Smithsonian Channel Pick of the Week

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Frogsicles: Frozen But Still Alive Jun 29, 2015

Show notes

The wood frog's body makes its own anti-freeze that allows it to survive the winter. The secret ingredient? You'll never guess.

Why the Yellowstone Supervolcano Could Be Huge Jun 29, 2015

Show notes

One of the world's largest supervolcanoes erupted 2.1 million years ago in Yellowstone, and then twice more there at intervals of roughly 660,000 years. Are we due for another one soon?

The Fighter Plane Powerful Enough to Destroy a Satellite in Space Jun 22, 2015

Show notes

In the midst of the Cold War, the U.S. began to develop anti-satellite aircrafts to combat Russia's vast space expansion. This F-15 footage from 1985 is the first time they succeeded.

Why Genghis Khan Has 16 Million Living Relatives Jun 15, 2015

Show notes

Beyond his vast military conquests, Genghis Khan was concerned with building a genetic dynasty. It began with a harem of 7,000 women.

You Won't Believe What the First Toothbrush Was Made of Jun 15, 2015

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When William Addis was sentenced to prison in the late 18th century, he occupied himself with an unheard of task: perfecting the world's first mass-produced toothbrush.

Why Does This Ancient Corpse Have a Manicure? Jun 01, 2015

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The bog-preserved corpse of Croghan Man had well-manicured nails and a leather-plated armlet. What could this tell us about his role in an ancient society?

The Rollercoaster Was Invented to Save America from Satan Jun 01, 2015

Show notes

In the 1880s, LaMarcus Thompson was troubled by America's slide into hedonism and immorality. Out of that concern, we got the rollercoaster.

This Frog's Poison Can Kill 10 Men May 18, 2015

Show notes

They may be the size of bottle caps, but poison dart frogs store a toxin 200 times stronger than morphine in their skin.

Why the Town of Lalibela is One of Ethiopia's Holiest Sites May 11, 2015

Show notes

No one knows for certain why the Lalibela churches share many similarities with Judaism, but scholars propose a handful of holy theories.

A River that Decides Tax Rates May 04, 2015

Show notes

After Muslims conquered Egypt, they build the Nilometer, a tool to measure the country's biggest, wettest source of revenue.

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