While the magazine has closed, its living archive endures—open to all and preserving the many ideas, voices, and discoveries that deepen our understanding of what it means to be human.
Astonishing new research shows that fossil teeth, like trees, contain detailed records of the environments in which they grew.
Why Don’t More Humans Eat Bugs?Around the world, at least two billion people routinely consume insects. One anthropologist believes geography and colonization can explain why some populations are too squeamish to stomach such foods.
The Myth of Badass SpermWe’ve all been taught that human fertilization is an Olympic-style competition. The truth is that it’s much more like a gigantic lottery.
Why Can’t Apes Talk?A recent study suggests they’ve got the voice but not the brains.
Ritual Sacrifice May Have Shaped Dog DomesticationAn ancient Arctic site suggests a complex relationship between humans and dogs.
As Seas Rise, Ancient Footprints Are RevealedCoastlines around the world boast hints of ancient humans who gathered and traveled along the edges of the world, where land meets sea.
How Human Smarts EvolvedBy counting the number of neurons in brains, one scientist revolutionized our view of why Homo sapiens and nonhuman primates are so much smarter than other animals.
Chimpanzees Can’t Tell Us Much About Being HumanAlthough there is merit in recognizing how we resemble our primate relatives, sometimes we need to understand what sets our species apart.
Is Cyclical Time the Cure to Technology’s Ills?We can continue our obsessive, harried pursuit of new technology, or we can relax and enjoy life more—but we can’t do both.
Humanity’s Story Has No End of Surprising TwistsRecent discoveries, and new analyses of old evidence, are revolutionizing the way scientists look at human history.
