A cavern in the deep ocean

Into the Challenger Deep!

Researchers surveying the deepest point on Earth, the Mariana Trench, also known as the Challenger Deep, made a number of remarkable discoveries.
Giant squid lurking in the depths of a deep, dark ocean

Squids Wearing Sweaters: What Could Be Better?

Three jumbo squids found themselves wearing fancy "sweaters" recently, thanks to a team of scientists from Stanford and the National Geographic Society
A bear looks out of its cave over the snow covered terrain

The Mysteries of Hibernation

Bears in hibernation have a lot of physiological issues to solve.
Bohemian Waxwing 
Bombycilla garrulus
(Hilversum, The Netherlands)

When Birds Drink Too Much

In case you think a few drinks makes your singing better, it doesn’t—and the same goes for drunk birds.
Mahogany Valley near Borah Peak Idaho

Can Soil Microbes Help End World Hunger?

Bacteria and genetic research - including soil microbes - may fuel the future of agriculture
A maroon and cream striped octopus on the seafloor

Mimics of the Animal Kingdom

Art Imitates Life? Try Bird Imitates Caterpillar. Animals that mimic to survive
A forest full of thin trees

Overhunting Can Kill Forests, Too

Researchers in Thailand have discovered that overhunting in tropical forests doesn’t just kill animals, it kills also trees.
A polar bear walks on a frozen tundra

Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act

41 years after the Endangered Species act, what is its legacy?
A dove perched on a branch

Christmas Bird Count and Citizen Science Through The Years

The Christmas Bird Count is upon us! From Dec. 14 until Jan. 5, birders of all stripes will be participating in a long-running "citizen science" project.
A Giant Salamander sticks out his neck

Within The Animal Kingdom, Sometimes Father Knows Best

Who’s your daddy? If you’re a giant salamander, he’s the one who fanned your nest with his tail, of course.