SnowWorld

A Museum of Virtual Media

The brain doesn't much care whether an experience is real.

bonobos exhibit "play face"

Bodies in Sync

Contagious laughter, yawns, and moods offer insight into empathy’s origins.

snakes

A Long Drink of Water

For thirsty sea snakes, the ocean can be a desert.

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Our National Parks

A review of Ken Burns's six-episode PBS series, The National Parks: America's Best Idea

falcon series

Talon Hunt

Updated by modern-day economics and science, the “sport of kings” retains its ancient fascination.

Bantu farmer

Rational Fear

As human populations expand and lions’ prey dwindles, the poorest people—and hungriest lions—pay the price.

Meet the Alloparents

Shared child care may be the secret of human evolutionary success.

To Kill a Cormorant

Are double-crested cormorants overrunning their niche—or recovering from centuries of suppression?

Seeing Corals with the Eye of Reason

A rediscovered painting celebrates Charles Darwin’s view of life.

The Art of Bones

Nineteenth-century artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins still influences how prehistoric life is represented today.

White Winged Vampire Bat

The Curious, Bloody Lives of Vampire Bats

Vampire bats display adaptations to their diet

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Recent Stories

Caves are among the predators’ favorite spots.

The brain doesn't much care whether an experience is real.

Humans will never win a sprint against your average quadruped. But our species is well-adapted for the marathon.

Recent Interview

Xiaoming Wang

Hear author Xiaoming Wang interviewed by Vittorio Maestro, Editor in Chief of Natural History. (MP3, 17 minutes)