Stories about people & society, with the source alongside. Freshly gathered every day.
Lonnie G. Bunch III has announced his retirement after seven years as the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, marking the end of a nearly half-century career with the institution.
Smithsonian Magazine
An underground instrument may have detected a hint of dark matter, the invisible substance thought to hold the universe together. Scientists are cautious, awaiting further research to confirm the finding.
Smithsonian Magazine
Beyond typical hotels, unique accommodations offer immersive experiences, blending design, nature, and local culture.
Atlas Obscura
A routine backyard excavation for a new terrace in northern Denmark led to the discovery of the largest Viking silver hoard ever found in the country, containing approximately 700 artifacts weighing over 40 pounds.
Smithsonian Magazine
The name "United States of America" evolved from early considerations like "United Colonies" to its current form, reflecting changing political ideas.
Smithsonian Magazine
Jay Griffiths' "Wild: An Elemental Journey" argues that humanity's tendency to conquer nature leads to a loss of our own wildness and soul. The book explores wildness as an essential, untamable force.
The Marginalian
Polyvagal theory, by Stephen Porges, explains how the vagus nerve regulates safety and connection. It emphasizes the body's influence on mental and emotional states.
The Marginalian
Oregon and other regions are increasingly turning to beavers as a solution for ecological restoration, leveraging their natural dam-building abilities to revive wetlands, improve water quality, and support declining fish populations, particularly salmon.
Reasons to be Cheerful
A collection of letters from Moomins creator Tove Jansson to her lifelong partner, Tuulikki Pietilä, offers a glimpse into their early romance and enduring devotion.
The Marginalian
Malaria is a severe illness, often described as worse than the flu, with symptoms including intense fever, chills, body aches, and vomiting. While it kills over 600,000 people annually, primarily children, the non-fatal impact of frequent infections is also devastating.
Our World in Data
Divination tools like tarot are not for predicting the future, but for revealing aspects of the self, according to Alejandro Jodorowsky and the author.
The Marginalian
The article explores the profound pain of acting against one's values and the subsequent longing for forgiveness and self-forgiveness. It highlights the inherent vulnerability and fallibility of human nature.
The Marginalian
Erich Fromm, a renowned humanistic philosopher and psychologist, outlined six guidelines for mastering the art of listening, emphasizing its connection to love and empathy.
The Marginalian
The article explores the distinction between regret and remorse as ways to process painful mistakes, highlighting how remorse offers a path toward self-transcendence and renewal.
The Marginalian
Simone de Beauvoir, in her early writings, explored the nature of human connection, questioning traditional classifications of love and friendship.
The Marginalian
Accepting that mothers are flawed individuals, rather than idealized figures, is a lifelong process that can lead to a more loving perspective.
The Marginalian
Philosopher Bertrand Russell, a Nobel laureate known for championing humanitarian ideals, received a provocative invitation to debate fascism from Sir Oswald Mosley in 1962. Russell's response offers a model for disengaging from deeply opposed viewpoints.
The Marginalian
A new exhibition in Manhattan's Meatpacking District, "Snoopy in Style NYC," celebrates the enduring cultural impact of the beloved "Peanuts" character Snoopy, showcasing his diverse identities and influence on art and fashion.
Smithsonian Magazine
Illinois offers lesser-known haunted locations beyond typical Halloween attractions, featuring historical and paranormal backstories perfect for an autumn road trip.
Atlas Obscura
Poet Rumi's work, particularly his emphasis on love, is presented as a way to overcome the human tendency to devalue what we have until it's lost. This is highlighted through a new translation of his poems.
The Marginalian
Fifty years after its debut, "The Muppet Show" remains a landmark in television history, launching Kermit the Frog and his chaotic troupe into global superstardom. The show's success stemmed from its unique blend of humor, heart, and innovative puppetry, creating characters that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Smithsonian Magazine
The BepiColombo mission, a joint effort by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has entered its arrival phase at Mercury, the solar system's smallest and innermost planet. This marks the beginning of a complex sequence after an eight-year voyage.
Smithsonian Magazine
New research indicates that GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy, might offer an additional benefit beyond their approved uses: slowing the aging process and extending lifespan. A study in Nature found that semaglutide increased the lifespan of elderly female mice and reduced cellular aging markers.
Smithsonian Magazine
New research suggests that electrically charged water droplets, not just physical impact or acidity, may contribute to the degradation of protective coatings on metal structures. This phenomenon could explain long-term coating failures on historical structures.
Smithsonian Magazine