Animals

Life

Award-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.

Animals

Some 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.

Animals

Scientists Say: Kleptotrichy

Based on the Greek words for theft and hair, kleptotrichy is a more common bird behavior than people thought.

Animals

Birds are singing longer, thanks to light pollution

In light-polluted areas, birds spend an average of 50 minutes more per day singing. It’s unclear how that extra time might hurt or help the birds.

Animals

Ants are better team players than people [COMIC]

For ants, teamwork makes the dream work. For humans, teamwork can be a trip-up.

Animals

Analyze This: Some bats feast on songbirds midflight

Sensor data reveal greater noctule bats chasing, catching and chewing on birds during nighttime hunts.

Animals

Parrotfish shape the future of coral reefs, one bite at a time

Could these colorful fish aid struggling coral? Yes, but not always. Parrotfish play a complex role in reefs — and sometimes may cause harm.

Fossils

Baby pterosaurs likely died in violent Jurassic storms

Two hatchlings with broken arm bones point to ancient storms as the cause of mass casualties now preserved in Germany’s Solnhofen Limestone.

Animals

Ripple bugs’ frilly feet inspired a water-striding robot

The insects’ nimble movements on the surface of water inspired a robot with automatically unfurling fans on its feet.

Animals

Horses became gentle and easy to ride thanks to two gene mutations

Horse breeders altered two genes by targeting certain traits in horses. One made the animals tamer. Another made their backs sturdy enough to carry riders.

Animals

Let’s learn about venom

A bite or puncture from a venomous critter can cause paralysis, flesh rot, organ failure and many more violent — and sometimes fatal — symptoms.

Fossils

Fossil teeth reveal some dinos were fussy eaters

The type of calcium in those teeth points to what herbivores preferred to eat — whether soft leaves, rough twigs or something else.