Explore/Smithsonian Magazine

Smithsonian Magazine

  1. Smithsonian Magazine

    Humanity’s first recorded kiss was earlier than we thought

    Editor's Note

    Ever wondered when humans started kissing for the first time? New research into ancient clay tablets extends the history of kissing by roughly 1,000 years, writes the Smithsonian's Brian Handwerk.

    Science
    6 min read
  2. Smithsonian Magazine

    An Icelandic town goes all out to save baby puffins

    Editor's Note

    Smithsonian Magazine takes us to the Icelandic island of Heimaey, home to the world's largest colony of Atlantic puffins. There, we meet a group of volunteers called the "Puffling Patrol."

    Science
    14 min read
  3. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    This shape-shifting robot can liquefy itself and reform

    Editor's Note

    Researchers have created a tiny robot that can melt and reform. The technology — which can be used to repair circuits and may one day be used in medicine — was inspired by the sea cucumber.

    Tech
    3 min read
  4. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    A brief history of Christmas markets

    Editor's Note

    A fascinating piece from Smithsonian Magazine on the origins of the outdoor Christmas market and other holiday traditions. Spoiler! It’s mainly a German thing.

    Culture
    7 min read
  5. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    Why do some humans love chilli peppers?

    Editor's Note

    Are you a fan of spicy food? 🌶 In this article we hear about the relationship between culture and our senses, discovering how they shape each other and why some people are so drawn to fiery flavors.

    Science
    5 min read
  6. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    Scientists are finding fungi in cancerous tumors

    Editor's Note

    One person can host around 39 trillion microorganisms on and in their body. In this piece, we hear about research that found fungi live in cancerous tumors. Discover more in this Smithsonian article.

    Health
    3 min read
  7. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    The world’s whitest paint may soon help cool airplanes and spacecraft

    Editor's Note

    We have all felt the impact of global warming. A group of researchers have developed an 'ultra-white' paint, which can be used to cool the exteriors of airplanes, cars, trains and even spacecraft.

    Science
    3 min read
  8. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    Was King Arthur a real person?

    Editor's Note

    A writer for Smithsonian Magazine takes us on a vivid trip to southwest England on a quest to discover whether there is any truth to the tales of Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table.

    News
    20 min read
  9. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    Is Seaweed the Next Big Alternative to Meat?

    Editor's Note

    Read this Smithsonian piece to find out if seaweed-based fake meat can give existing alternative meats a run for their money

    Business
    8 min read
  10. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    How Exercise Boosts the Brain and Improves Mental Health

    Editor's Note

    This article from Smithsonian Magazine describes how exercise can help combat a range of mental health issues.

    Health
    11 min read
  11. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    Plastic Waste Can Be Transformed Into Vanilla Flavoring

    Climate
    2 min read
  12. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    Bird Migration Patterns Are Changing—and Climate Change May Be to Blame

    Climate
    3 min read
  13. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    Do Trees Talk to Each Other?

    News
    17 min read
  14. article image
    Smithsonian Magazine

    Is China Committing Genocide Against the Uyghurs?

    News
    11 min read
  15. Smithsonian Magazine

    There Are Still Thousands of Tons of Unexploded Bombs in Germany, Left Over From World War II

    News
    18 min read