Ecosystems

Animals

These insects thirst for tears

In some parts of the world, insects will drop by for a savory beverage. Interestingly, neither a croc — nor a scientist who offered his eyes up to ‘tear-sipping’ bees — seemed bothered much by the freeloaders.

Animals

Explainer: How invasive species ratted out the tuatara

The introduction of rats to New Zealand led to huge population losses of the ancient tuatara. These uncommon reptiles vanished from the mainland. This left isolated populations to survive on several dozen isolated islands.

Microbes

Mystery microbes of the sea

Biologists find archaea a true curiosity. They make up one of life’s three main branches. The two better known branches are bacteria and eukaryotes (u KARE ee oatz). That last branch includes animals, plants and fungi. But archaea have remained mysterious. Very little is known about them. In fact, their unique status wasn’t even recognized until relatively recently, in 1977.

Animals

Alien carp leap onto the scene

Last summer, Alison Coulter got a big surprise as she piloted a boat along the Wabash River in Indiana. Startled by her boat’s motor, a 60-centimeter (24-inch) carp leaped out of the river. In some cases, jumping Asian carp have broken a boater’s nose, jaw or arm.

Animals

Gorgeous eco-bullies

‘Foreign’ lionfish — aquarium castoffs — have been invading American coastal waters at an alarming rate and gobbling up the natives.

Animals

Bats before bedtime

Scientists find new animal species in old rainforests.

Animals

Infectious animals

Critters spread many germs that can sicken each other — and even kill people.

Environment

Fungi as carbon keepers

A common type of fungus stores most of a forest floor’s carbon underground.

Chemistry

A plant enemy’s enemy

Plants use chemicals to recruit help in fighting off pests.

Ecosystems

Predators as climate helpers

In lakes and streams, fish and insects can help protect aquatic plants that gobble up greenhouse gas.

Oceans

Icy inns at Earth’s end

Intrepid researchers discover icebergs host large and lively communities of life.

Animals

Python-palooza!

Monster-sized Burmese python bearing record-number of eggs retrieved in the Florida Everglades.