Six Clever Snakes to Celebrate as We Slither Into the Lunar New Year
These fascinating serpents embody acclaimed qualities including cunning and intelligence
How a Hawaiian High School Student Inspired Nine New State Animals
Researchers hope the designation of several species of land snails, or kāhuli, will lead to conservation
Eight Natural Phenomena Worth Traveling for in 2025
You won’t regret experiencing bioluminescence, swimming with sperm whales or witnessing the rush of a horizontal waterfall
How a Mass Extinction Driven by Ancient Volcanoes Led to the Age of the Dinosaurs
Roughly 201 million years ago, drastic changes extinguished many forms of life and led to conditions that allowed the terrible lizards to thrive
How Scientists and Composers Teamed Up to Create a Stunning Natural Version of Colombia’s National Anthem
A team trekked for two weeks and collected the sounds of birds, frogs, a jaguar and whales in order to make the song
Marlon Brando Wanted to Build a ‘University of the Sea.’ These Scientists Are Bringing the Late Actor’s Vision to Life
On Tetiaroa, a vibrant coral atoll dotted with sandy islets, archaeologists, marine biologists and cultural practitioners are working together to improve understanding of a unique ecosystem
They’re Adorable. And Endangered. Meet the World’s Smallest Monkey: the Pygmy Marmoset
The cute creatures are chatty, family oriented—and facing a shrinking habitat in the remote forests of Ecuador
Seven Scientific Discoveries From 2024 That Could Lead to New Inventions
From indestructible tardigrades to body-merging comb jellies, animals can teach humans so much about medicine, robotics, aging and survival
Can a New DNA Database Help Save This Incredible Sea Turtle?
The shells of the hawksbill sea turtle have been used for luxury items for centuries, but with the species now endangered, new technology is pinpointing where protections are needed most
The Ten Most Awe-Inspiring Ocean Moments of 2024
From animal journeys across oceans to the discovery of dozens of new species in the deep sea, these stories wowed us
The Top Ten Dinosaur Discoveries of 2024
From the realization that paleontologists still haven’t found the biggest dinosaurs to the unearthing of a small burrowing dino, the year has been marked by awe-inspiring finds
Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries
These 15 Majestic Photos Show Just Why Humans Adore Horses
To commemorate the National Day of the Horse, see herds of equine images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest
From Giant Tortoises to Immortal Jellyfish, These Impressive Animals Are Eight of the Longest-Living Species on Earth
Aging gracefully comes naturally to these creatures, which can live for hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of years
Fish Have a Brain Microbiome. Could Humans Have One Too?
The discovery that other vertebrates have healthy microbial brains is fueling questions about our own brains
14 Fun Facts About Dragonflies, From Their Lethal Hunting Prowess to Incredible Migratory Feats
The colorful insects can help humans by eating mosquitoes and will gather in mysterious swarms
Where Do Butterflies Migrate From? Clues Can Be Found in Pollen on Their Bodies
Trillions of insects move around the globe each year. Scientists are working on new ways to map those long-distance journeys
Why Are Urban Turkeys Thriving?
As many wild populations decline, some city dwellers flourish—and may become a source for reintroductions to rural areas
The World’s Largest Mammal Migration Is Taking Place in Zambia Right Now
Each year, millions of straw-colored fruit bats descend on Kasanka National Park for a few months, and scientists are working to understand their mysterious journey
A Deep Look Into the Wacky and Wild Lives of Earwigs
The insects participate in elaborate courtships, are devoted parents, occasionally eat each other and have a gregarious nature
From a Motorcycle Revving to a Pig Oinking, Eight Amazing Sounds Made by Frogs
All over the world, different types of frogs call out in various ways to warn others or attract mates
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