About the Author: Kelly Carnes

Kelly Carnes has been the press officer at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History since 2005. She received her Master of Science in Anthropology from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from George Washington University, and is currently completing an Master's degree in Communications and Corporate Public Relations from Georgetown University.

Jan

Lions and tigers, but not bears, oh my! Scientists discover a missing link in the evolution of big cats

A six million year-old fossil found in the Zanda Basin of Tibet may help modern-day conservationists in their efforts to save some of the world’s most beautiful–and endangered–species. Continue reading Lions and tigers, but not bears, oh my! Scientists discover a missing link in the evolution of big cats

Dec

R U Q?rius? Here’s the 411.

Q?rius will combine labs, collections, creative studios and hangout spots in a new state-of-the-art learning space for teens. Continue reading R U Q?rius? Here’s the 411.

May

How the turtle got its shell (with apologies to Rudyard Kipling)

Scientists have long been confounded by when turtles first began developing their unique shell. New discoveries indicate it may have occurred much earlier than previously thought. Continue reading How the turtle got its shell (with apologies to Rudyard Kipling)

Dec

World’s largest cut-gem aquamarine is unveiled

Hope Diamond, Shmope Diamond–take a look at the latest gem in the Smithsonian collection. Continue reading World’s largest cut-gem aquamarine is unveiled

Nov

Spider from space descends on the National Mall!

The world’s first “spidernaut” lands at the Natural History Museum. UPDATE: Sadly, the spider has died of natural causes. Continue reading Spider from space descends on the National Mall!

Feb

“X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside Out”

We say “fish insides,” you say “ick!” but ichthyology takes on an eerie beauty in these stunning photographs at the Natural History Museum. Continue reading “X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside Out”

Nov

Return of the Mummy

A new permanent exhibition at Natural History brings our own “mummies dearest” to life. (Yes, we’re ashamed of ourselves.) Continue reading Return of the Mummy

Nov