Animals

  1. Animals

    Mysterious neurotoxin may help flatworms kill prey

    Tetrodotoxin, the deadly chemical in pufferfish, could help flatworms transform their earthworm prey into puddles of goo.

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  2. Physics

    Tiny silica spheres put the disco in disco clams

    The electric effect in disco clams is actually the result of light scattering off tiny silica spheres.

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  3. Animals

    Lionfish dance can recruit partner for hunting

    Slow but superb predators recruit pals for cooperative hunting, often striking in what looks like well-mannered turn taking.

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  4. Animals

    Tiny frogs host an illusion on their backs

    How dyeing dart frogs move changes how predators see the amphibians, a new study finds.

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  5. Animals

    Fish-eating spiders are the stuff of nightmares

    Spiders that feast on fish can be found on every continent but Antarctica, a new review finds.

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  6. Animals

    Passenger pigeon population had booms and busts

    DNA says the birds recovered from hard times — until people came along.

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  7. Animals

    In emergencies, fire ants get lots of grips to form rafts

    First look inside fire ant architecture shows how lots of leg grips assemble rafts, bridges and balls.

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  8. Animals

    Mosses hitch rides on the wings of birds

    Seeds may travel from far north to south hidden in the feathers of migratory birds.

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  9. Life

    Genetic mutation quenches quantum quirk in algae

    Studying algae that can and cannot use quantum coherence to harvest light could lead to better organic solar cells and quantum-based electronic devices.

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  10. Animals

    Swimming evolved several times in treetop ants

    Certain ants living in tropical forest canopies turn out to be fine swimmers.

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  11. Animals

    Feedback

    Readers discuss mammal milk, ancient human genetics and hand washing techniques.

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  12. Animals

    It’s hard being a sea otter mom

    The energy requirements of lactation may explain why some female sea otters abandon their young.

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