A Rosy-breasted Longclaw specimen

How Ornithologists Figured Out How to Preserve Birds

A very nineteenth-century-science problem: lots of decaying avian specimens.
President Richard Nixon Starting the 1973 American League Season by Tossing a Baseball

Richard Nixon’s Fantasy Baseball Team

It might have been a ploy to garner Democratic votes, but the president took his dream team seriously.
Osiris flanked by Horus on the left and Isis on the right

A Holy Trinity in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Mediterranean was full of religious expression, and Kemetic culture's concept of a divine family influenced early Christians.
Afghan Refugees Settlement I-12

Where Do Afghanistan’s Refugees Go?

Thousands of Afghans are desperately trying to flee their country following a hasty U.S. withdrawal.
An illustration from a 17th century German theosophical text

The Changing Meaning of “Mysticism”

People who don't follow organized religion sometimes describe themselves as spiritual. But this idea isn't a recent invention.
Daddy Long Leg Spider

Afghan History, Confused Cars, and Daddy Longlegs

Well-researched stories from The Root, Slate, and other great publications that bridge the gap between news and scholarship.
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) wears a traditional Afghani burqa while giving a speech in support of Afghan women's rights and American involvement against Taliban in the United States House of Representatives, October 16, 2001

A War of Liberation for Afghan Women?

The Taliban's gender-based repression was part of the US argument for invading Afghanistan.
A disappearing Roman emperor with a lictor (left) and nobleman (right)

Latin Literature’s Problem with Invisibility

Ancient Romans saw the rituals of professional sorcerers as foreign and suspicious. But how else were you supposed to become invisible?
Black-Tip Reef Sharks in shallow water lagoon, Fakarava, Tahiti

Sharks Are Hiding from Scientists in Plain Sight—Almost

Marine biologists need to count sharks to save them, but the common practice of using video cameras to record populations could be improved.
Nat "King" Cole performs a song on piano on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on April 13, 1958 in New York City

Way before MTV, Music Ruled the Living Room

I want my Ed Sullivan, Arthur Godfrey, and Lawrence Welk! To say nothing of Soul Train!