The Hidden Life of Modal Verbs
A linguist explains why we get so distracted by the fiery language of politics, while ignoring urgent information reported by scientists.
Why Civilizations End
Scientists studying fallen civilizations suggest that the culprit is overshoot in combination with climate change. What does this mean for our current era?
Would You Like Some Germs with Your Wheaties?
To fulfill the increasing protein demand, scientists turn to microbes.
New Study Finds Insects Speak in Different “Dialects”
Different fruit flies species can learn each other’s language to warn against parasitic wasps.
Hippo Poop Kills Fish, but There’s an Upside
A robot disguised as a crocodile is helping scientists understand that mass fish die-offs serve a purpose.
Russian Cuckoos are Invading Alaska. Songbirds, Beware!
Songbirds may loose their entire broods to cuckoos’ parasitic tricks.
The Platypus Is Even Weirder Than You Thought
Platypuses. They’re weird. In fact, platypuses are so unusual that it took taxonomists more than eighty years just to decide what they are.
Solving a Medical Mystery With Oral Traditions
In 1993, Navajo elders provided a key piece of information to CDC scientists and climatologists to help combat a deadly mystery disease.
The Unexpected Result of Australia’s Dingo Fence
The story of dingoes in Australia is the first recorded case where an introduced predator has taken on such a functional role in its adopted ecosystem.
How Wild Animals Self-Medicate
The range of animals known to make use of available medicinal materials includes orangutans, dogs, parrots, spider monkeys, lizards, and lemurs.