When the weather gets muggy, iridescent bees shift their metallic hue. The insects are a rich blue-green when ambient humidity is low. But as the amount of moisture in the…
Category: Animals
Got pesky, invasive corals? Blast ‘em away with air guns
Invasive corals are getting blown out of the water — with undersea air guns. While corals around the world are dying in vast numbers due to ocean acidification, climate change,…
This kea parrot is the first-known disabled alpha male
A parrot missing half his beak is top bird at New Zealand’s Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. The parrot, named Bruce, wins every fight with other kea parrots and gets priority access…
An endangered mouse may need a helping hand to adapt to climate change
A tiny mouse on the brink of extinction in coastal California may be able to adapt to a hotter world — though it might need a little help. Genetic analyses of critically…
Treetop toilets may act as communication hubs across mammal species
When a human has a sudden need to take a number two, they might seek out a public bathroom. When mammals in the cloud forests of Costa Rica need to…
New mutations help the H5N1 bird flu virus infect cows but not people
H5N1 bird flu viruses have acquired a molecular trick that makes them more easily infect mammary glands in cattle, but this adaptation does not appear to affect humans. To infect…
AI and tech advances may soon enable talking with animals
In the animated movie Up, a boisterous dog wears an electronic collar that translates his doggy thoughts into English words. “My master made me this collar,” he tells his new…
Nearly 1 in 5 gray whales die after entering the San Francisco Bay
Spotting a gray whale in San Francisco Bay can be thrilling, but researchers now know it can be bad news for the marine mammals. Nearly 1 in 5 gray whales…
Mummified reptile hints at the origins of how we breathe
The mummified remains of of a land-dwelling vertebrate are helping to reveal how early ancient reptiles began to take a breath with their whole chests — the breathing style used…
A new book finds parenting inspiration in the animal kingdom
The Creatures’ Guide to Caring Elizabeth PrestonViking, $30 My early days of nursing a newborn felt like I’d transformed into a 24-hour diner. A demanding yet adorable customer flagged me…
