Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

Latest Episodes:

The Reason This South American Tribe Shrunk Their Enemies' Heads Aug 28, 2017

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The Shuar of South America is the only tribe to have never been conquered by the Spanish Empire. But the thing they're most famous for is a macabre tradition: shrinking the heads of their enemies.

Meet the Echidna, an Incredible, Fire-Proof Spiny Anteater Aug 21, 2017

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The echidna, or spiny anteater, is a marvel of defensive self-preservation, from its impenetrable spikes to its amazing ability to breathe through bushfires.

The Egyptian Pharaoh With the Biggest Ego Aug 21, 2017

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Though little is known about Khufu, the pharaoh who oversaw the Great Pyramid's construction, vicious rumors about him persist today.

Nostradamus May Have Gotten Your Zodiac Sign Wrong Aug 15, 2017

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Predicting the future isn't an exact science, but making astrological measurements is. Checking some of Nostradamus' calculations reveals that his astrology skills may not have been up to snuff.

The Ocean Is Running Out of Fish. Here's the Alarming Math. Aug 14, 2017

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Based on reporting, the ocean has long appeared to offer an infinite bounty of fish. But recent, more accurate research paints a far grimmer picture, with annual catch on a precipitous and potentially catastrophic decline.

Some Very Compelling Evidence the Tower of Babel Was Real Aug 14, 2017

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Biblical scholars have long debated whether the Tower of Babel really existed. Now, a remarkable stone tablet never before shown on film appears to settle that question.

How Krispy Kreme Became a National Treasure Aug 07, 2017

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What's the secret to a perfectly round Krispy Kreme doughnut?

The Real Culprit of an Ancient Egyptian Plague Was... Bread? Aug 07, 2017

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According to the Bible, the 10th plague to befall ancient Egypt killed the first born child of every family. Now, new scientific evidence suggests that this may have actually occurred - and that a fungal infection was responsible.

These Cable Cars Transformed Medellin Into a Cultural Mecca Jul 31, 2017

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In Medellin, Colombia, a new kind of public transit brings together two neighboring communities that were once worlds apart.

This Vet Went from Admiring Jane Goodall to Working With Her Jul 18, 2017

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Suzan Murray, Chief Veterinarian at the National Zoo, describes her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian and makes a special trip to visit her favorite elephant, Shanthi.