Animals

  1. Genetics

    DNA changes may show how whales adapted to water

    Comparing the genetic material of whales has revealed DNA changes that may have helped the animals adapt to aquatic environments.

    By Ashley Yeager
  2. Agriculture

    Probiotics may protect piglets from E. coli infection

    Beneficial bacteria could replace antibiotics in pig feed.

    By Beth Mole
  3. Animals

    Malformed frogs rarer than thought

    Frogs with skin cysts or shortened or missing legs make up only 2 percent of the amphibians collected during a 10-year study.

    By Ashley Yeager
  4. Animals

    Green sea slugs aren’t solar powered after all

    Several species of sea slugs hold on to algal chloroplasts, digesting them weeks or months later. Scientists assumed the creatures were able to use these chloroplasts to make their own food in lean times. A new study finds that at least two of the species aren't solar powered after all.

    By Sarah Zielinski
  5. Animals

    Comb jelly immune system can spot old enemies

    Animal at base of family tree could help researchers understand the evolution of immunity.

    By Susan Milius
  6. Animals

    Mothballs, rubbing alcohol score poorly in tests of DIY bedbug control

    Mattress encasement, dry ice in bags, hot clothes dryers do help control infestation.

    By Susan Milius
  7. Animals

    Migration is a deadly time for raptors

    For a bird or any other animal that migrates a long distance, it’s sure to face a host of dangers. The story is no different for raptors.

    By Sarah Zielinski
  8. Animals

    Tibet may be ancient home of big cats

    A recently discovered fossil skull and teeth suggest that the ancestor of all big cats lived in what's now Tibet.

    By Sarah Zielinski
  9. Animals

    The hottest guy guppies stand out in a crowd

    A new study shows that sexy male guppies are the ones who stand out the most, the rarest in the crowd. But what is the rare male effect for?

    By Bethany Brookshire
  10. Animals

    Gassed snails can’t jump

    When exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide, some snails move like slugs and others don’t jump at all.

    By Ashley Yeager
  11. Life

    Penguin’s flight from Antarctica clocked

    A climate shift millions of years ago may have forced the birds’ ancestors to flee to warmer digs.

    By Beth Mole
  12. Animals

    Sea slug mating features a stab in the head

    Newly discovered hermaphroditic sea slug deploys specialized needle-thin organ for injections near the eyes.

    By Susan Milius