Animals

Animals

Analyze This: Amphibian populations are on the decline

The chytrid fungus has been wiping out amphibians around the world. Scientists have tallied up the declines and found that the fungus is responsible for dozens of extinctions.

Animals

In a first, scientists keep cells alive in the brains of dead pigs

They’re not true zombies — but these pig brains showed signs of cellular life long after the animals had died.

Animals

Let’s turn a genie blue

Aladdin’s genie is very magical. He’s also blue. What might explain that? Nature has some tricks on offer.

Animals

Bats in the attic prompt boys to create a better bat detector

When a teen learned he had 700 bats in his attic, he decided to develop a better bat detector.

Animals

Geneticists get closer to knowing how mosquitoes sniff out our sweat

Scientists have found that a protein in the antennae of some mosquitoes detects a chemical in human sweat.

Animals

Bumpy edges could be key to record-breaking oars

Inspired by the bumpy edges of flippers on a humpback whale, an Australian teen has redesigned oars for use by competitive rowers.

Animals

Scientists Say: Guinea worm

Scientists and health care workers are working to eradicate this parasite, which causes a painful condition called Guinea worm disease.

Animals

Two teens pull DNA from birds out of the air

Animals shed DNA into their environment. Usually scientists find it in water or soil. Now, two teens have figured out how to capture this “environmental DNA” from air.

Animals

Teen designs belt to hold down a sea turtle’s bubble butt

Sea turtles hit by boats can develop an injury called “bubble butt syndrome.” One teen invented a vest to help them dive again.

Animals

Testing mosquito pee could help track disease spread

A new way to monitor the viruses that wild mosquitoes have picked up passes its first outdoor test. The method uses mosquito urine.

Animals

Yes, cats know their own names

Cats can tell their names apart from other spoken words. A new study supports what cat owners the world over had suspected.

Animals

Bears that eat human ‘junk food’ may hibernate less

Wild black bears snacking on leftovers of sugary, highly processed foods show possible signs of faster cellular wear.