Wild Rice’s Refusal to Be Domesticated
The reality of wild rice defeated the best efforts of Europeans to domesticate it.
Why the Dakota Only Traded among People with Kinship Bonds
“Trapping was not a ‘business for profit’ among the Dakota but primarily a social exchange,” one scholar writes.
When Botany Was for Ladies
In nineteenth century America, young women took to studying botany—a conjoining of interest, social acceptance, and readily available schooling.
The Cultural Differences in Humpback Whale Songs
One group of researchers found distinct differences among songs from groups of humpback whales that are geographically isolated from each other.
Happy Birthday to Cyberspace!
The first message sent through the ARPANET was “LO.” It was supposed to be “LOGIN,” but the network crashed after the first two letters.
The Brewery Powered by a Wind Turbine
Inspired by the legendary Wright Brothers, local brewers on the Outer Banks of NC are harnessing wind power for their pints.
Hong Kong Was Formed as a City of Refugees
The story of Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated places on Earth, can't be separated from its international situation.
Volcanic Ecosystems in the Deep Ocean
Undersea volcanoes, like Hawaii's Kīlauea, foster diverse ecosystems in an environment far from sunlight—and as acidic as lemon juice.
Can American Expansion Continue Indefinitely?
Or will continued abundance require serious changes in consumer behavior?
The Rise and Fall of the Pet Bird
Pet birds were considered ideal role models for middle-class life.