Animals

Animals

Snakes evolved from burrowing ancestor, new data suggest

A new X-ray analysis of inner ears is the latest to weigh in on whether modern snakes descended from a burrowing or a swimming reptile.

Animals

For a python, every meal is like Thanksgiving

Burmese pythons rarely eat, but when they do, they gorge. Unlike humans, pythons have adaptations that allow them to survive on huge meals.

Genetics

Water bears are genetic mash-ups

Drying out may help tardigrades soak up new DNA, which in turn aids the water bears in withstanding stress.

Animals

Five species that show why ‘bird brain’ is a stupid phrase

Birds can use tools, make art and understand human language. Why do we assume they are stupid?

Science & Society

Genetically modified salmon gets approval in U.S.

Fast-growing salmon become first genetically engineered animals approved for human consumption.

Animals

How to see with eyes made of rock

Tiny mollusk eyes in chiton armor can pick up rough images.

Animals

Adorable birds tap dance their way into the heart of a mate

Blue-capped cordon-bleu songbirds not only sing, but also tap dance to woo mates, study reveals.

Animals

Vampire bats share blood to make friends

Vampire bats that share blood with nonrelatives have a wider social network to rely on when they’re in need, a new study finds.

Animals

Getting creative to cut methane from cows

Changing feed, giving vaccines and selective breeding may enable scientists to help beef and dairy cattle shake their title as one of society's worst methane producers.

Animals

Ponds and their toads cured of dreaded disease

Treating both tadpoles and their ponds for infection by deadly Bd chytrid fungus lets midwife toads go wild again.

Animals

Hungry elephants turn trunks into leaf blowers

Darwin once observed an elephant using its trunk to blow an object closer. Japanese zoo elephants use the behavior to obtain food, a new study reports.

Life

‘Racing Extinction’ documents plight of endangered species

The new documentary "Racing Extinction" offers hope that people can halt the sixth mass extinction.