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Mythology

A man with a mask walks in a flooded street during a period of seasonal high water

Venice floods: Historical myths may attract the aid the city needs

Climate Change

Venice is a place with a long tradition of convincing outsiders of its uniqueness. This tradition may continue to shape the way the world sees the city today — and could be what ends up helping the city survive.

Atlantis

New researchers continue the search for the ancient missing city of Atlantis

Science

Judgment Day May 21: Why are end times prophecies so popular?

Lifestyle & Belief

How Thor’s Hammer Became an Approved Symbol by the Veteran’s Administration

Conflict & Justice

John Hodgman on the End of the World

The World

Introducing the Elf

The ELF is a new invention, a pedal-powered tricycle that can also run on battery and solar power, designed to be a perfect little non-polluting vehicle for local trips.

Celebrating the Mysterious Ancient Cult of Mithras in Rome

Arts, Culture & Media

Archaeologists in Rome have just re-opened a restored underground temple dating back to ancient Rome, dedicated to the cult of a deity named Mithras.

The Jellyfish that Could Hold the Secret to Immortality

Nearly 25 years ago, a young marine biologist stumbled upon a jellyfish that refused to die. The jellyfish would grow older, but when it became sick or suffered an injury, it would age in reverse until it reached its earliest stage of development, at which point it would begin its life cycle all over again.  The […]

The World

Hindus Reconsider Mother Earth

Richard Shiffman reports on a green religious movement beginning to take root in India. Hindus are reviving traditional ideas about their relationship to the natural world. Religious activists are using ancient myths to help solve contemporary environmental problems.

The World

Bigfoot Lives Here

Commentator Nancy Lord remarks on the universal myth of “BigFoot” and how old growth woods make sure there is always a habitat for such universally important creatures of the imagination.