ancient Archives | Popular Science

By Eleanor Cummins Dec 23, 2020

Environment

What are frankincense and myrrh, anyway?

The history and mystery of these botanicals go way beyond the Magi.

By Kate Baggaley Nov 4, 2020

Science

A female hunter’s remains hint at more fluid gender roles in the early Americas

The 9,000-year-old remains of a woman were found buried with hunting tools in the Andes.

By Kate Baggaley Oct 23, 2020

Animals

Dinosaurs may have evolved into birds, but early flights didn’t go so well

These wee winged creatures flew more like chickens than eagles.

By Kat Eschner Jul 2, 2020

Animals

These insects preserved in amber are still glowing 99 million years later

The fossilized insects are a rare find for paleontologists.

By Kate Baggaley Jun 16, 2020

Animals

Crocodiles’ ancient ancestors may have walked on two legs

Footprints in South Korea show a distinctive bipedal gait.

By Sara Kiley Watson Feb 13, 2020

Science

Meet the Azawakh, the latest breed to enter the Westminster Dog Show

Get to know the smart, loyal, and graceful ancient breed.

By Jess Romeo Nov 15, 2019

Animals

To remain hidden, these beetles sparkle like jewels

A prehistoric beetle got caught in a sticky situation. Millions of years later, it’s helping scientists understand the first flowers.

By Donavyn Coffey Jun 3, 2019

Animals

A 50-million-year-old school of fish is etched forever in this rare fossil

Megapixels: The ancient rock offers a glimpse of how this freshwater species behaved in unison.

By Kaitlin Sullivan Feb 27, 2019

Science

Ancient poop is helping archaeologists understand a midwestern city’s demise

The forensic feces files

By Kendra Pierre-Louis Feb 28, 2017

Science

Earth’s first continent? Probably a giant continental crust

It was not filled with chocolate

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Featured in ancient

What are frankincense and myrrh, anyway?

A female hunter’s remains hint at more fluid gender roles in the early Americas

Dinosaurs may have evolved into birds, but early flights didn’t go so well

These insects preserved in amber are still glowing 99 million years later

Crocodiles’ ancient ancestors may have walked on two legs

Meet the Azawakh, the latest breed to enter the Westminster Dog Show

To remain hidden, these beetles sparkle like jewels

A 50-million-year-old school of fish is etched forever in this rare fossil

Ancient poop is helping archaeologists understand a midwestern city’s demise

Earth’s first continent? Probably a giant continental crust