Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

  1. Animals

    Infectious animals

    Critters spread many germs that can sicken each other — and even kill people.

    By Amanda Leigh Mascarelli
  2. Animals

    Explainer: People can sicken animals

    Wildlife can sometimes become infected with germs shed by people.

    By Amanda Leigh Mascarelli
  3. Chemistry

    A plant enemy’s enemy

    Plants use chemicals to recruit help in fighting off pests.

    By Jill Richardson
  4. Chemistry

    Explainer: Ocean acidification

    Here’s why shellfish and other animals in the sea suffer when the ocean is forced to absorb too much carbon dioxide.

    By Stephen Ornes
  5. Climate

    Watching our seas rise

    Satellites, coral reefs, ancient Roman fishponds and sinking cities help us understand how humans are changing sea level.

    By Douglas Fox
  6. Animals

    Snake blood boosts mouse heart

    Scientists find that a mouse’s heart swells in the presence of python blood.

    By Stephen Ornes
  7. Animals

    Tiny earthworms’ big impact

    Invasive earthworms change North American landscapes, for better or worse.

    By Cecile LeBlanc
  8. Genetics

    What’s on your genes?

    Tiny genetic switches create big differences.

    By Sharon Pochron
  9. Animals

    An energy lesson from panda poop

    Scientists say microbes in panda feces may help convert grasses into fuel.

    By Stephen Ornes
  10. Animals

    An elephant’s “aha!” moment

    A young elephant named Kandula passes a tricky test.

    By Stephen Ornes
  11. Health & Medicine

    Worms, your unlikely allies

    Parasites show promise in treating immune disorders.

    By Nathan Seppa
  12. Animals

    Dolphin dimples detect electricity

    Depressions in a dolphin’s snout sense electric fields, may help find dinner.

    By Stephen Ornes