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Just follow your nose: That's how scientists discovered a stinky new species of orchid. Dubbed the Yosemite bog-orchid, it grows in wet meadows of its namesake national park and smells like sweaty feet.

The small flowers aren't much to look at, but orchid experts are flocking to Yosemite to see (and sniff) the rare blooms. Park officials are mum about where to find the orchid, out of concern that it will be trampled by a curious but careless public.—Dawn Stover

(Image: The Seattle Times)

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June 2012: Invent Your Own Anything

The 6th annual Invention Awards are here, from an inflatable tourniquet to a better lobster trap to spring-loaded hocket skates. This issue is all about the celebration of invention.

Plus: Making synthetic biology breakthroughs in a garage, building a constantly-moving ping-pong table, and a ridiculously overpowered barbecue.

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