Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

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Why the Templar Secret Rituals Were So Controversial Apr 10, 2017

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From spitting on the Christian cross to strange sexual acts, the Knights Templar's secret rituals were controversial. But were they using these ceremonies to praise a different religion entirely?

The Strange Link Between Bats and Tequila Apr 10, 2017

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As a nectar feeder, the lesser long-nosed bat follows the trail of cactus blooms between Mexico and the U.S. One of the plants it also plays a major role in pollinating is agave, which gives us tequila.

Komodo Dragons Can Taste Their Prey From Miles Away Apr 03, 2017

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A Komodo dragon's strongest sensory organ is its deeply forked tongue. It acts as a meal detector that samples the air for dead or dying animals.

The Horrifying True Story Behind the Movie 'Scream' Apr 03, 2017

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The tragic true story of an innocent man suspected of murder is a classic motif of the Hollywood thriller and is used as a subplot in Scream.

Why Humans Still Can't Live on Mars (Yet) Mar 28, 2017

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Mars is calling. Will we stick with robots or ship off the humans?

How Vampire Bats Suck Blood for 30 Minutes Unnoticed Mar 27, 2017

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Thanks to a local anesthetic in their spit, vampire bats are able to drink blood from their prey without being detected. That way, they can feed undisturbed for up to a half hour at a time.

Was This Hidden Tunnel Used by the Knights Templar? Mar 20, 2017

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It's unclear if the Knights Templar created the secret tunnel in Acre, Israel, as an escape route or a way to secretly export valuable items. One thing is certain: It's a remarkable showcase of their engineering.

Incredible: This Underwater Spider Has an Actual Scuba Tank Mar 20, 2017

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The scuba spider is the only arachnid to live exclusively underwater, despite lacking gills. Its secret, like its name suggests, is a makeshift oxygen supply.

The Vital Message Hank Aaron Took from Jackie Robinson Mar 13, 2017

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It's unlikely that Hank Aaron would have achieved his baseball milestones were it not for one trailblazing pioneer who led the way: Jackie Robinson. Here, the baseball legend himself talks about Robinson's influence.

The First Female Accordion Player to Win the Vallenato Kings Festival Mar 13, 2017

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Young accordion phenom Yeime Arrieta Ramos is the first female accordion player to ever win the Vallenato Kings Festival.

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