. At one point, Chatsworth employed a staff of 40 people to maintain it - including two.....
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Scientists Reveal First-Ever Photograph of a Black Hole from 2019-04-22T09:00
After years of planning by over 200 international scientists, the data purported to show the first ever image of a black hole is ready. The team gathers for the big reveal - it's a seismic moment i...
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Why London Skyscrapers Are Famous for Their Distinctive Looks from 2019-04-15T09:00
One of the most distinguishing features of the British capital, London, is its many statuesque looking skyscrapers. Even more absorbing are the unique nicknames given to them.
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This Scientist Has Been Studying Monkeys for Over 50 Years from 2019-04-15T09:00
Macaques are the most studied monkeys in the world, thanks to the efforts of scientists like Wolfgang Dittus. He arrived in Sri Lanka 50 years ago and has devoted his life to better understand thei...
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Why Peacocks Have Nothing on the Male Sage Grouse from 2019-04-08T09:00
With a fancy fan of tail feathers, bright yellow eye combs and magnificent plumage, male sage grouses bring enough dazzle to their courtship displays to put a peacock to shame.
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Who is the Mystery Woman in Benedict Arnold's Secret Letters? from 2019-04-08T09:00
An archive of the secret communications between Benedict Arnold and British army officers indirectly reference Arnold's wife, Peggy. It is the strongest clue yet that she may have been a pivotal......
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The Cause of this Plane Crash Was Shrouded in Mystery from 2019-04-01T09:00
When Continental Airlines Flight 1713 crashed on November 15, 1987, it soon became clear to investigators that initial theories could not be backed up by evidence. They would have to wait for the.....
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These Wolves Are Clever Enough to Con a Group of Bears from 2019-04-01T09:00
A pair of hungry wolves come up with a smart plan to swindle the swamp bears away from their carrion. While one wolf distracts the bears, the other goes in and steals her fill.
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What Caused Flight 72 to Lose Control in 2008? from 2019-03-25T09:00
On October 7, 2008, passengers and crew on Qantas Airlines Flight 72 were pulled up from their seats. Immediately after, the plane went into a dangerous and uncontrolled nosedive.
The late...
An Older Brown Bear Exerts His Dominance Over a Younger Rival from 2019-03-18T09:00
A dominant brown bear - dubbed the 'Swamp King' - comes across a younger bear feasting on a kill. He immediately moves in - as the biggest and strongest around, he won't take a backseat to any riva...
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A 1941 FBI Raid Reveals a Network of Japanese Spies in LA from 2019-03-11T09:00
In 1941, Naval Intelligence zero in on a Japanese spy named Itaru Tachibana. Raiding his room at the Olympic Hotel in Los Angeles reveals a stash of documents that outlined the extent of his...
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President Reagan is Stunned by the Scale of Soviet Espionage from 2019-03-11T09:00
In 1981, President Mitterrand of France took Ronald Reagan to one side and revealed an extraordinary intelligence operation. It was a revelation that would turn the Cold War on its head.
T...
Why the 1918 Spanish Flu Probably Didn't Originate in Spain from 2019-03-04T09:00
Despite its name, the Spanish Flu almost certainly didn't originate in Spain. In fact, it appears to have originated on the Midwestern prairies of Kansas.
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A Chance Encounter With a Polar Bear and Her Two Cubs from 2019-02-25T09:00
In 2013, a wildlife cameraman from Norway, Asgeir Helgestad, met a polar bear mom whom he names Frost. Over the next few years, their paths would cross again.
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Fascinating Footage of Naked Mole Rat Surviving Without Oxygen from 2019-02-18T09:00
Naked mole rats are able to live on low oxygen and can even survive without it - conditions that would kill most mammals. The big question is how have they evolved to do that?
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How a Slave Girl's Confession Sparked a Witch Hunt in Salem from 2019-02-18T09:00
In 1692, an Indian slave in Massachusetts admitted to being an agent of Satan, and to casting spells on her master's family. This admission would kick off the horrific events known as the Salem wit...
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These Swimming Pigs Live a Cushy Lifestyle in the Bahamas from 2019-02-11T09:00
Bahama feral pigs were once domestic pigs let loose by local farms. Through cunning and resourcefulness, they've continued to thrive in the wild - and fuel Bahaman tourism along the way.
T...
Was Flight MH17 Hit by a Meteor? from 2019-02-11T09:00
Without access to the crash sites of MH17, which went down on July 17, 2014, investigators can't definitively say why the crash happened. So they begin to consider all kinds of theories - including...
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Data Reveals When Birds Are Most Likely to Hit a Plane from 2019-02-04T09:00
Since 1990, the National Wildlife Strike Database has reported more than 200,000 bird strikes on commercial planes. This data tells us when planes are most vulnerable to these types of collisions.<...
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A Surprisingly Tense Battle Between a U.S. Sub and a Fishing Boat from 2019-02-04T09:00
A fishing trawler may seem like an easy target for a powerful U.S. submarine - but these were the early days of the Pacific War, and even Japanese civilian boats were armed to the teeth.
T...
Stunning Artifacts Found in a Charred Roman Temple from 2019-01-28T09:00
When Boudica's forces destroyed the Temple of Claudius, the devastation was ruinous. Ironically, the fire actually helped preserve many of the contents - often to a level that astonishes modern...<...
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Finding Out Why TransAsia Flight 222 Crashed from 2019-01-28T09:00
Why did TransAsia Flight 222 veer off course and crash a mile short of Magong Airport? An examination of the wreckage doesn't provide the answer - but it does convince investigators to rule one...<...
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This Marilyn Monroe Dress Stole the Show at JFK's Birthday Party from 2019-01-21T09:00
Marilyn Monroe's breathless rendition of 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' in 1962, has passed into legend. But it was her silk dress that would go on to become a priceless piece of Marilyn memorabil...
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What Caused This 1980 Shipwreck to Tear Apart? from 2019-01-21T09:00
On September 9, 1980, the MV Derbyshire went down in the Pacific Ocean - the largest British ship ever lost at sea. A team of investigators send down a remote vehicle camera to find out what happen...
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Is a Natural Birth Better For Your Baby? from 2019-01-14T09:00
When a baby is born surgically via C-section, it may miss out on the health benefits of passing through the birth canal.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channe...
The Origins of Modern-Day Yoga from 2019-01-14T09:00
Controversy surrounds the exact origins of yoga, but Dr. Jim Mallinson has been studying the practice for years and he has some interesting insight on the true origins.
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Sloths are Harder to Chase Than You Think from 2019-01-07T09:00
Catching a sloth is no mean feat, as sloth researcher Bryson Voirin will attest as he chases Blaze the sloth through the canopy.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonia...
The Horrifying Way Rome Dealt With Wartime Loss from 2019-01-07T09:00
After the defeat in Cannae, Rome was in a state of panic and social disorder. To restore calm, Rome's ruler, Quintus Fabius Maximus, resorted to drastic and cruel measures.
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Was Jack the Ripper Hiding in Plain Sight? from 2018-12-24T09:00
Jack the Ripper managed to commit his violent murders and escape without ever once being seen. Actually, he may have been spotted at one of his crime scenes.
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Was This Egyptian Pharaoh More Important Than We Thought? from 2018-12-17T09:00
Psamtik I was believed to be a minor Egyptian pharaoh. But in 2017, an exquisite statue of him was uncovered, suggesting his status and importance in history may need to be revisited.
The ...
USS Indianapolis Crew Battled Sharks and Hallucinations from 2018-12-17T09:00
A Japanese torpedo attack against the USS Indianapolis leaves the men with no time to launch lifeboats. For four grueling days, the survivors float helplessly in the Pacific Ocean.
The lat...
This Third Officer Docks His First MSC Oscar in Harsh Conditions from 2018-12-10T09:00
It's a big day for the 23-year-old junior officer of the MSC Oscar: he's bringing in the giant vessel to port for the first time in his career - a tricky maneuver in a narrow waterway known for its...
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What Hieroglyphics Say About the Women of Ancient Egypt from 2018-12-10T09:00
The priests of Amun held an elevated position in ancient Egypt. But modern archaeologists were stunned to discover that a group of women were even more important - they were dubbed 'The Wives of......
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A Honey Badger Barrels Through a Sharp Thorn Tree for Lunch from 2018-12-03T09:00
A rock rat is hiding from his predator, a honey badger, in the midst of a Namibian sweet thorn tree. But he doesn't count on his opponent's determination to get lunch, even at the price of a few cu...
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Meet the 24-Hour Code Crackers of World War II from 2018-12-03T09:00
The success of Operation Hydra in decoding enemy messages handed the Allies a key advantage in the fight against deadly German U-boats. The hunted had become the hunters.
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The F-4 Phantom Gets Put to the Test In Vietnam from 2018-11-19T09:00
It's December 1966, and a U.S. pilot is leading a squadron of six F-4 Phantoms on a dangerous bombing mission over North Vietnam. Every mile of their 100 mile route is dotted with North Vietnam's.....
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The Hagfish Is the Slimy Sea Creature of Your Nightmares from 2018-11-19T09:00
The hagfish is a slime-emitting ocean-dweller that's remained unchanged for 300 million years--and it shows. It has a skull (but no spine), velvet smooth skin, and a terrifying pit of a mouth that'...
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Pocahontas Redefined How Europeans Saw Native Americans from 2018-11-12T09:00
Prior to the arrival of Pocahontas in England, indigenous people of the Americas were viewed as cannibals, brutish, and non-Christian. Enter Pocahontas, who arrived in London, baptized and speaking...
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A Honey Badger Cracks Open a Thick Ostrich Egg from 2018-11-12T09:00
Ostrich eggs can weigh up to three pounds and have some of the hardest shells around. This honey badger, however, isn't about to let any of that get in the way of a tasty, protein-filled snack.
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The First Submarine to Launch Rockets from its Deck from 2018-11-05T09:00
It's June 1945 and the USS Barb has just launched an unprecedented attack on the factories of the Japanese island of Shari. It's the first time that rockets have ever been launched from a submarine...
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Why the A400M is the Most Advanced Military Transport Plane from 2018-11-05T09:00
When it comes to military transport, the A400M is in a class of its own: it has a 37 ton maximum payload, a fuel capacity of 16,000 gallons and the capacity to fly 5,500 miles without refueling.
Gelada Baboon Reacts to Being Cheated on With Fury from 2018-10-29T09:00
If a gelada queen doubts her king's influence, she'll happily play the field. But when she gets caught, it's up to the alpha to fight for what's his.
The latest in science, culture, and hi...
This Swedish King Built a Warship That Redefined Naval Combat from 2018-10-29T09:00
In the 1560s, Eric XIV of Sweden was determined to change the way naval battles were fought. The result was Mars: a giant of a warship that would rely on artillery and firepower to devastate her......
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This Giraffe Risks Everything by Drinking in Lion Territory from 2018-10-22T09:00
A giraffe takes a long drink from a local watering hole, with watchful lions in close proximity. The giraffe isn't brave, just desperately thirsty, while the lions aren't lazy, they're just waiting...
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The Volcanoes That Still Threaten New Zealand's Safety from 2018-10-22T09:00
Ever since the deadly eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886, New Zealand has invested heavily in a sophisticated warning system - all in an effort to prevent another major tragedy.
The latest...
Do Naked Mole Rats Have Hair? from 2018-10-15T09:00
All mammals have hair--but is the naked mole rat an exception to the rule? A caretaker at Smithsonian's National Zoo gives us a closer look. #ZooQs
The latest in science, culture, and hist...
Rare Vintage Footage Captures Innocence of Pre-War Hawaii from 2018-10-15T09:00
In a remarkable series of color films capturing pre-war Hawaii, an idyllic paradise is revealed. A few short years later, that illusion of paradise would be shattered by the attack on Pearl Harbor....
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This Badly Damaged German U-Boat Can't Dive for Cover from 2018-10-08T09:00
It's November 1943 and a German U-boat has been brutally damaged in a fight with British warships and is limping its way to port. But the sub's onboard batteries are impaired - which means it can't...
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The Trick to Finding a Partner as a Peacock from 2018-10-02T09:00
Ever wonder why only male peacocks have such extravagant plumage? We ask a caretaker at Smithsonian's National Zoo to explain. #ZooQs
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smith...
How Napalm Bombs Intensified U.S. Attacks During WWII from 2018-10-01T09:00
Bombing ground targets from the air is tricky and not always accurate. But a new type of bomb creates an unimaginable level of destruction - and strengthens U.S. attacks in the Pacific.
Th...
The Most Powerful Tornado Recorded on Earth from 2018-09-24T09:00
For Oklahoma City and its surrounding suburbs, May 3, 1999 began like any other spring day. By the evening, a deadly tornado of unprecedented ferocity had wreaked havoc, claiming a total of 36 live...
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Why Los Angeles Is One of the Best Places to Film from 2018-09-24T09:00
The San Gabriel Mountains lure lots of Angelenos looking for some quiet seclusion. One of the more famous was Leonard Cohen who spent five years there, searching for peace of mind.
The lat...
Two Cheetah Clans Fight to the Death from 2018-09-17T09:00
Two rival cheetah clans battle under the cover of night. The outcome is fatal and will alter the lives of the warriors forever.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian...
Why the U.S. Military Pushed $10 Million Worth of Helicopters Overboard from 2018-09-17T09:00
It's 1975, and a small Vietnamese civilian aircraft is desperate to land on the flight deck of a U.S. aircraft carrier. It becomes a dramatic race against time to clear the deck before the plane ru...
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Were Lithium Batteries the Cause of This Plane Crash? from 2018-09-10T09:00
UPS Airlines Flight 6 crashed into a military base 10 miles from Dubai Airport on September 3, 2010. Investigators seeking answers zero in on the plane's cargo: highly flammable lithium batteries.<...
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Why Al Capone Wasn't Your Typical Discreet Gangster from 2018-09-03T09:00
Al Capone wasn't just one of the biggest distributers of bootleg alcohol during Prohibition, he also embraced his notoriety in some flamboyant ways.
The latest in science, culture, and his...
How FDR Took the First Steps Towards Ending Prohibition from 2018-08-27T09:00
In 1932, nine days after his inauguration, President Roosevelt signed an order authorizing the sale of beer. It would soon be followed by the 21st amendment: the full repeal of Prohibition.
A Submarine Dangerously Tests How Deep It Can Go from 2018-08-27T09:00
The USS Tang was a state-of-the-art Balao class submarine, certified by the Navy to dive up to 400 feet. But in order to test her for battle, commander Dick O'Kane decides to take her even deeper.<...
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Prince Charles and Princess Diana's Bitter Press Feud from 2018-08-20T09:00
By 1994, the marriage of Princes Charles and Princess Diana was falling apart. What followed was a remarkably bitter sequence of recriminations played out in the pages of the popular press.
This Interview Strategy Led a Serial Killer to Confess from 2018-08-13T09:00
When the Green River Killer is convicted of murder, the FBI brings in Dr. Mary Ellen O'Toole, leading expert in psychopathy, to get the killer to confess to 44 unsolved homicides.
The late...
This Chinese Emperor Was Betrayed by His Mother's Lover from 2018-08-13T09:00
China's young emperor, Qin Shi Huang, faced a serious threat to his reign in 238 BC. At the heart of it was his mother, Queen Zhao, and her ambitious lover, Lao Ai.
The latest in science, ...
The Moment Lincoln Realized the Military Power of Railroads from 2018-08-06T09:00
Following victory for the South in the battle of Bull Run, President Lincoln reached an inescapable conclusion. Without an effective railway network to transport troops quickly, the North couldn't....
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Why Is This Lizard Doing Push-Ups? from 2018-08-06T09:00
It can be challenging to engage someone from a distance. Draco lizards, however, have an interesting technique of performing upper body workouts to get the attention of their potential mates.
<...
The Deadly Attempt to Assassinate Qin Shi Huang from 2018-07-30T09:00
In 230 BC, the armies of the powerful Qin Shi Huang looked set to conquer all before them. But one neighboring kingdom, Yan, had other ideas and hatched a devious plan to assassinate him.
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Does China's Only Female Emperor Deserve Her Bad Rap? from 2018-07-23T09:00
Wu Zetian, empress of the Tang Dynasty, was believed to be a cunning and ruthless ruler. But new evidence unearthed by archaeologists has challenged this version of her story.
The latest i...
Watch Two King Cobras Romance Each Other from 2018-07-16T09:00
King cobra mating techniques aren't subtle. To indicate his interest, the male will engage in frequent headbutting with the female, while she dances provocatively around him.
The latest in...
The Incredible Reptiles That Flew 200 Million Years Ago from 2018-07-16T09:00
A 200-million-year-old fossil reveals the amazing body structure of a reptilian creature known as the dimorphodon. Not only did it possess wings, it was one of the first large vertebrates to travel...
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How Yellowstone Scientists Really Combat Invasive Species from 2018-07-09T09:00
Yellowstone cutthroat trout are on the brink of extinction as invasive lake trout continue to eat them. With the park's ecosystem at risk, it's up to scientists to figure out where these predators....
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Footage of the Alarming Moments Before the Everest Avalanche from 2018-07-02T09:00
An earthquake in Nepal fills hikers on Everest with fear. Once the tremors subside, however, a new threat begins to loom on the horizon: an avalanche.
The latest in science, culture, and h...
What's the Waggle Dance? And Why Do Honey Bees Do It? from 2018-07-02T09:00
Honeybees search high and wide for the best flowers. And when they find them, they go back to the hive and "tell" the other bees how to get there.
The latest in science, culture, and histo...
This Forensics Test Brought a Serial Killer to Justice from 2018-06-25T09:00
With Michael Swango in custody for fraud, it's up to the scientists to figure out how he killed his patients - before his sentence is up and he gets another chance to escape.
The latest in...
This African Warrior Ceremony Was Highly Intimidating from 2018-06-18T09:00
When France sent ambassador Jean-Marie Bayol to Dahomey to secure a deal for the kingdom's rich natural resources, he was greeted by an elite force of all-women warriors known as the Agooji. Their....
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Why the Assassin Bug More Than Lives Up to Its Name from 2018-06-18T09:00
The assassin bug's deadly proboscis is both sword and siphon. It uses its sharp nose to pierce and inject toxins into its victims, and then to suck out their liquified insides.
The latest ...
Aerial Views of Eco-Friendly Homes in New Mexico from 2018-06-18T09:00
In an unwelcome environment, building an eco-friendly house is a major challenge. But architect Mike Reynolds thinks he's found a design solution in his innovative "Earthships."
The latest...
Gladiators Didn't Die As Often As You Think from 2018-06-11T09:00
Contrary to popular opinion, the chances of survival in gladiatorial games were higher than originally thought. In fact, only 1 in 9 fights ended in death.
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Photographer Witnesses Final Moments Before Plane Crash from 2018-06-04T09:00
National Airlines Flight 102 took off from an airfield in northeastern Afghanistan on April 29, 2013. Minutes later, it would stall in midair before crashing to the ground.
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The Meaning Behind Indian Henna Designs from 2018-05-28T09:00
The henna tradition at Indian weddings is rooted in Indian folklore and is both decorative and symbolic. Many of the elaborate floral patterns signify new beginnings, as well as a sense of purity.<...
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This Mountain Lion Hides Her Kills in Abandoned Ranches from 2018-05-28T09:00
Adventurer Casey Anderson has tracked a female mountain lion to her unlikely den: an abandoned ranch close to his home. He ventures inside, camera in hand, for a closer look.
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Watch a Man Snatch an Angry Cobra With His Bare Hands from 2018-05-21T09:00
How do you deal with a king cobra that's holed up in a busy village in India? If you're Gowri Shankar, world famous snake handler, it's a simple matter of grabbing the snake by the tail and putting...
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How Yosemite Became the Setting of a Chaotic 1970 Riot from 2018-05-14T09:00
Independence Day in 1970 at Yosemite National Park should have been an occasion for celebration. Instead, it became a day of violence between park rangers and young campers.
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Runaway Slaves Built This Fort to Defend Their Freedom from 2018-05-14T09:00
An archaeological expedition into the wilderness of North Carolina uncovers evidence of a remarkable settlement once filled with runaway slaves determined to evade capture.
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Princess Diana Knew Exactly How to Be Photographed from 2018-05-07T09:00
Princess Diana demonstrated a remarkable savviness for bending the press coverage in her favor, from her iconic wardrobe to instinctively knowing what made a great photo.
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Lioness Underestimates the Strength of an Impala from 2018-04-30T09:00
A solitary lioness in her new home of Akagera, Rwanda, is tracking a herd of impala. Two problems: The impala here are stronger than the ones back home, and their horns can be lethal.
The ...
Why This Rolls-Royce Starlight Feature Costs $12,000 from 2018-04-30T09:00
If you're a fan of driving under a starry sky, Rolls-Royce has you covered with its unique 'starlight' option adorning the ceilings of its luxury car. But that twinkle will set you back an addition...
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A Honey Badger and Mole Snake Fight to the Death from 2018-04-23T09:00
A hungry honey badger and a fearless mole snake are locked in a deadly battle, with survival at stake. Both animals know enough to target each other's weak spot: the head.
The latest in sc...
Queen Elizabeth II on the Ride to the Coronation from 2018-04-23T09:00
On June 2, 1953, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II set out for Westminster Abbey for the Coronation. Hear Her Majesty describe the uncomfortable miles-long ride in a golden four-ton coach.
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Turtle Hatchlings Face Death While Dashing to Ocean from 2018-04-16T09:00
On the beaches of the Great Barrier Reef, the first turtle hatchlings emerge from their shells and make a run for the ocean. Almost immediately, aerial and aquatic predators appear, hoping for an.....
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How Americans Found a Clever Loophole in the Prohibition Act from 2018-04-09T09:00
Just because the country had voted to outlaw alcohol, didn't mean that people would comply. The legal case wasn't much helped by a quirky loophole which allowed people to drink existing supplies at...
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Don't Be Jealous of These Oyster-Slurping Beach Monkeys from 2018-04-09T09:00
Long-tailed macaques spend much of the day frolicking on tropical sands and taking a dip in the ocean to cool off. And when it's time to eat, they prove surprisingly adept at cracking open the clam...
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One of the Worst Man-Made Disasters in History from 2018-04-02T09:00
Residents of the valley of Vajont in Italy had reservations about a new hydroelectric dam--especially when cracks began to appear in the nearby mountain. Their worst fears were soon to be confirmed...
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Could Lab-Bred Super Coral Save Our Reefs? from 2018-04-02T09:00
Scientists are exploring a bold new plan that could help protect the world's coral reefs. Using selective breeding, they aim to produce a new strain of coral that can withstand climate change.
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Never-Before-Seen Footage of Clownfish Hatching from 2018-03-26T09:00
Thanks to the use of a specialized infrared camera, we're now able to witness a never-before-seen phase of clownfish development: the nighttime hatching of larva from their eggs.
The lates...
Intense Footage of Kamikaze Attacks During WWII from 2018-03-26T09:00
On April 6, 1944, U.S. marines faced a battle unlike any they had faced before: the Japanese intentionally crashed over 1,900 planes in suicide kamikaze dives on them.
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Is This the Reason Ireland Converted to Christianity? from 2018-03-19T09:00
Many attribute the spread of Christianity in Ireland to St. Patrick. But Medieval history and scientific evidence dating back to 540 A.D. hint at a more cosmic reason.
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These Men Risked Their Lives to Build 1920s New York Skyscrapers from 2018-03-19T09:00
The skyscrapers of Manhattan needed a new, bolder type of construction worker. They got them in 'roughnecks' - hardened men who worked without safety harnesses, hard hats or even bathroom breaks.
Why Nancy Reagan's Sense of Style Wasn't Appreciated from 2018-03-12T09:00
Like Jackie and Dolley before her, Nancy Reagan brought her own unique style to the White House. But economic times were tough, and what was seen as stylish in one era was now viewed as extravagant...
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Incredible Timelapse of Dry Badlands Thunderstorm from 2018-03-12T09:00
In South Dakota, thousands of fireflies, in the midst of a mating ritual, compete against the bright stars that light up the dark skies of the Badlands. Often, it's hard to tell one from the other....
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The Amazing Adaptation That Keeps Tamarin Numbers Up from 2018-03-05T09:00
Golden lion tamarins have evolved a clever way to keep their population size steady in the face of predation. They almost always give birth to twins.
The latest in science, culture, and hi...
The First Presidential Wife to Be Called the First Lady from 2018-03-05T09:00
Dolley Madison, the First Lady of president James Madison was a Jackie Kennedy of her time. Her refined taste and elevated social graces brought an unprecedented sense of style to the White House.<...
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These Feisty Female Lemurs Fight With Babies on Their Backs from 2018-02-26T09:00
In ring-tailed lemur society, it's the females who call the shots. They live in groups of up to 30 members and the alpha female will fight hard to protect her territory.
The latest in scie...
Gladiator Teeth Reveal Signs of Infant Malnourishment from 2018-02-26T09:00
By all accounts, Roman gladiators were the rock stars of their day, performing in a packed coliseum to a crowd of thousands. But evidence suggests they experienced extremely malnourished childhoods...
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Here's Exactly How Shrunken Heads Are Made from 2018-02-19T09:00
A scientist's visit to a Shuar elder in Ecuador reveals the secrets of the ceremonial tradition of head shrinking. Now the scientist has set himself a gruesome goal to do it himself.
The l...
These Assassins Were the Nazi's Last-Ditch Effort from 2018-02-19T09:00
Franz Oppenhoff was installed as the mayor of Aachen, Germany, after it was taken by Allied forces. Little did he know, guerrilla Nazi assassins who called themselves "Werwolves" had him in their.....
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What Elephants Endure When Used as Tourist Attractions from 2018-02-12T09:00
An estimated 25% of all elephants born in Burma are captured and sold into the tourism trade. What's worse: They must be broken in first.
The latest in science, culture, and history from S...
Scientists Recreate a Stone Age Cremation from 2018-02-12T09:00
A scientist sets about to recreate a Stone Age funeral pyre. Astonishingly, and using nothing but resources from that era, the makeshift pyre achieves the same high temperatures as a modern...
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Incredible: A Gaboon Viper Strikes a Bird in Slo-Mo from 2018-02-05T09:00
Gaboon vipers don't have the fastest strike in the snake world--but they don't need to be faster than other snakes, just their prey. In this case, a passing bird stands no chance.
The late...
This Is the Jewelry Worn by Vintage Hollywood Movie Stars from 2018-02-05T09:00
Joseff of Hollywood made jewelry for many of the most important American films of the 20th century. When Doris and Shelly Lyn visit his studio, they have one goal: no drooling on the designs.
<...
This Hero Rallied Wounded USS Indianapolis Survivors from 2018-01-29T09:00
Dehydrated, exhausted, and preyed upon by sharks, the surviving crew of the sunken USS Indianapolis was in a living nightmare. Thanks to Marine Captain Edward Parke's display of heroism, he gave......
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How the "Babe" in Babe Ruth Came About from 2018-01-29T09:00
When Jack Dunn brought a young George Herman Ruth Jr. to the Orioles, they became inseparable--so much so that the other players started referring to Ruth as Dunn's "babe."
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This Brave Student Captured the Mount St. Helens Blast from 2018-01-22T09:00
Some of the most breathtaking photos of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens were taken by a graduate student camped nearby. Even more impressive, he took them while trying to outrun the enormous....
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Was That Bigfoot? Your Brain May Be Tricking You from 2018-01-22T09:00
The brain is the most complex organ in the human body, but it can make mistakes while interpreting the world around us. A scientist explains how Bigfoot might be one of them.
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This Lion Couple Mates Over 100 Times a Day from 2018-01-15T09:00
A newly coupled lion and lioness head to the relative solitude of the higher grounds in their new kingdom of Rwanda. Over the next four days, they'll mate over 100 times a day.
The latest ...
Women Were Some of the Fiercest Samurai Warriors Ever from 2018-01-15T09:00
In ancient Japan, battle was typically reserved for male samurai. That all changed when Takeko Nakano and her sister, Yuko, decided to fight for their clan's independence after a deadly village...<...
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How NASA Cut Costs With a New Kind of Spacecraft from 2018-01-08T09:00
With budgets for space exploration falling toward the end of the 1960s, NASA began to make plans for a new kind of reusable spacecraft to save money: the space shuttle.
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Why It's So Risky Docking a Ship in This Jamaican Port from 2018-01-08T09:00
Steering a ship the size of the MSC Divina into a tricky port like Ocho Rios, in the western Caribbean, requires the harbor pilot on hand to assist. One problem: He's nowhere to be found.
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How the Largest Earthwork in the Western Hemisphere Was Built from 2018-01-01T09:00
Located in southern Illinois, Monks Mound is a massive earthen structure, made entirely of clay, a material that tends to shrink and collapse over time. How, then, has this monument not collapsed?<...
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Chilling Footage of the 1989 Cypress Freeway Collapse from 2018-01-01T09:00
The Oakland fire department rushed to the scene of the Cypress Freeway, after the 1989 San Francisco Earthquake hits. They were greeted by a catastrophe of collapsed concrete and trapped cars.
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Why Do Insects Hate the Smell of Peppermint? from 2017-12-25T09:00
The stick bug primarily depends on its camouflage to avoid predators. But when enemies get too close, this insect deploys peppermint as a last resort.
The latest in science, culture, and h...
Gay or Straight? Show Me Your Fingers from 2017-12-18T09:00
Two scientists in Sydney, Australia, believe men and women have different finger length ratios due to testosterone levels. Not only that, they think it's a predictor of sexual orientation.
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Were Sacrificial Rituals Performed in These Bogs? from 2017-12-04T09:00
The ancient roads that lead into the peat bogs of central Ireland were impressive, but mystifying. For one thing, some of them just end in the middle of nowhere. Why?
The latest in science...
A Cruise Ship Chef Hunts for Big Fish. Will He Succeed? from 2017-12-04T09:00
As luxury liner Europa 2 docks into port, its chef de cuisine has a major challenge ahead: prepare lunch for his very discerning clientele, while also impressing his boss - whom he's meeting for th...
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Did Nazis Hide Loot Beneath This Giant Polish Castle? from 2017-11-27T09:00
Ksiaz Castle in southern Poland sits atop a remarkable complex of underground tunnels built by the Nazis in 1944. Some experts believe these tunnels hold a still undiscovered secret... but what?
Elephants Can Afford to Be Picky About This Kind of Fruit from 2017-11-27T09:00
A single marula tree can provide up to 1.5 tons of fruit each season--as much as 90,000 fruits. That works well for the average elephant who needs to consume 6% of its own body weight each day and....
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How Princess Diana Prepared Her Son for the Paparazzi from 2017-11-20T09:00
With the birth of Prince William in 1982, the future of the Royal Family was secured. But the young heir's first challenge was one his mother, Diana, was uniquely equipped to address: handling...
Why This 1969 Royal Family Documentary Was Pulled Off Air from 2017-11-13T09:00
On June 21, 1969, a fly-on-the-wall documentary about the Royal Family was aired on British TV and watched by 37 million people. Then, the Queen ordered it taken off the air and never shown again.<...
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The Devastating Fire That Left Windsor Castle in Shambles from 2017-11-06T09:00
Windsor Castle, the scene of a disastrous fire in 1992, was badly in need of restoration. One problem: The bill was likely to be in the millions--and taxpayers were in no mood to foot the bill.
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Tracking Plant and Animal DNA Can Transform Science from 2017-11-06T09:00
Cataloging plant and animal species may yield a wealth of medical advances.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
The Devastating 1926 Hurricane that Halted the Growth of Miami from 2017-10-30T09:00
In 1926, the Miami economy was soaring, fueled by wealthy northerners attracted to the tropical climate and beaches. But a devastating hurricane would smash into the city, causing widespread...
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The Moon Landing Was the Television Event of the Decade from 2017-10-30T09:00
On July 16, 1969, Americans filled highways, streets and homes to witness the launch of a rocket from the Kennedy Space Center: the legendary, moon-bound Apollo 11.
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This Air Force Bomber Can Hold 70,000 Lbs. in Weapons from 2017-10-23T09:00
The legendary B-52 can carry smart bombs, laser-guided bombs, mines, even nuclear missiles--a total of 70,000 pounds of weaponry at a time.
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One of the Toughest Foes a Submarine Could Battle from 2017-10-16T09:00
By April 13, 1944, the USS Tang had already sunk 10 Japanese merchant ships. But on that day, they were about to run into a far more formidable opponent: a Japanese destroyer.
The latest i...
How NYC Women Stayed Safe from the Son of Sam Killer from 2017-10-16T09:00
The Son of Sam serial killer appeared to target young New York women with brown hair. In 1977, one reporter took to the streets to ask them about the steps they'd taken to protect themselves.
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Why the U.S. Army Guarded the 23 Remaining American Buffalo from 2017-10-09T09:00
In 1882, General Philip Sheridan's expedition to the protected buffalo haven in Yellowstone National Park revealed a gruesome reality: Poachers were continuing to slaughter the last remnants of...<...
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This Man Is the Father of Modern American Suburbia from 2017-10-09T09:00
By 1951, two thirds of Americans lived in urban areas. Enter William Levitt, a former navy lieutenant, who would utilize construction techniques he learned in the military to build affordable...
These Are the Final Moments of Amelia Earhart on the Ground from 2017-10-02T09:00
In 1937, Amelia Earhart was about to embark on a record-setting flight around the world. In her final moments, she took her last photograph and set off from a Burbank, California airstrip, captured...
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Hammerheads Can Hear Injured Fish From a Mile Away from 2017-09-25T09:00
Hammerhead sharks are so attuned to low-frequency sounds, they can hear them from over a mile away. Not only can they tell the distance and direction of their prey, they can even estimate its size....
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Prohibition Inspired a New Generation of Rebellious Women from 2017-09-25T09:00
One of the social side effects of Prohibition was it inspired many women to break out and challenge the conservative norms of society. These women were dubbed 'Flappers.'
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Why These Vegetarian Monkeys Have Sharp Predator Teeth from 2017-09-18T09:00
In the Ethiopian highlands, native Geladas have impressive canines despite being grass eaters. The reason is simple: The males need to defend themselves and their group against potential challenger...
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These WWI Ambulance Trains Could Care for 500 Men at Once from 2017-09-18T09:00
During World War I, the British converted a large number of commuter train cars into ambulance cars. These mobile hospitals had the facilities to cater up to 500 men.
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This Terrifying Spider Hunts Fish Underwater from 2017-09-11T09:00
If the prospect of a spider that catches fish wasn't scary enough, the fishing spider is disturbingly well-adapted to its task. This includes walking on water, as well as breathing underneath it as...
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U.S. Marines' First Test Against Japanese Defenses on Okinawa from 2017-09-11T09:00
As U.S. marines advanced northward in Okinawa, they approached a craggy mass known as Mount Yae-Take. The battle to capture this remote mountain resulted in numerous casualties on both sides.
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Why Pocahontas May Not Have Rescued John Smith After All from 2017-09-04T09:00
According to legend, Pocahontas threw herself between the leader of the Jamestown colony, John Smith, and a warrior's club to save him. But experts have some doubts about whether she was even prese...
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Why Do These Monkeys Have Such Outrageous Noses? from 2017-09-04T09:00
Proboscis monkeys may look ridiculous to us, but they are in fact perfectly adapted to their swamp surroundings. Their pot-bellied stomachs are able to digest toxic leaves, while their huge noses.....
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A Checklist That Might Tell If You're a Psychopath from 2017-08-28T09:00
While studying prisoners in 1980, psychologist Dr. Robert Hare developed the Psychopathy Checklist - a list that evaluates people based on twenty basic traits, including lying and lack of remorse.<...
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The Reason This South American Tribe Shrunk Their Enemies' Heads from 2017-08-28T09:00
The Shuar of South America is the only tribe to have never been conquered by the Spanish Empire. But the thing they're most famous for is a macabre tradition: shrinking the heads of their enemies.<...
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Meet the Echidna, an Incredible, Fire-Proof Spiny Anteater from 2017-08-21T09:00
The echidna, or spiny anteater, is a marvel of defensive self-preservation, from its impenetrable spikes to its amazing ability to breathe through bushfires.
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The Egyptian Pharaoh With the Biggest Ego from 2017-08-21T09:00
Though little is known about Khufu, the pharaoh who oversaw the Great Pyramid's construction, vicious rumors about him persist today.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smith...
Nostradamus May Have Gotten Your Zodiac Sign Wrong from 2017-08-15T09:00
Predicting the future isn't an exact science, but making astrological measurements is. Checking some of Nostradamus' calculations reveals that his astrology skills may not have been up to snuff.
The Ocean Is Running Out of Fish. Here's the Alarming Math. from 2017-08-14T09:00
Based on reporting, the ocean has long appeared to offer an infinite bounty of fish. But recent, more accurate research paints a far grimmer picture, with annual catch on a precipitous and...
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Some Very Compelling Evidence the Tower of Babel Was Real from 2017-08-14T09:00
Biblical scholars have long debated whether the Tower of Babel really existed. Now, a remarkable stone tablet never before shown on film appears to settle that question.
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How Krispy Kreme Became a National Treasure from 2017-08-07T09:00
What's the secret to a perfectly round Krispy Kreme doughnut?
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
The Real Culprit of an Ancient Egyptian Plague Was... Bread? from 2017-08-07T09:00
According to the Bible, the 10th plague to befall ancient Egypt killed the first born child of every family. Now, new scientific evidence suggests that this may have actually occurred - and that a....
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These Cable Cars Transformed Medellin Into a Cultural Mecca from 2017-07-31T09:00
In Medellin, Colombia, a new kind of public transit brings together two neighboring communities that were once worlds apart.
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This Vet Went from Admiring Jane Goodall to Working With Her from 2017-07-18T09:00
Suzan Murray, Chief Veterinarian at the National Zoo, describes her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian and makes a special trip to visit her favorite elephant, Shanthi.
The latest ...
How Coffee Breaks Became a Staple of American Life from 2017-07-17T09:00
Coffee - it's a staple of American life, and inside the vaults of the National Museum of American History, they know the secret to its wide spread success: packaging.
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This Is What 'Moving Day' Means for a Houseboat from 2017-07-12T09:00
Couple Wim and Carin are moving 70 miles north to the Dutch town of Groningen. But this is no ordinary move: their new home will be pulled by boat along narrow waterways the whole time.
Th...
In Haiti, One Man's Trash is Another's Art Supplies from 2017-07-10T09:00
Symbols of Haitian voodoo, nature and Christianity are cut and pounded into oil drums as Haiti's artists transform mundane objects into remarkable art.
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Surprise: Gladiators Were Vegetarians from 2017-07-10T09:00
A huge factor in a gladiator's physical fitness was a meatless diet. During training, he primarily ate beans for protein and barley for carbohydrates.
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Intense Footage of Fake Towns Used for 1950s Nuclear Tests from 2017-07-03T09:00
To test the impact of an atomic blast on populated areas, technicians built entire fake towns, with houses, shops, and even mannequin families. These settlements went by an ominous name: doom towns...
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The First Step to Shipping a Chopper? Remove the Blades. from 2017-07-03T09:00
When a high-tech helicopter like the Sikorsky S-92 needs to be transported on a cargo plane, it's crucial that every rotor blade is dismantled and stowed away with care. That's because each one cos...
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Why 10 Daily Tons of Ant Poop Keep This Rainforest Thriving from 2017-06-26T09:00
The soil in the rainforests of Barro Colorado is packed with nutrients, but where does it come from? The answer lies high up in the canopy, where a remarkable, prolific species of nest-building ant...
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Lionfish Are a Plague. Can Training Sharks to Eat Them Work? from 2017-06-19T09:00
Lionfish, which are native to the Indo-Pacific but were accidentally introduced to the Caribbean, are decimating native fish species. To help limit their damage, scientists are teaching sharks to.....
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How 1950s Las Vegas Sold Atomic Bomb Tests as Tourism from 2017-06-16T09:00
Between 1950 and 1960, the population of Las Vegas grew by 161%--partly due to the burgeoning casino industry. But another reason was a chance to glimpse actual nuclear tests in person.
Th...
Unleashing the Historic Gatling Gun on a Watermelon Line-Up from 2017-06-12T09:00
The rotating-barreled, hand-cranked Gatling gun was invented in 1861-and immediately rewrote the rules of warfare. Now, Weapon Hunter host Paul Shull puts one to the test and demonstrates its...
Letters Reveal Ben Franklin's International Social Network from 2017-06-05T09:00
Caroline Winterer is the principal investigator of the Benjamin Franklin Project. By using social network analysis, she is challenging accepted historical narratives about one of our founding fathe...
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What Maximum Security Meant for Ancient Tomb Raiders from 2017-05-18T09:00
The Han dynasty tombs were packed with some of the empire's most valuable relics. To guard against theft, colossal stones, each weighing six tons, were cut to block the passageways from relentless....
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This Was the Birth of DNA Profiling from 2017-05-08T09:00
In 1983, police in Leicestershire, England struggle to make their case - until they join forces with scientists, who are just discovering the potential of DNA profiling.
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The Taj Mahal Was Really Built for Love from 2017-05-08T09:00
The allure of the Taj Mahal isn't just architectural. Seen as a memorial to true love, the Taj was built out of grief after the death of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
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The Entire Bay of Santorini Is an Active Volcanic Crater from 2017-05-01T09:00
What happened to the giant volcano thought to have destroyed Atlantis? The answer may be the island of Santorini... all of it.
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The Extraordinary Life Cycle of a Hornet Colony from 2017-04-28T09:00
After a hornet queen lays hundreds of eggs, her workers set about feeding the larvae chewed-up prey. With tiny waists, the workers can't digest solid food; they instead subsist on drops of amino ac...
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A Coconut Octopus Uses Tools to Snatch a Crab from 2017-04-24T09:00
Coconut octopuses are among the most intelligent invertebrates around: They use tools, carry their shelters around for when they need them, and, fittingly, adopt an underwater walking motion that's...
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These Are the Three Main Categories of Bloodstain Pattern from 2017-04-24T09:00
Today, bloodstain pattern analysis is routinely used in murder investigations - analysts draw on chemistry, mathematics and physics to determine the area of origin where an injury occurred.
World's Biggest Spider Gobbles Down an Unsuspecting Lizard from 2017-04-17T09:00
Everything about the Goliath birdeater is big and terrifying: from an 11-inch leg span to a deadly venom that makes the organs of its victims to shut down and self-digest from the inside. Now see i...
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The Only Live News Report from the Attack on Pearl Harbor from 2017-04-17T09:00
On December 7, 1941, an NBC radio affiliate in Honolulu made an urgent phone call to New York. In it, he begins to describe what the world would later know as the attack on Pearl Harbor.
T...
Why the Templar Secret Rituals Were So Controversial from 2017-04-10T09:00
From spitting on the Christian cross to strange sexual acts, the Knights Templar's secret rituals were controversial. But were they using these ceremonies to praise a different religion entirely?
The Strange Link Between Bats and Tequila from 2017-04-10T09:00
As a nectar feeder, the lesser long-nosed bat follows the trail of cactus blooms between Mexico and the U.S. One of the plants it also plays a major role in pollinating is agave, which gives us...<...
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Komodo Dragons Can Taste Their Prey From Miles Away from 2017-04-03T09:00
A Komodo dragon's strongest sensory organ is its deeply forked tongue. It acts as a meal detector that samples the air for dead or dying animals.
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The Horrifying True Story Behind the Movie 'Scream' from 2017-04-03T09:00
The tragic true story of an innocent man suspected of murder is a classic motif of the Hollywood thriller and is used as a subplot in Scream.
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Why Humans Still Can't Live on Mars (Yet) from 2017-03-28T09:00
Mars is calling. Will we stick with robots or ship off the humans?
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
How Vampire Bats Suck Blood for 30 Minutes Unnoticed from 2017-03-27T09:00
Thanks to a local anesthetic in their spit, vampire bats are able to drink blood from their prey without being detected. That way, they can feed undisturbed for up to a half hour at a time.
Was This Hidden Tunnel Used by the Knights Templar? from 2017-03-20T09:00
It's unclear if the Knights Templar created the secret tunnel in Acre, Israel, as an escape route or a way to secretly export valuable items. One thing is certain: It's a remarkable showcase of the...
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Incredible: This Underwater Spider Has an Actual Scuba Tank from 2017-03-20T09:00
The scuba spider is the only arachnid to live exclusively underwater, despite lacking gills. Its secret, like its name suggests, is a makeshift oxygen supply.
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The Vital Message Hank Aaron Took from Jackie Robinson from 2017-03-13T09:00
It's unlikely that Hank Aaron would have achieved his baseball milestones were it not for one trailblazing pioneer who led the way: Jackie Robinson. Here, the baseball legend himself talks about......
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The First Female Accordion Player to Win the Vallenato Kings Festival from 2017-03-13T09:00
Young accordion phenom Yeime Arrieta Ramos is the first female accordion player to ever win the Vallenato Kings Festival.
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What David Hockney's Brilliant Collages Reveal About Photos from 2017-03-06T09:00
David Hockney considered photography a lifeless medium--at least compared to a drawing or painting. But a photographic experiment yielded a completely unexpected, and transformative, result.
How Wallis Simpson Infiltrated British Royalty from 2017-02-20T09:00
There aren't many rumors that American socialite Wallis Simpson hasn't been subjected to. So here's how she actually infiltrated the British monarchy.
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The Ultimate Rococo Monument: Dolmabahce Palace from 2017-02-13T09:00
The Dolmabahce Palace is the ultimate Rococo monument, flaunting the power of the Ottoman Empire. But lavish ornamentation comes at a high cost: the structure propelled the administration toward......
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A Lucky Break for a Starving Polar Bear Mom and Her Cub from 2017-02-13T09:00
Near Churchill, Manitoba, a polar bear mom and her cub stumble across a fish carcass washed up on the shore. After a long migration across the wilderness with very little food, this feels like a......
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Spectacular Footage of a Butterfly Leaving Its Cocoon from 2017-02-06T09:00
The transition from caterpillar to butterfly is a process that consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Observe one caterpillar as it developments into a gorgeous winged insect.
An Angry Hippo Charges a Trespassing Lion from 2017-01-30T09:00
A lion ventures into an area of the river that's part of a hippo bull's territory. The enraged hippo wastes no time in asserting his dominance.
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The Nazi Engineer Who Created the First Ballistic Missile from 2017-01-30T09:00
Wernher Von Braun became interested in space flight from an early age. This passion would lead him to become a key figure in the development of one of the Nazi's most devastating weapon: the V2...<...
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Hippo Climbs Down a Steep Cliff...With Difficulty from 2017-01-23T09:00
A 15-foot male hippo carefully negotiates his enormous body down a sheer cliff. It's the shortest and most direct route to the water--and he's not one to back down from a challenge.
The la...
Yes, Spiders Eat Spiders from 2017-01-16T09:00
Portia spiders, known for their remarkable intelligence, have some of the most astonishing hunting skills in the arthropod community. That community also happens to be their prey.
The late...
The Typos on This Dead Sea Scroll Don't Mean It's Fake from 2017-01-09T09:00
When the Dead Sea copper scroll was unveiled, doubts were quickly raised about its authenticity. For one thing, it was riddled with spelling errors.
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Why Tomb Raiders Treated This Priceless Gem Like Trash from 2017-01-09T09:00
Why would grave robbers break into the King of Xuzhou's tomb and leave its most priceless jade treasure behind? The answer may lie in the precious stone's status as currency in ancient China.
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A Hungry Snake Finds a Whole Colony of Sociable Weavers from 2016-12-19T09:00
Nesting in close proximity to each other has a lot of advantages for sociable weavers. But if a predator like this venomous boomslang discovers the nests, he can wipe out the entire colony's brood ...
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How Easy Company Incredibly Captured Two German Howitzers from 2016-12-19T09:00
During the D-Day invasion, Easy Company took a beating as they moved in on two German howitzers threatening advancing U.S. troops. How they rebounded to capture them is legendary.
The late...
What Being in a Submarine Under Attack Would Be Like from 2016-12-12T09:00
To evade a Japanese destroyer, the USS Tang goes into a sudden dive in shallow waters. As the depth charges explode around them, the crew know full well their chances of survival are slim.
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Were the Women of Petra More Important Than Men? from 2016-12-05T09:00
The Nabataeans worshipped powerful female deities and built lavish shrines in their honor. Could this religious order be a clue into the elevated status of women in Petra?
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Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols on Uhura's Radical Impact from 2016-12-05T09:00
Star Trek's decision to cast Nichelle Nichols, an African American woman, as major character on the show was an almost unheard-of move in 1968. But for black women all over the country, it redefine...
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Two Giant Killer Hornet Colonies Fight to the Death from 2016-11-28T09:00
A giant killer hornet war is waged between two colonies, and the resources, territories, and survival of a new generation are at stake. Watch the battle unfold as these huge hornets risk their live...
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This Paratrooper's Jump Into Enemy Territory Was a Disaster from 2016-11-28T09:00
For Easy Company paratrooper Buck Compton, the mission into occupied Normandy started off disastrously. It was his first ever combat jump and he'd lost his equipment bag on the way down, all with.....
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What Gladiator School Was Like from 2016-11-21T09:00
It's uncertain whether gladiator school was run like a prison or was completely voluntary. However, a reasonable amount of comfort was provided alongside strict training. Spectators wanted to see.....
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How the Thinnest Burmese Gold Leaf Is Made from 2016-11-21T09:00
In Burma, goldworking skills have been passed down over generations. Here's a look at the painstaking process required to produce the fine gold leaf that's sold near temples for devotional gilding....
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Did Atlantis Really Have Indoor Plumbing? from 2016-11-14T09:00
In 1967, archeologists discovered Akrotiri, an ancient city buried beneath Santorini. It may be the missing city of Atlantis, as well as the origin of the modern toilet.
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Could You Carry 100 Pounds of Patrol Gear? from 2016-11-14T09:00
Vietnam War infantry soldiers had to carry 80-100 lbs. of gear amid hot, humid, and dangerous surroundings. 'The Weapon Hunter' host Paul Shull gets a taste of that grueling experience.
Th...
Mary Beard on Pompeii's Showiest Family from 2016-11-07T09:00
The Valentes were a wealthy family in Pompeii that used lavish, high-end parties to gain political clout. Classicist Mary Beard walks us through the remains of their opulent home and imagines what ...
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What Really Happened to Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Ball? from 2016-10-31T09:00
An NBA expert has interviewed over 150 people in a quest to track down the ball used in Wilt Chamberlain's 1962 100-point game. But his findings only produce more questions.
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Cameras Capture a Hornet Hatching Up-Close from 2016-10-24T09:00
After two weeks of encasement, it's time for the larvae, now adult hornets, to leave their silk cocoons. Get an intimate look at the moment one hatches and begins to experience life in its shiny ne...
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Could Star Trek's Invisibility Cloak Become a Reality? from 2016-10-24T09:00
On Star Trek, the Romulans possess a cloaking device that renders its ship, the Bird-of-Prey, invisible. Now, years later, a group of scientists may have found a way to turn this technology into......
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Laser Scientists Are Developing Star Trek's Phaser from 2016-10-17T09:00
Some of the technology from Star Trek is already coming to life in the Lockheed Martin lab. One high-energy laser beam, similar to the phaser from the series, can even track and destroy rockets.
Wu Zetian's Bold Move at the Spectacular Longmen Grottoes from 2016-10-03T09:00
The Longmen Grottoes remain one of the most sacred places in China. Which is why they were a perfect place for Wu Zetian, the country's first female ruler, to make a statement about her power.
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Why Do Giraffes Have Patches? from 2016-10-03T09:00
The dark patches on a giraffe's body hide an intricate network of blood vessels and glands. These allow blood to flow through them, releasing heat and cooling the body.
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Was Greek Goddess Aphrodite Inspired by Eastern Ideas? from 2016-09-26T09:00
Aphrodite is known as one of the greatest Greek goddesses. But, based off archaeological findings, she may have been inspired by Eastern civilization.
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How to Unroll a Dead Sea Scroll Without Destroying It from 2016-09-26T09:00
In 1952, a remarkable copper scroll was uncovered by archaeologists near the Dead Sea. It would take four years for scientists to agree on a way to open it.
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The Injury That Almost Ruined Secretariat's Triple Crown from 2016-09-19T09:00
In 1973, Secretariat was widely tipped to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1948--until an abscess in his upper lip threatened to wreck his chances.
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Pompeii's Graffiti: An Ancient Form of Social Media from 2016-09-12T09:00
In a way, the graffiti left over from the ancient residents of Pompeii reveals more than just the handwriting and sketching styles of a lost civilization. Archaeologist Katherine Huntley reads...
Lou Gehrig's Toughest Day in Yankee Stadium from 2016-09-05T09:00
Lou Gehrig faced ALS with courage and dignity. When it was time to retire at Yankee stadium, he faced what was arguably another giant challenge for him: being honored.
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Why Pauline de Rothschild Had the Best Taste from 2016-09-05T09:00
Pauline de Rothschild brought sophistication and flair to every aspect of her marriage--this included completely transforming her husband's famous home: Chateau Moutin.
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The Real Way Komodo Dragons Kill Prey from 2016-08-29T09:00
Komodo dragons aren't physically built to chase after their prey. Remarkably, they've mastered the technique of stalking, biting, and secreting deadly venom in them.
The latest in science,...
Hammerhead vs. Stingray from 2016-08-22T09:00
A hammerhead shark locates a stingray hiding beneath the ocean floor. Unnerved, the stingray makes a dash for freedom--but is it too late?
The latest in science, culture, and history from ...
These Snake Bite Wound Photos Are Not for the Squeamish from 2016-08-22T09:00
While puff adder bites can cause immense pain, inflammation, and relentless bleeding, a gaboon viper does the same--only faster and with the ability to attack more of its victims' vital organs.
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How Did a Grizzly Bear Get on California's Flag? from 2016-08-15T09:00
As more and more settlers began to pour into California throughout the 1840s, the local Mexican authorities regarded them with suspicion. This would set off a chain of events culminating in the Bea...
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General Lee's Personal Connection to Arlington Cemetery from 2016-08-15T09:00
At the end of the Civil War, both Union and Confederate soldiers were buried in Arlington. This laid the groundwork for a truly national cemetery.
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Bat-Eared Foxes Can Astoundingly Hear Insects Digging Underground from 2016-08-15T09:00
Enormous ears magnify the sound of the bat-eared foxes preferred prey-termites.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
The Stealthy U-Boat Attack That Crippled Britain from 2016-08-05T09:00
Under the cover of night in October 1940, German U-99 submarines ambushed an Allied convoy en route to Britain with supplies. Beyond the tragic aftermath, this stealthy strategy had a lasting impac...
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Zorro Wasn't Mexican or Spanish, But...Irish? from 2016-07-25T09:00
Records reveal that one inspiration for the character of Zorro, a William Lamport who attempted to start a revolution in Mexico, was not Mexican or Spanish, but Irish.
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The Best Rock Pillar for Sport Climbing from 2016-07-25T09:00
First conquered in 1992, the climb up the east side of a 300-foot rock pillar named "Monkey Face" has become the ultimate rock-climbing challenge.
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Did Muhammad Ali Throw His Gold Medal Into the Ohio River? from 2016-07-18T09:00
Is it true that boxing legend Muhammad Ali threw his Olympic gold medal into the Ohio River out of frustration after a racist encounter? A childhood friend weighs in on a story that has become part...
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Does 'The Last Supper' Really Have a Hidden Meaning? from 2016-07-18T09:00
Da Vinci's The Last Supper plays a key role in the 2006 blockbuster hit The Da Vinci Code. Although the film's claims are more fiction than fact, could the painting actually contain a message from....
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Can Tree Rings Explain the Demise of a Lost Civilization? from 2016-07-11T09:00
Archaeologists believe the sudden destruction of a pre-Columbian civilization found in southern Illinois occurred around 1150 AD. But to find the cause of such upheaval, they look to the surroundin...
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This Is Martha, the World's Last-Known Passenger Pigeon from 2016-07-11T09:00
Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History houses one of largest bird collections in the world. One of their most prized birds, Martha, was the last passenger pigeon to ever fly.
The...
Muhammad Ali's Brother on Racism and the Medal Myth from 2016-07-04T09:00
Still fresh from his Olympic win, boxing legend Muhammad Ali was, incredibly, turned away from a restaurant in his hometown that didn't serve African Americans. The champ's own brother recalls that...
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The Greatest Sports Moment in Los Angeles History from 2016-07-04T09:00
When Kirk Gibson signed with the Dodgers in 1988, fans had few reasons to be optimistic. Little did they suspect, he would take them to the World Series and make one of the most miraculous plays Lo...
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Why This Pharaoh Is Considered Egypt's Greatest from 2016-06-27T09:00
Ramesses II is thought of as ancient Egypt's greatest pharaoh. His importance is reflected in the size and scale of his magnificent funerary temple, in Luxor.
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Jason Isbell Hears the Lost Lyrics to 'This Land Is Your Land' from 2016-06-27T09:00
Woody Guthrie captured the promise and frustration of the America he once knew in his famous song 'This Land Is Your Land.' Watch as country singer Jason Isbell learns the song's missing lyrics and...
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Why You Should Know the Prolific Princess of Paleontology from 2016-06-20T09:00
Mary Anning was a 19th-century working-class woman from Dorset with no formal education. She became one of the most celebrated fossil collectors in history.
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Female Mantises Eat and Mate With Their Suitors at Once from 2016-06-20T09:00
Female praying mantises engage in what's known as sexual cannibalism. They first eat their suitors, then they mate with them.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian C...
Where Has the Iconic Miracle on Ice Flag Gone? from 2016-06-13T09:00
In 1980, the U.S. men's hockey team defeated Russia against all odds and later became gold medalists. But a very iconic piece of sports memorabilia from the championship game has mysteriously...
Magnificent Leaf Homes Woven by Australian Green Ants from 2016-06-13T09:00
Green ants build their grand nests out of leaves, which they pull and join together with silk. Amazingly, this silk is produced by their newborn larvae.
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Was King Tut's Tomb Built for a Woman? from 2016-06-06T09:00
An archeologist notes that King Tut's chamber was designed and decorated differently from other Egyptian pharaohs. One theory is that his tomb was originally created for a member of the opposite se...
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How One Man's Rage Sealed The Fate of 43 Plane Passengers from 2016-06-06T09:00
A murder aboard a commuter jet in December 1987 culminates in a catastrophic crash, bringing investigators from the NTSB and FBI together to search for answers.
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How the Fastest Animal on Earth Attacks Its Prey from 2016-05-30T09:00
The Peregrine falcon is not your average avian predator. When hunting, this remarkable bird will fly to great heights, then dive bomb its prey abruptly at speeds of up to 242 mph.
The late...
This Bug Wears Its Victims' Carcasses as Camouflage from 2016-05-30T09:00
The assassin bug is one of the most cunning predators in the micro world, gluing the exoskeletons of its prey to its back as camouflage. While disturbing, it's a very effective survival strategy.
How Psychological Warfare Scared German Troops from 2016-05-23T09:00
During WWII, the 1st Special Service Force was an elite unit with a remarkable record of never having lost a battle. Because they were outnumbered, they resorted to vicious psychological tactics to...
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How a U.S. Veteran Held off More Than 35 Enemy Soldiers from 2016-05-23T09:00
During the Vietnam War, veteran David Larson was helping transport a special ops team into a mission zone when his crew was ambushed. In the midst of a raging shootout, Larson courageously fired ba...
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The Secret Behind the Sparkle from 2016-05-09T09:00
Take a look behind the scenes to see how the Smithsonian keeps the ruby slippers sparkling in the spotlight.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
Braveheart Was Much More Than an Average Joe from 2016-05-03T09:00
Recently discovered clues to the true identity of William "Braveheart" Wallace may prove that the hero's story wasn't exactly as the movie depicted.
The latest in science, culture, and his...
Flamethrower vs. Spider Trench from 2016-05-02T09:00
During WWII, spider trenches, bunkers dug into the jungle, provided battle cover for the Japanese. These holes were highly effective in protecting soldiers from most U.S. weapons... except one.
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Why This Hiroshima Survivor Believes in Forgiveness from 2016-04-11T09:00
Despite the devastating events of 1945, some Japanese survivors now look to promote peace and forgiveness. One man who lived through Hiroshima explains his philosophy.
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The Woman That Swept Lou Gehrig Off His Feet from 2016-04-11T09:00
When Lou Gehrig met Eleanor Twitchell at a Yankees party, he saw in her something he desperately needed. That's why he wasted no time courting her.
The latest in science, culture, and hist...
Hank Aaron's Boundary-Shattering 715th Home Run from 2016-04-04T09:00
In 1974, Hank Aaron was closing in on Babe Ruth's all-time home run record. But in the run up to this amazing feat, he faced a number of racially motivated threats. Here, we examine what breaking.....
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Slo-Mo Footage of a Bumble Bee Dislodging Pollen from 2016-04-04T09:00
Buzz pollination is a special technique for dislodging pollen from certain types of plants - and bumble bees are among the few species of bee capable of doing it.
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Why You Should Take the Honey Bee Shortage Seriously from 2016-03-28T09:00
Our entire agricultural system relies on the wellbeing of honey bees. And for them to do well, they need diverse vegetation, not just farmland.
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Here's a Glimpse of What American Life Used to Be from 2016-03-21T09:00
Tucked away from modernity, New Castle gives us a glimpse of what American life used to look like.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
Are Alpha Male Elephants Gentler Than We Thought? from 2016-03-21T09:00
When the lead bull of an elephant herd goes missing, the group is thrust into chaos. In order to restore the peace, a new elephant king must be crowned.
The latest in science, culture, and...
Investigating How Mt. Vesuvius's Victims Died from 2016-03-14T09:00
The Herculaneum victims were thought to have died from volcanic gas asphyxiation. But a closer look at their skeletons suggests the gas may have killed them in a different way.
The latest ...
These Adorable Foxes Are Ruthless Hunters from 2016-03-07T09:00
In summer, Arctic foxes shed their white coats in order to blend in. This gives them a natural advantage when hunting for their favorite food: fresh goslings.
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Why You Should Avoid the Arctic in Summer from 2016-02-29T09:00
There's one thing most Arctic wildlife have in common during the summer: a shared hatred for the mosquitoes and black flies that swarm the region.
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Meet the First Self-Made Female Millionaire from 2016-02-22T09:00
Madam C.J. Walker was suffering from poverty and hair loss when she decided to concoct a hair regrowth lotion to heal her damaged scalp. Fast forward a handful of years and millions of dollars late...
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Polar Bear Carcass-Eating Etiquette from 2016-02-22T09:00
A dead whale on the shore is an ample feast for several polar bears drawn to the smell. But the rules are simple: The biggest bear gets the biggest share.
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The Affair that Financially Ruined Gloria Swanson from 2016-02-15T09:00
In 1927, Joe Kennedy teamed up with silent film star Gloria Swanson to produce films together. Within three years, he'd broken up her marriage, abandoned their shared business, and ruined her...
Hitler and Eva Braun's Disturbing Wedding from 2016-02-08T09:00
For 14 years, Hitler refused to marry his mistress Eva Braun, fearing it would alienate his female fans. Toward the end of his reign, he changed his mind--but their wedding came with a sinister...<...
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This Color-Changing Mutant Has Three Hearts from 2016-02-08T09:00
The cuttlefish has the largest brain-to-body ratio of all invertebrates, which explains why its camouflage is so intricate and masterful.
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Incredible: A Caracal Slaps Down a Bird in Flight from 2016-02-01T09:00
The caracal is a fierce and agile predator. And the way it pursues airborne prey is astounding.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
High Speed Footage of Samurai Instincts from 2016-02-01T09:00
Grand Master Tanaka's students must learn to react to attacks in the blink of an eye.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
This Inventor Risked His Life on His Own Invention from 2016-01-25T09:00
In 1916, 32 men were trapped in a mine near Lake Erie. Garrett Morgan saw an opportunity to prove his fireproof hood worked - and went in to rescue them.
The latest in science, culture, an...
Why Would Someone Fake a Mummy's Gun Wound? from 2016-01-18T09:00
Late 19th-century sideshows specialized in curiosities like mummies to attract crowds. And curiosities didn't come bigger than Sylvester, who was supposedly killed in a gunfight.
The lates...
Ridiculous Planthopper Nymphs in Action from 2016-01-11T09:00
These snowflake-like creatures seem almost lifeless from afar. Get closer, and it's a completely different story.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
MLK's Last Speech from 2016-01-11T09:00
"I've seen the Promised Land," Martin Luther King Jr. said in a speech in Memphis on April 3, 1968. He was assassinated the following day.
The latest in science, culture, and history from ...
The Dangers, Profits, and Effects of Fracking from 2016-01-04T09:00
Experience the Bakken oil boom through the eyes of the people involved in this modern-day "gold rush."
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
Why Did This Flight Crash? Listen to Its Engine... from 2016-01-04T09:00
By listening to cockpit recordings taken before Air Florida Flight 90 crashed, investigators can assess the sounds of the plane's engines. The results are telling.
The latest in science, c...
Why Few Survive a Climb Up Alaska's Frigid Denali from 2015-12-28T09:00
For many climbers, Mt. McKinley presents the alluring chance to reach the top of our continent. But the dangers involved in doing so are very real and sometimes very sudden.
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Why Would a Race Car Driver Ever Invent Speeding Cameras? from 2015-12-14T09:00
The irony of speeding cameras is that they were invented by a Dutch race car driver - former Monte Carlo Rally winner Maurice Gatsonides. Here's why.
The latest in science, culture, and hi...
A Pilot Risks His Career to Report a UFO from 2015-12-14T09:00
For a pilot, filing a UFO report can potentially hurt one's career. That didn't stop the captain of Aurigny Flight 544 from reporting what he saw en route to Alderney.
The latest in scienc...
What's Powerful Enough to Disrupt Evolution? from 2015-12-07T09:00
The Solomon Islands are an evolutionary scientist's dream, but something has disrupted the way evolution occurs there.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel....
How Was Hitler's Enigma Machine Cracked? from 2015-12-07T09:00
During WWII, an elite team of British codebreakers, including Alan Turing and Gordon Welchman, were tasked with cracking one of the most complex secret communication systems in existence: Hitler's....
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Was the Krak des Chevaliers Castle Entrance a Lethal Trap? from 2015-11-23T09:00
Located on a 2,000 foot ridge overlooking the Syrian plains, this medieval fortress combined Eastern and Western architecture to create the ultimate defense.
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Amazing Archival Footage of Parachuting Military Dogs from 2015-11-23T09:00
Since WWII, the U.S. military has trained dogs to become some of their most useful soldiers. Shot in 1948, this incredible footage shows paratroop dogs landing in the Arctic to learn how to rescue....
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Is This UFO Photo Real? An Expert Weighs In. from 2015-11-16T09:00
A photographic negative of what's believed to be UFO activity during the Battle of Los Angeles is sent for forensic analysis. But the expert's verdict raises more question than it answers.
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Even Lincoln Jumped Careers Before Choosing Politics from 2015-11-16T09:00
Lincoln's path to the presidency was beset by uncertainty. He tried his hand at being a soldier, a postmaster and a lawyer, before drifting into politics.
The latest in science, culture, a...
Microdots: The CIA's Tiny Secret-Message Holders from 2015-11-09T09:00
In 1971, the CIA sent coded messages to the Hanoi Hilton's prisoners of war through powdered-drink packages. How they hid these cryptic messages was quite ingenious.
The latest in science,...
Hozier on His Biggest Musical Influence from 2015-11-09T09:00
'Work Song' and 'Take Me to Church' singer Hozier gives a candid interview on how his unique musical style came to be.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel....
Did You Know Assault Drones Were Used in WWII? from 2015-11-02T09:00
It's 1944, and the U.S. has a new weapon against the Japanese: a remote-controlled assault drone with a video link and the ability to carry a bomb. Here's what it looks like in action.
The...
How Waves Could've Created the Loch Ness Monster from 2015-11-02T09:00
Despite very little scientific evidence supporting the Loch Ness Monster's existence, people routinely report it surfacing from the water. Dr. Tom Davey believes waves may be responsible for this.....
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Does This Wild West Mummy Have a Secret? from 2015-11-02T09:00
The mummified body of Sylvester the gunslinger is in remarkable condition with every minor detail preserved. The same, however, can't be said for his origins.
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How the Biggest Airlift in History Saved West Berlin from 2015-11-02T09:00
To break the Soviet blockade of West Berlin in 1948, General William Tunner ordered his fleet of 225 C-54s to drop supplies into the city -- around 35,000 tons of it a day.
The latest in s...
Is Nazi Gold Really Buried in These Hills? from 2015-10-26T09:00
Local tales of late-night Nazi expeditions into a remote forest in Germany have spurred a new generation of treasure hunters to step up the search for hidden gold.
The latest in science, c...
Can Your Memories Be Altered? from 2015-10-19T09:00
The memories our brains can store are remarkable, but not always reliable. Dr. Fiona Gabbert conducts an experiment exploring how our memories morph over time and why that may account for the high....
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A Chinook Takes Fire During a Vietnam Rescue Mission from 2015-10-19T09:00
During the Vietnam War, the CH-47 Chinook was known for its aerial mobility -- a key advantage when you're flying low-altitude rescue missions over a hostile jungle.
The latest in science,...
This Aircraft Is a Marvel of Electronic Warfare from 2015-10-12T09:00
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is not the average warplane. While most military aircraft were built to attack enemies physically, the Growler was created for a very different kind of warfare.
T...
What's This Moschino Collection Worth? from 2015-10-12T09:00
Doris knows her trove of Moschino pieces is special. But how special? Celebrated designer and Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott gives his take.
The latest in science, culture, and hi...
An Intense Blackhawk Rescue Mission in Peril from 2015-10-05T09:00
During this Blackhawk crew's first attempt at rescuing a critically wounded soldier in Afghanistan, the aircraft quickly becomes a target. With a life on the line, the crew thinks of another strate...
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How the U.S. Government Lost the Smithsonian Fortune from 2015-10-05T09:00
In 1829, an English scientist named James Smithson died and left his sizable gold fortune to the U.S. government to create an educational institution. They instead invested in Arkansas and Michigan...
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This Is How a No-Fly Zone Actually Gets Enforced from 2015-09-28T09:00
In March 2011, the United States implemented a no-fly zone over Libya. To do so, they turned to the Boeing EA-18G Growler to disable enemy radars.
The latest in science, culture, and histo...
The Shocking Events Leading Up to Lincoln's Assassination from 2015-09-28T09:00
John Wilkes Booth hated Abraham Lincoln due to his stance on slavery. Ironically, Booth's fiancee, Lucy Hale, was the daughter of a high-profile abolitionist senator.
The latest in science...
The Mystery Behind Pilot Steve Fossett's Deadly Crash from 2015-09-21T09:00
When famous pilot Steve Fossett crashed into a mountain, it appeared he'd lost control of his plane. One team of scientists set out to test that theory in a cutting-edge wind tunnel facility.
<...
Could Bigfoot Actually Be a Grizzly Bear? from 2015-09-14T09:00
Hundreds of supposed Bigfoot footprints uncovered in the Pacific Northwest have been used as proof of the mythical creature's existence. That habitat is also shared by many bears.
The late...
This Bee Works 50 Times Harder than the Honey Bee from 2015-09-07T09:00
Using blue orchard bees to pollinate crops is an idea with a lot of promise. For one thing, they visit 50 times more flowers than honey bees!
The latest in science, culture, and history fr...
The 1960s Conspiracy That Inspired Spielberg from 2015-08-31T09:00
When policemen spotted a "flying saucer" in 1966, an official investigation declared it was an optical illusion created by swamp gas. But some say that's just what the government wanted us to belie...
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A Film Crew Unleashes 40,000 Killer Bees on Itself from 2015-08-31T09:00
The 'Secrets of the Hive' film crew spare no precaution for a daunting task ahead: filming tens of thousands of killer bees, angry at the intrusion into their hive.
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Surviving a Surface-to-Air Missile Attack in Iraq from 2015-08-24T09:00
Experience the tense moments after a terrorist group fires a missile at the wings of a DHL Airbus - the first civilian aircraft casualty of the Iraq war.
The latest in science, culture, an...
The Bond Between Soldiers and Dogs of War from 2015-08-10T09:00
Dogs have a long history of serving their countries as military scouts, rescue dogs, and messengers.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
What Secrets Lie in The Hope Diamond? from 2015-08-10T09:00
Smithsonian scientists use cutting-edge technology to extract atoms from the surface of the Hope Diamond in hopes of unraveling its unique DNA.
The latest in science, culture, and history ...
Harrowing Accounts from Hiroshima Survivors from 2015-08-03T09:00
After an American B-29 bomber dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, the explosion instantly killed tens of thousands of people and left many wounded. These survivors recount the horrific aftermath....
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Why Jack the Ripper's Identity May Soon Be Proven from 2015-08-03T09:00
Despite the length of time that's passed since he first terrorized London, enthusiasm and interest in Jack the Ripper has never been stronger. Which is why we're closer than ever to unmasking him.<...
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Who Really Invented Monopoly? from 2015-07-27T09:00
Monopoly, arguably the most-famous board game, was invented by Charles Darrow. But many attribute the original idea to Lizzie Magie, a Quaker and the creator of the Landlord's Game, which bears...<...
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An Unexpectedly Adorable Polar Bear Reunion from 2015-07-27T09:00
Polar Bears have an undeserved reputation as loners. Not only do they form friendships and spend time together, they even meet up year after year!
The latest in science, culture, and histo...
Amazing: Leopard Rockets Up a Tree to Catch Owls from 2015-07-20T09:00
Thirty feet up in a tree, a group of owls are not expecting this four-legged predator to come calling. The lesson here: Never underestimate a leopard's speed and agility.
The latest in sci...
Your Baby Stroller Was Designed by This Aerospace Engineer from 2015-07-20T09:00
Owen Maclaren was one of the design engineers of the WWII Spitfire fighter plane. In the 1960s, he applied his knowledge to a very different field: baby buggies.
The latest in science, cul...
Ride into Space with This Record-Breaking Amateur Rocket from 2015-07-13T09:00
In 2004, the GoFast Rocket set a world record by breaking the space barrier and rising to an altitude of 72 miles. A new team of enthusiasts is trying to beat it, and they've attached a camera for....
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The Crime of the Century from 2015-07-13T09:00
Famous architect Stanford White commissioned scandalous portraits of Evelyn Nesbit, driving her husband Henry Thaw to murder.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian C...
Is the Inca Maiden the World's Best-Preserved Mummy? from 2015-07-06T09:00
At least 500 years old, the Inca maiden found at the top of the Andes is so well-preserved that visitors find themselves whispering, for fear of waking her.
The latest in science, culture,...
Goliath Tigerfish: The Super-Sized Piranha from 2015-07-06T09:00
Imagine crossing a shark with a piranha. That's how one experienced angler describes the "living nightmare" known as the Goliath tigerfish.
The latest in science, culture, and history from...
Frogsicles: Frozen But Still Alive from 2015-06-29T09:00
The wood frog's body makes its own anti-freeze that allows it to survive the winter. The secret ingredient? You'll never guess.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian...
Why the Yellowstone Supervolcano Could Be Huge from 2015-06-29T09:00
One of the world's largest supervolcanoes erupted 2.1 million years ago in Yellowstone, and then twice more there at intervals of roughly 660,000 years. Are we due for another one soon?
Th...
The Fighter Plane Powerful Enough to Destroy a Satellite in Space from 2015-06-22T09:00
In the midst of the Cold War, the U.S. began to develop anti-satellite aircrafts to combat Russia's vast space expansion. This F-15 footage from 1985 is the first time they succeeded.
The ...
Why Genghis Khan Has 16 Million Living Relatives from 2015-06-15T09:00
Beyond his vast military conquests, Genghis Khan was concerned with building a genetic dynasty. It began with a harem of 7,000 women.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smith...
You Won't Believe What the First Toothbrush Was Made of from 2015-06-15T09:00
When William Addis was sentenced to prison in the late 18th century, he occupied himself with an unheard of task: perfecting the world's first mass-produced toothbrush.
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Why Does This Ancient Corpse Have a Manicure? from 2015-06-01T09:00
The bog-preserved corpse of Croghan Man had well-manicured nails and a leather-plated armlet. What could this tell us about his role in an ancient society?
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The Rollercoaster Was Invented to Save America from Satan from 2015-06-01T09:00
In the 1880s, LaMarcus Thompson was troubled by America's slide into hedonism and immorality. Out of that concern, we got the rollercoaster.
The latest in science, culture, and history fro...
This Frog's Poison Can Kill 10 Men from 2015-05-18T09:00
They may be the size of bottle caps, but poison dart frogs store a toxin 200 times stronger than morphine in their skin.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channe...
Why the Town of Lalibela is One of Ethiopia's Holiest Sites from 2015-05-11T09:00
No one knows for certain why the Lalibela churches share many similarities with Judaism, but scholars propose a handful of holy theories.
The latest in science, culture, and history from S...
A River that Decides Tax Rates from 2015-05-04T09:00
After Muslims conquered Egypt, they build the Nilometer, a tool to measure the country's biggest, wettest source of revenue.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Ch...
This Sidewinding Snake Slithers at 18 MPH from 2015-05-04T09:00
Reaching speeds up to 18 MPH, the sidewinder slithers rapidly along the desert dunes. The way it buries itself in the sand is even scarier.
The latest in science, culture, and history from...
This Photograph Could Be Older Than the Camera Obscura from 2015-04-27T09:00
Art Historian Nicholas Allen has a radical theory about the image on the Shroud of Turin; he believes it was the world's first photograph, taken 500 years before the known invention of photography....
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Why Vietnam POWs Refused This CIA Rescue Mission from 2015-04-27T09:00
In May 1972, the CIA launched Operation Thunderhead to rescue escaped American soldiers from a North Vietnamese prison. Here's why James Bond Stockdale and the other "Hanoi Hilton" POWs decided to....
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Is This Dolphin Speaking English? from 2015-04-20T09:00
Researcher Margaret Howe's initial focus with Peter the dolphin was teaching him the basics of human conversation: getting him to listen to speech, then encouraging him to "speak."
The lat...
What It Takes to Truck Oil 14 Hours a Day from 2015-04-13T09:00
For hazmat driver Ben Moorhead, a grueling workday starts at the crack of dawn. Here, he walks us through what it's like to transport oil for a living and the science involved in safely testing his...
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How Hitler Launched His Fortune From Prison from 2015-04-06T09:00
Adolf Hitler wrote "Mein Kampf" while serving time in prison. But it was after he became German chancellor that he figured out a way to make millions from it.
The latest in science, cultur...
Who Was King Tut's Father? from 2015-04-06T09:00
To untangle Tut's family tree, experts examined DNA from 10 royal mummies suspected to be related to the pharaoh. The results are in.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smith...
John Wilkes Booth's Original Plan to Save the South from 2015-03-23T09:00
John Wilkes Booth knew he had to act quickly to save the South. But his original plan wasn't to kill Lincoln, it was to kidnap him.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithso...
F-15 vs. Alien Tripod: Who Would Win? from 2015-03-16T09:00
In this web-only original short, we imagine what would happen if a 1,000-foot-tall alien tripod faced off with an F-15 fighter jet. Would the aircraft's state-of-the-art missiles be any match for.....
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Trusting a Lion with Your Life from 2015-03-09T09:00
While Kevin Richardson has built a lifetime's worth of trust with the lions and hyenas he cares for, he's well aware of the risks of getting close to them.
The latest in science, culture, ...
Why Do Hyenas Laugh? from 2015-03-02T09:00
Are hyenas the most misunderstood animals in the wild? They're intelligent, they have a sophisticated social order, and their famous laugh isn't even a laugh.
The latest in science, cultur...
Baby Wildebeest Treats Lioness Like Mom from 2015-02-16T09:00
A hungry lioness captures a young calf. But before she decides to kill, something very unusual happens.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
The Real Reason You Might've Outgrown Your Wedding Ring from 2015-02-02T09:00
A Kentucky farmer his whole life, Jim assumed his giant hands were just a product of old-age and hard labor -- until a chance encounter revealed something much more serious.
The latest in ...
This Pilot Didn't Know Left from Right from 2015-02-02T09:00
The captain's instruments were working when Crossair Flight 498 crashed, but he didn't understand what they were telling him. How could a qualified pilot confuse left for right?
The latest...
Why the African Bullfrog IS NOT to Be Trifled With from 2015-01-26T09:00
African bullfrogs spend a lot of time lying dormant underground. When it rains, their uprising is downright terrifying.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel...
Could You Have Endured Consuelo Vanderbilt's Upbringing? from 2015-01-19T09:00
Tutored in several European languages for hours on end and strapped to a steel rod for posture, Consuelo Vanderbilt's childhood was anything but easy.
The latest in science, culture, and h...
A Mongoose and Black Mamba Fight to the Death from 2015-01-12T09:00
A mongoose is lightning fast and has razor-sharp teeth. A black mamba can kill 15 grown men with just one bite. Which of these two mortal enemies will win?
The latest in science, culture, ...
A Battle of Lavish Ball Gowns and Sparkling Wit from 2015-01-05T09:00
Sparing no expense on designer clothes and wiedling their native wit, American socialites Jennie Jerome and Consuelo Yznaga took the British social scene by storm. Their competition was not pleased...
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This Animal is Inspiring Prosthetic Design from 2014-12-29T09:00
For centuries, amputees had limited options when it came to prosthetics. Then came along Van Phillips, who revolutionized replacement limbs by studying one lightning-fast land mammal.
The ...
How a Diphtheria Outbreak Spawned the Iditarod from 2014-12-22T09:00
Each year, mushers drive a pack of 16 dogs through the rough wilderness between Anchorage and Nome in honor of a famous Alaska medical emergency.
The latest in science, culture, and histor...
Two Leopards Battle, But Only One Can Survive from 2014-12-22T09:00
When Jack scores a kill, all kinds of grassland creatures come out of the woodwork to steal it. Even worse, Jack's rival is secretly waiting to ambush him.
The latest in science, culture, ...
Amy Winehouse Shares Her Favorite Jazz Icons from 2014-12-15T09:00
In 2006, Amy Winehouse headed to the town of Dingle, Ireland to sing at Other Voices music festival. In a candid interview, she opens up about her musical idols and inspirations.
The lates...
1,000 Years Old, But Still the Largest Reservoir on Earth from 2014-12-08T09:00
Located in Angkor, the West Baray holds over 12 billion gallons of water and required 200,000 people to construct its tall embankments. Ten centuries later, its water is still being used to irrigat...
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The Chemicals Found in Breast Milk Will Shock You from 2014-11-26T09:00
Ten young mothers submit their breast milk for lab testing. The reports that come back contain a slew of strange chemicals and substances.
The latest in science, culture, and history from ...
This Mammoth Carcass is Over 40,000 Years Old from 2014-11-24T09:00
A paleobiologist walks us through the dissection of a 40,000-year-old woolly mammoth, one of the best-preserved carcasses of its kind.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smit...
A Powerful Great White Shark Tries to Flip a Boat from 2014-11-17T09:00
While investigating a herd of beached whales, the film crew comes upon a great white that doesn't want to be bothered.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel....
Why Do Lions Roar? from 2014-11-10T09:00
Lion start vocalizing as soon as they're born. But when and why do they start to roar? We ask caretakers at Smithsonian's National Zoo. #ZooQs
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The Invention That Gave Us This Clip Title from 2014-11-10T09:00
The invention of writing transformed civilization as we know it. Experts have traced some of the earliest form of it to Mari, an ancient Sumerian city.
The latest in science, culture, and ...
A Look Inside This See-Through Frog from 2014-11-03T09:00
Blood vessels, intestines, the heart - all of the reed frog's organs are visible through its translucent skin. It's a great adaptation for camouflage... and just plain gross.
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America's First Multimillionaire from 2014-11-03T09:00
In 1828, John Jacob Astor built a trading post on the Missouri River. Business was so profitable that it only took four decades for Astor to become America's first multimillionaire.
The la...
Why Is This Amphibian Called Vomit Frog? from 2014-10-13T09:00
Known as Darwin's frog, this male amphibian takes daycare to another, grotesque level. See for yourself.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
How to Achieve Flawless Beauty from 2014-10-13T09:00
The bust of Nefertiti contains one of the most beautiful faces in the world. So beautiful, a mathematical formula was used to sculpt it.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Sm...
Who Decided to Put 60 Seconds in a Minute? from 2014-10-06T09:00
One highly influential ancient Middle Eastern civilization established some of the essential systems we still use today. Think you know which it is?
The latest in science, culture, and his...
Building Up Blondie's Heart of Glass from 2014-09-29T09:00
"Heart of Glass" is not only one of Blondie's most recognizable songs; it also pushed them beyond the realm of punk rock and into the mainstream disco scene.
The latest in science, culture...
This Video Exposes Hitler's Secret Illness from 2014-09-22T09:00
This propaganda footage, shot right before the fall of the Third Reich, was supposed to be destroyed. And for good reason - it reveals the medical condition Hitler tried to hide.
The lates...
Uncovering the Unusual Burial Rituals at Stonehenge from 2014-09-22T09:00
Using cutting-edge digital mapping technology, scientists of the Stonehenge Hidden Landscape Project find signs of a "long barrow," a sophisticated mass grave that reveals strange burial rituals an...
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Who Built the Great Sphinx? from 2014-09-08T09:00
Until recently, experts thought that King Djedefre was a murderer and outcast who couldn't possibly have had the power to create the Great Sphinx. But new evidence makes him a more likely candidate...
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The Emotional Crowning of the New World Trade Center from 2014-09-08T09:00
Kevin Murphy, an iron worker who helped both recover the wreckage of the Twin Towers and construct their replacement, watches proudly as the spire is placed on One World Trade Center.
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The Real-Life Lady Who Inspired Wonder Woman from 2014-08-25T09:00
Wonder Woman's creator William Moulton Marston, was a Harvard trained psychologist and inventor; his wife is believed to be the model for the superheroine.
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Mongoose Vs. Cobra from 2014-08-11T09:00
Mongooses and snakes are each other's deadliest opponents. When they face off, the outcome is utterly unpredictable.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
This Eel's Second Jaw Delivers the Death Blow from 2014-08-11T09:00
What do snowflake eels and the movie 'Alien' have in common? A deadly second jaw.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
Martian Living Quarters from 2014-08-04T09:00
At Johnson Space Center, engineers are working on a Deep Space Habitat, where astronauts will eventually live and work on Mars.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian...
This Is the Rover of the Future from 2014-07-28T09:00
NASA's new space exploration vehicle features a pressurized cocoon, omni-drive, and a suit port that allows astronauts to easily get in and out of the rover.
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Serval Vs. Guinea Fowl from 2014-07-28T09:00
With the ability to pounce 10 feet in the air, the serval is more than a formidable opponent for this guinea fowl.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
Watch an Elephant Try to Shake a Leopard Out of a Tree from 2014-07-21T09:00
For this leopard, the easy part was killing the impala. Guarding its carcass is another story.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
A Crucial Step to Landing on the Moon from 2014-07-14T09:00
Before Neil Armstrong could walk on the moon, astronauts Jim McDivitt, Rusty Schweickart, and David Scott had to successfully test the lunar landing module in space.
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What Happened to Christopher McCandless from 2014-07-07T09:00
In 1992, Christopher McCandless set off to test if he could survive alone in the wilds of Alaska. It didn't go as planned.
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Burning $350,000 Worth of Fuel in 500 Seconds from 2014-07-07T09:00
NASA tests their powerful J-2X rocket engines; burning an Olympic-sized swimming pool worth of fuel every second, this test comes with a hefty price tag of 350,000 dollars.
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Surviving a 198 MPH Car Crash from 2014-06-23T09:00
Professional race car driver Mark Blundell replays his horrific 1996 crash and shows us how he survived.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
Something Ate This Shark... but What? from 2014-06-16T09:00
The film crew tags a number of great white sharks to study their movement patterns along Australia's coast. When one of the devices washes ashore, could a killer whale be to blame?
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Incredible Footage of Killer Whales Playing Underwater from 2014-06-16T09:00
Using an innovative camera he specially crafted, David Riggs captures thrilling activity in this marine mammal hot spot.
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A Black Mamba Baby's First Kill from 2014-06-09T09:00
Baby black mambas are easy prey for mongoose, honey badgers, and predatory birds, but to small, vulnerable mammals, mambas are deadly predators.
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A Live Shark Is Worth 1,000 Times More Than a Dead One from 2014-05-26T09:00
When the remote island of Palau created the first national shark sanctuary in the world, the tourist revenue began flooding in. This is the fascinating socio-economics of sharks.
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Trace Adkins on Wartime Country Music from 2014-05-19T09:00
Country music star Trace Adkins stops by the Smithsonian to examine some authentic sheet music from the Civil War.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
The One Part of The Brain That Scientists Cannot Replicate from 2014-05-12T09:00
Scientists believe all mental processes can be converted into a simple binary code of ones and zeroes - using this code, researchers at USC have built microchips that restore memory in rats.
You've Never Seen a Shark Feeding Frenzy Like This from 2014-05-12T09:00
Contrary to popular belief, skilled divers can feed a large group of sharks without becoming dinner themselves. See how.
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A Leopard's Cruel Kill from 2014-05-05T09:00
When a young leopard corners a baby monkey, he plays with his prey before finally finishing the kill.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
The Texts That Rocked the Foundations of Christianity from 2014-04-28T09:00
In search of biblical relics, British aristocrat Robert Curzon traveled to a destitute Egyptian monastery in 1834. What he found would ignite widespread speculation about the Bible's authenticity.<...
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Hippo Vs. Lions from 2014-04-21T09:00
What happens when a lone hippo ventures out into the night with a pride of lions stalking her every move?
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
Astronauts Discuss Looking at Earth from Above from 2014-04-14T09:00
If you're traveling on board a space shuttle, you'll have no shortage of picturesque views; as the shuttle orbits around earth, the sun rises and sets 16 times a day!
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Uncovering a Nazi Submarine Off the Coast of Brazil from 2014-04-07T09:00
A German submarine sank to its watery grave somewhere off the coast of South America in 1943. This is the exact moment it's discovered.
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Giant Panda Cub Bao Bao Is Growing Up Fast from 2014-03-24T09:00
Bao Bao is already practicing her walking, climbing, and she's developing a taste for bamboo at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.
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The Inspiration Behind "One Way or Another" from 2014-03-10T09:00
With lyrics inspired by conversations Debbie Harry had with her ex-boyfriend, and the musical collaboration of Nigel Harrison and Jimmy Destri, "One Way or Another" rocketed up the charts.
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This Impressive Idaho Waterfall Is Taller Than Niagara from 2014-03-03T09:00
If you think Niagara Falls is breathtaking, wait until you experience Idaho's Shoshone Falls, the "Niagara of the West."
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These Adorable Cubs Have Big Personalities from 2014-03-03T09:00
The National Zoo's tiger cubs, Bandar and Sukacita, spend the day playing outside, under the watchful eye of their mom, Damai.
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The Best View of the Grand Canyon from 2014-02-24T09:00
Scientists still don't entirely comprehend the 1.5 billion year history of the Grand Canyon; it's a story of erosion that has created one of the most breathtaking sites in America.
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This Brave Little Dog Survived in The North Pole from 2014-02-24T09:00
Accompanying her owner on his Arctic expeditions, Titina became the first dog to go to the North Pole.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
Why Should You Remember the Alamo? from 2014-02-17T09:00
Almost a month after 200 Texan rebels were defeated at the Battle of the Alamo, the rebel army got its revenge, earning Texas its independence.
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What These Crabs Can Teach Us About Sex from 2014-02-11T09:00
Fiddler crabs in Panama care more about safety than claw size when choosing a mate.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
On the Shores of the Great Lakes from 2014-02-10T09:00
Surrounded by four of America's Great Lakes, Michigan has more freshwater shoreline than any other state. Each of its shores has its own unique landscape, from forests, to beaches, to giant walls o...
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How This Flying Car Helps an Indigenous Tribe from 2013-12-11T09:00
The Maverick, a flying car that looks like a buggy with a parachute, was built to make the remotest regions of the world more accessible.
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Could You Survive Three M16 Bullets to the Chest? from 2013-12-11T09:00
A weapons expert and a trauma surgeon recreate a scene from Platoon using high-speed cameras to show the damage caused by a single M16 bullet to the human body.
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How to Train Like a Samurai from 2013-12-11T09:00
At Grand Master Tanaka's school, he teaches his students how to fight, kill, and survive using the traditional methods of the Samurai.
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Two Lion Cubs Get a Lesson in Sharing from 2013-12-11T09:00
When a nomadic lioness tries to steal their mother's food, two baby lion cubs don't know what to do.
The latest in science, culture, and history from Smithsonian Channel.
System Crash on the World's Largest Passenger Jet from 2013-12-11T09:00
When all of the systems suddenly shut down on this A380 plane, it's up to the captain to land the largest passenger jet in the world - while flying blind.
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