by Mark Wilding • The odd, enduring appeal of a scarce commodity few people use and no one really needs.

The original story, along with illustrations, can be found on hakaimagazine.com.

by Ferris Jabr • String is far more important than the wheel in the pantheon of inventions.

The original story, along with photos and video, can be found on hakaimagazine.com.

by Ferris Jabr • String is far more important than the wheel in the pantheon of inventions.

The original story, along with photos and video, can be found on hakaimagazine.com.

by Brian Payton • Fish traps have a long history around the world, and a vast network in a Vancouver Island estuary reveals generations of ecological wisdom.

The original story, along with photos and video, can be found on hakaimagazine.com.

by Brian Payton • Fish traps have a long history around the world, and a vast network in a Vancouver Island estuary reveals generations of ecological wisdom.

The original story, along with photos and video, can be found on hakaimagazine.com.

by Adrienne Mason • There and back again: a taxonomist’s quest to reveal the world’s tiniest realms.

by Adrienne Mason • There and back again: a taxonomist’s quest to reveal the world’s tiniest realms.

by Matthew Halliday • As aquariums end captive-whale programs, advocates seek to build ocean-based retirement homes for the animals—but finding the right host community is a feat.

The original story, along with photos, can be found on hakaimagazine.com.

by Matthew Halliday • As aquariums end captive-whale programs, advocates seek to build ocean-based retirement homes for the animals—but finding the right host community is a feat.

The original story, along with photos, can be found on hakaimagazine.com.

by Disha Shetty • Locals near one of India’s coal-importing ports feel the effects of coal dust and are bracing for an even unhealthier future.

The original story, along with photos, can be found on hakaimagazine.com.