Shogun and History (Smithsonian Magazine)
by Meilan Solly
The new FX series Shogun is the latest adaptation of a wildly popular historical novel. While the book and show may take liberties with the facts, they’re grounded in a real historical moment and a remarkable true story.

Eyes So Nice They Evolved Twice (Quanta Magazine)
by Viviane Callier
A group of small ocean mollusks called chitons offer a glimpse into an elusive aspect of evolution. Their many species have evolved two different sorts of eyes—repeatedly. And which type shows up seems to depend on preexisting characteristics of their shell, making them a poster child for path-dependent evolution.

A Threatened Corridor from the Andes to the Amazon (Knowable Magazine)
by Pablo Correa
In 2016, a long and bloody war in Colombia came to an end. But peace has brought the rapid destruction of the country’s forestlands, including the ecological bridge between the Amazon and Andean forests that supports the region’s biodiversity.

A Blood-Red Cocktail for the Feast of Drunkenness (Atlas Obscura)
by Diana Hubbell
An ancient Egyptian recipe holds secrets to a holy cocktail made in honor of a literally bloodthirsty goddess. You can make it at home if you like.

The Bhagavad Gita at the Office (The Conversation)
by Robert J. Stephens
Many Americans find themselves bored and apathetic at work. Some might say we ought to care more. The ancient Hindu text known as the Bhagavad Gita offers a different prescription.

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