What serves in the U.S. military, works for the federal government, and addresses packages at the post office? Give up? A ballpoint pen—specifically, a Skilcraft pen.

They call themselves the “Build a Dream Amazon Warriors.” The half dozen teenage girls from Canada were among thousands of overwhelmingly male young people from nearly four dozen countries competing in Detroit in April. Their challenge?

On a reserve about 25 miles north of Germany’s industrial heartland, a single wild herd of horses roams. The small equines, which stand only about 13-14 hands tall (52-56 inches), are an ancient breed known as the Duelmen (or Dülmen).

Studying dead birds may seem grisly. But researchers at Ohio State University’s Museum of Biological Diversity examine lifeless fowl for a living. The museum’s collection includes over 25,000 stuffed, frozen, or otherwise preserved specimens.

Illegal arms. Illicit drugs. Elephant tusks. Garden plants. Which of these doesn’t belong? The world of smuggling and black market crime brings to mind a miasma of grim items and images. But the fleshy plants from which we get aloe vera skin lotion isn’t one of them.

In Washington, D.C., you can stumble over history without knowing it. It’s impossible to miss the towering Washington Monument or the domed Jefferson Memorial. But the nation’s first federal monument may go unnoticed for millions of visitors to the capital.

You’ve heard of smartphones, smart cars, and smartwatches. But have you heard about smart pills? Scientists are working to develop edible sensors that detect intestinal illness. They’re packing tiny electronics and millions of genetically engineered living cells inside a pill.

Summer means baseball. But the national pastime has been slowly losing fans over the last decade or so. It’s evident in Little League, where recruiting enough players to form a network now often involves several towns instead of just one.