Animals

Physics

Scientists Say: Infrasound

“Listening” for changes in these deep rumblings can allow scientists to predict earthquakes and other geological events.

Physics

Comb-like wings help the tiniest insects swim through ‘syrupy’ air

When you're the size of a grain of sand, flying through air is like swimming through a syrup. Bristled wings help the tiniest insects manage this.

Animals

Save the sharks to save the ocean

Humans have driven sharks and their cousins to the brink of extinction, but it’s not too late to turn the tide. At stake is the health of the entire ocean.

Animals

Explainer: What is a shark?

These fish have skeletons made of cartilage, not bone — and aren’t nearly as scary as portrayed in the media.

Animals

A shark encounter inspired this researcher’s career in marine biology

Heidy Martinez never wanted to study sharks as a kid. That changed after encountering a white shark in South Africa.

Animals

Let’s learn about tardigrades

These tiny animals can survive drying out, freezing, harsh radiation and other hazards.

Animals

Quashing the spotted lanternfly may require help from other species

This invasive pest has spread to 17 U.S. states and may threaten vineyards. But bats, fungi, dogs and even trees may help halt the lanternfly's spread.

Animals

What dogs see on TV depends on their temperament

Breed, age or sex didn’t seem to matter in how dogs reacted to TV, but personality did. That’s according to a survey of more than 400 dog owners.

Animals

Here’s a spider whose barf is worse than its bite

These critters, which often make their homes on houseplants, don’t bother injecting venom. The spiders just vomit it all over their tied-up prey.

Humans

A real-life vampire probably couldn’t survive on blood alone

Vampires often have human bodies. To survive on blood, they’d need to shed millions of years of evolution. 

Animals

Birds of paradise have a newly discovered glow

Many male birds of paradise have bellies, bills and other parts that glow under certain types of light. This special gleam may help them woo mates.

Life

Fungi have been ‘zombifying’ insects for 99 million years

Two bits of ancient amber sitting in a lab basement hold evidence of a fungus that’s become famous for controlling the minds of its victims.