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.
How Eco-Conscious is Your Eco-Tour?
Wildlife sighting business is booming. Here’s how to choose the tour operators that care about the animals.
Why Deep-Sea Creatures Get Weirdly Giant
A giant squid sighting has us wondering all over again: how on earth do deep-sea creatures get so large?
Meet the Man Behind the Peony
In China, gramophone and camera in tow, botanist and explorer Joseph Rock collected seeds from the tree peony that bears his name.