The Rise and Fall of the Pet Bird
Pet birds were considered ideal role models for middle-class life.
The Race to Name New Species
Habitats are being destroyed so rapidly that species can go extinct before they are even named.
Did Humans Once Live by Beer Alone? An Oktoberfest Tale
Some scholars have suggested that humans first started growing domesticated grains in order to make not bread, but beer.
The Beloved, Bedeviled Banana
The Cavendish banana is currently threatened by a fungal disease. A similar disease all but wiped out its predecessor, the Gros Michel banana.
Richard Prum: How Does Beauty Evolve?
Prum speaks on Darwin’s idea of sexual selection, the importance of arbitrary traits, and why he could never choose a favorite species of bird.
The Ancient Roots of Apple Cider
Alcoholic apple cider has been around for centuries. So why does "hard cider" feel like a new trend?
How to Eat Seafood — Sustainably
Fish stocks are collapsing. But you can still enjoy your freshest local seafood without feeling too guilty—and here’s why.
How to Make Quicksand Like an Octopus
When it comes to camouflage, the sand octopus has some truly amazing techniques.
The Miyawaki Method: A Better Way to Build Forests?
India’s forest production company is following the tenets of the master Japanese botanist, restoring biodiversity in resource-depleted communities.