Faceless Cusk

How Can A Fish Not Have a Face?

From the "weird science" files: A research vessel off the coast of New South Wales in Eastern Australia hauled up a fish that did not seem to have a face.
Humpback whale

Why Have Whales Come to New York City?

What brought whales to the city? It’s a tale of water quality, plankton, and an unassuming but vital fish called the menhaden.
Barracuda school

How Do Fish Schools Work?

Fish schools turn, contract, expand, even part and come back together all without missing a beat. Yet fish are individuals, not a hive mind.
Death Cap Mushroom

California’s Plague of Poisonous Mushrooms

In the last couple of months, fourteen Californians have learned the hard way when they accidentally ate highly poisonous “Death Cap” mushrooms.
Narwhals

The Enduring Mysteries of the Narwhal’s Tusk

Why don't we know what narwhals' tusks are for? New footage suggests they use the tusks to stun fish before eating then, but some mysteries remain.
Komodo dragon in Indonesia.

The Mysteries of Komodo Dragons

Antibiotics and other medical treatments often come from offbeat sources, but researchers in Virginia have found some promising ...
Chili peppers

The Science of Hot Chili Peppers

Why do spicy foods feel hot? A look at the science behind the world's spiciest hot chili peppers, including the new "Dragon's Breath" variety.
Ovenbird

Is Human Noise Stressing Out Protected Wildlife?

A survey in the United States found that in more than half of protected areas human-caused sounds significantly increased background noise levels.
Linnaeus Skulls

The Gender Politics Behind Why We’re “Mammals”

Linnaeus, who described most plants and animals by their male characteristics, chose to name humans and their relatives after the female breast.
Lion

When Predators Become Man-Eaters

It’s very rare that predators eat humans. However, every now and then, predators do develop a taste for people, such as an infamous episode in Tsavo, Kenya.