Animals
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AnimalsBumblebees may bite leaves to spur plant blooming
In a pollen shortage, some bees nick holes in tomato leaves. This can speed up flowering and pollen production by weeks.
By Susan Milius -
AnimalsLet’s learn about bioluminescence
Some animals, bacteria and algae produce their own light. This bioluminescence can attract mates or protect from predators.
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AnimalsGoing bright may help corals recover from bleaching
When some corals bleach, they turn neon colors. Flashy hues may be part of a response that helps these corals recover and reunite with their algae.
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AnimalsToxic germs on its skin make this newt deadly
Bacteria living on the skin of some rough-skinned newts make tetrodotoxin. This paralyzing poison is also found in pufferfish.
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AnimalsWhy you’re spotting more wildlife during COVID-19
People are seeing more animals than they did before the pandemic. There are many reasons why.
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AnimalsThis tube worm’s glowing slime may help sustain its own shine
Snot oozed by a marine tube worm can glow for up to 3 full days. The secret of how this works might lead to long-lasting lights that glow on and on.
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Animals#BlackBirdersWeek seeks to open the outdoors for everyone
The social media campaign #BlackBirdersWeek hopes to show the world the many black birders and nature lovers of color.
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AnimalsWhy elephants and armadillos might easily get drunk
Stories of drunken elephants may not be a myth. Differences in a gene for breaking down alcohol could explain how they get tipsy.
By Susan Milius -
AnimalsWhen prey get scarce, these jellies become cannibals
Invasive comb jellies may feast on their larvae if massive population booms in summer deplete their prey.
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AnimalsTraces from nuclear-weapons tests offer clues to whale sharks’ ages
Traces left by nuclear-bomb testing in the 1950s and ‘60s can help researchers learn how old a whale shark is.
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AnimalsLet’s learn about domestic cats
Cats rule the internet — and many of our homes. To get here was a journey of many thousands of years.
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AnimalsPesticides can have long-term impact on bumblebee learning
Pesticide-laced nectar and pollen can permanently harm the brains of baby bumblebees.