Shot, trapped, and poisoned for many decades, America's national bird was almost exterminated in the lower 48 states by 1963. Today, thanks to strong protection and public awareness, the bald eagle is again breeding in all but two states. But it remains threatened and its situation needs vigilance.
Forensic experts, who often probe crime scenes for evidence of foul play, are now examining the well-preserved remains of the crew of the U.S. Civil War submarine Hunley. What kinds of clues will emerge from the analysis of the bones, teeth, and other artifacts?
Years of war in Afghanistan have taken a heavy toll not only on the country's people but also on its animals. An outpouring of international effort—and a remarkably dedicated local staff—has helped the Kabul Zoo begin recovering from Afghanistan's civil war and the turmoil of the Taliban regime.
Potatoes are grown by the hundreds of millions of tons each year in nearly 150 countries around the world, proving to be a staple in the world's diet. But in the Andes, the birthplace of the potato and home to nearly 4,000 different varieties, market forces, years of drought, and changes in cultural priorities are peeling away the diversity and significance of the potato to life in the Andes.
Peter Benchley's Jaws in 1974 made people wonder whether it was safe to go into the water. In an interview with National Geographic News, Benchley discusses his new book, his changing knowledge of sharks, and society's ideas about these fascinating predators.
Listen to Benchley read from his book and view a photo essay of sharks.
This interview concludes a five-part series of articles on sharks.
A new National Geographic Channel documentary profiles three Colombians who are dedicated to improving the lives of children affected by years of armed conflict in the country. National Geographic News looks at the conflict between guerrilla and paramilitary groups that has uprooted society and displaced millions of Colombians.
Irrigation and sewage in Egypt are causing groundwater to rise, threatening many of the nation's ancient monuments. The groundwater brings with it salts that can damage hieroglyphic artwork and turn limestone to powder. Archaeologists must work hard to save the many relics of Egypt's past.
To clone or not to clone: This vexing ethical question has touched off scholarly discussion, popular controversy, and lengthy deliberation at the highest levels of church and state. But often lost in the debate are fundamental scientific questions about how to best coax a few molecules of DNA to develop into a living genetic replica of an entire organism.
Many cultures have flood myths—tales of ancient destruction on an epic scale. Some recent underwater finds add to the debate about such events. More important, they yield new clues to the study of human habitations that now lie beneath the waves.
Calvin McCarter, a homeschooled student from near Grand Rapids, Michigan, won the 2002 National Geographic Bee Wednesday at National Geographic Society Headquarters in Washington, D.C. At ten years old, Calvin was the youngest competitor, beating students who were making their second and third appearances in the finals.
Ten students won through to the final round of the 2002 National Geographic Bee, in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. The semifinal round was contested by 55 state bee champions .
Two undersea mountains about 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) northwest of Honolulu have been named for Ann Judge and Joe Ferguson, the National Geographic Society staff members who perished on the aircraft that was hijacked and flown into the Pentagon by terrorists on September 11, 2001.
Veteran climber Mike Bearzi reportedly has fallen to his death during an attempt on the unclimbed northeast face of Tibet's remote Gyachung Kang. Although details are sketchy, the accident occurred while he and his partner were descending a ridge during an acclimatization climb near their base camp.
National Geographic News presents a photo gallery of preserved human remains from around the world. The photos and collection of mummy resources celebrates the premiere of the National Geographic Television documentary Inca Mummies: Secrets of a Lost World in the United States on Wednesday.
Mount Pelée, on the island of Martinique in the Caribbean Sea, erupted at 7:50 a.m. on May 8, 1902, one hundred years ago today. A giant black plume darkened the sky, while a superheated cloud of hot ash, toxic gases, and magma fragments raced down the volcano's sides at hurricane-force speeds. Within minutes, the city of St. Pierre had been destroyed, its 30,000 inhabitants dead.
