Are We Entering a New Golden Age of Guano?
A history of civilization could be written in fertilizers. And the history of guano—bird poop—tells us a lot about slavery, imperialism, and U.S. expansion.
An Asteroid Killed the Dinosaurs. Right?
What killed the dinosaurs? An asteroid wiped them out, right? New research suggests that even before that cataclysm, dinosaurs weren't doing so well.
Why We Can’t Turn Away from Wildlife Cams
Wildlife cams have steadily gained popularity among both scientists and casual observers. But viewers aren't always prepared for wildlife unscripted.
Dr. Nose: Disease-Detecting Animals
Belgian scientists are training rats to detect diseases. Other animals, including dogs, have a history of disease-detection.
Why Myanmar Jailed Mangrove Activists
Activists in Myanmar took action against Mangrove deforestation. Why were they jailed?
National Parks Are Like Islands for Wildlife
There’s no doubt that national parks are good at getting people in touch with the natural world. But how good are they at conserving wildlife?
The Tully Monster, Monstrous No More
The identity of the Tully monster, a 50-year-old paleontological mystery, has been solved.
Meet the Secretary Bird, Snake Nemesis
If snakes have nightmares, they most likely include secretary birds (or secretarybirds)—so-called because the birds’ crests, when flattened against the head, ...
Invasive Species: Pro And Con
Are invasive species always bad? Maybe they aren’t, according to an increasingly common point of view among ecologists.
What’s In Your Honeybees?
Honeybees contribute an estimated $15 billion annually to the U.S. economy, but continue to be in very bad shape.