Animals
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AnimalsRNA from mummified woolly mammoth is the oldest ever recovered
Genetic details from the animal, named Yuka, give a snapshot into its last moments alive. The mammoth had been preserved in permafrost for 40,000 years.
By Meghan Rosen -
AnimalsRadioactive animals don’t glow — but do show the power of radiation
Wild species exposed to nuclear contamination help show how radiation affects living things — including its risks to people.
- Animals
Some Antarctic fish arrange their nests into odd shapes
Scientists found nests organized into curves, clusters and ovals on the Antarctic seabed. Such groupings may protect the fish eggs from predators.
By Carly Kay -
AnimalsWoodpeckers grunt like tennis players when they peck
The birds grunt like tennis pros when making their rat-a-tat, a strategy that may help steady their movements.
By Anna Gibbs -
AnimalsPolar bears leave thousands of tons of food scraps for other species
The new finding quantifies how much of polar bears' food goes uneaten. As these bears decline, Arctic scavengers risk losing a critical food source.
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TechLet’s learn about lab-grown meat
Lab-grown meat may still be several years away from your local grocery. But such alternatives to farmed or free-range meats are on their way.
By Carly Kay -
AnimalsFlamingos hunt by creating their own underwater tornadoes
Chilean flamingos use their beaks and feet to create underwater whirlpools that suck in prey.
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AnimalsBeware the vipers: These snakes appear to strike the fastest
Other snake species, however, can also attack at amazingly fast speeds, giving stiff competition to some of the slower vipers.
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AnimalsRudolph’s red nose could glow through bioluminescence
Simple chemistry could give the reindeer his iconic red snout. But physics would make it look different colors to anyone who spied Rudolph from the ground.
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AnimalsLiquid from African tulip trees may protect honeybees from pests
Liquid from the African tulip tree may keep ant invaders out of hives without harming honeybees.
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LifeAward-winning micro-photos depict stunning details of nature
From fluorescent ferns to sprawling neurons, the 2025 Nikon Small World contest showcased the artistry of life as seen through a microscope.
By Carly Kay -
AnimalsSome gifted dogs can learn to sort their toys
Among dogs known to be gifted word learners, some can also sort toys by how they are used during play time. It’s one sign of a complex thought process.