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.
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.
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.
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.
The Mysteries of Komodo Dragons
Antibiotics and other medical treatments often come from offbeat sources, but researchers in Virginia have found some promising ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Will Feeding Plastic to Wax Worms Work?
The problems of plastic in the environment are well documented. Researchers may have a solution to our problem: the common wax worm.