Seven times people discovered the Americas – and how they got there

Columbus’s was the last of at least seven discoveries of the Americas.

Nicholas R. Longrich, Senior Lecturer in Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Bath • conversation
Sept. 8, 2022 • ~12 min

Manuscripts and art support archaeological evidence that syphilis was in Europe long before explorers could have brought it home from the Americas

The idea that Europeans brought new diseases to the Americas and returned home with others has been widely accepted. But evidence is mounting that for syphilis this scenario is wrong.

Marylynn Salmon, Research Associate in History, Smith College • conversation
July 13, 2022 • ~10 min

What's driving the huge blooms of brown seaweed piling up on Florida and Caribbean beaches?

Huge blooms of brown seaweed have fouled Florida and Caribbean beaches almost every year over the past decade. They originate in Africa and South America. and are fueled by human activities.

Stephen P. Leatherman, Professor of Coastal Science, Florida International University • conversation
Aug. 2, 2021 • ~9 min

Mermaids aren't real – but they've fascinated people around the world for ages

Mermaids are not real, but are meaningful to people around the world.

Peter Goggin, Associate Professor of English, Arizona State University • conversation
Dec. 14, 2020 • ~6 min

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