When Were Seat Belts Invented?The three‑point seat belt that is mandated in cars today was built upon several earlier designs and influenced by health and safety findings. Read more
The Richter Scale’s California OriginsCharles Richter worked with Beno Gutenberg to develop one of the first data‑driven ways of comparing earthquakes.Read more
The 1824 Presidential Election Ended in an Electoral Tie: Controversy EnsuedAfter the tied election went to the House of Representatives, an anonymous letter accused two of the candidates of making a ‘corrupt bargain.’Read more
Horrific Fate of Officer in Doomed Arctic Expedition RevealedWhat happened to the crew of the Franklin expedition remains unclear, but cannibalized remains were identified as belonging to third‑in‑command James Fitzjames.Read more
The History of the Bra: From Corsets to SpandexWhile bras shape women’s bodies, the development of bras has been shaped by world events.Read more
Jimmy Carter’s Life in PhotosAt his 100th birthday, the legacy of America’s 39th president extends far beyond his four years in the White House.Read more
Why Is ‘The Catch’ Called Baseball’s Most Perfect Play?In 1954, the Giants’ Willie Mays made a catch that wowed the nation—and became a legendary moment in baseball history.Read more
How Radiocarbon Dating Unlocks Ancient HistoryWhen a chemist discovered that carbon atoms could be used to date ancient remains, he devised a method that upended archaeology.Read more
How Dolly the Sheep Sparked Debate Over CloningWhen news broke in 1997 that scientists had cloned a sheep, the world reacted in shocked amazement—and fear over the possibility of human cloning.Read more
Who Invented the Dishwasher?Josephine Garis Cochran had no formal mechanical engineering education, but she designed, built, marketed and sold her dishwashing machine back in the 1880s.Read more
5 Hidden Features of the NYC SubwayFrom remnants of a once‑glorious station to mysterious depictions of beavers, the NYC subway holds many secrets. Read more
Why Did Maria Callas Lose Her Voice?Callas became the most celebrated operatic soprano of the 20th century, but then her career—and life—were cut short.Read more