Smithsonian scientists work to ensure survival of North America’s wild orchids
Science Spotlight
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Yellow pigment in penguin feathers is chemically distinct, spectroscopic studies reveal
Recent spectroscopic analysis of macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) crest feathers and king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) neck feathers have shown they contain a yellow pigment that is chemically distinct from all other molecules known to give...
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Escape of the invasives: Top six invasive plant species in the United States
Non-native plant species pose a significant threat to the natural ecosystems of the United States. Many of these invasive plants are escapees from gardens and landscapes where they were originally planted. Purchased at local nurseries,...
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Astronomers discover two water worlds orbiting star Kepler-62
In our solar system, only one planet is blessed with an ocean: Earth. Our home world is a rare, blue jewel compared to the deserts of Mercury, Venus and Mars. But what if our Sun...
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Giant Magellan Telescope
This simulated image shows the Giant Magellan Telescope in operation in Chile while deploying lasers for its adaptive-optics system. The GMT is scheduled to begin partial operation in 2019. To learn more about this remarkable...
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GPS and the farmer…
This image shows farmer Roy Bardole seated at the controls of his combine in a cornfield on a farm in Iowa. A GPS guidance system display is mounted at the top center on right side...
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Polar bears in a warming world: Q&A with Don Moore of the National Zoo
All bear species except for one live in either temperate or tropical woodlands. Only the polar bear is a stranger to the forest, living and foraging instead across vast expanses of barren polar ice. But...
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Obese marmosets are more developmentally advanced as infants, study shows
Marmosets on track for obesity appeared to be more efficient in their feeding behavior. “Although all animals consumed the same amount of liquid, the ones taking in more on each lick were the ones that...
