Animals
- Genetics
Bats in China carry all the ingredients to make a new SARS virus
Viruses infecting bats could recombine to re-create SARS.
- Animals
Jackpot of fossilized pterosaur eggs unearthed in China
A treasure trove of pterosaur eggs and embryos gives tantalizing clues to the winged reptile’s early development.
- Animals
Studying giant tortoise flips without tipping the animals over is a delicate business
Giant tortoise shells go domed or saddlebacked, but which is better when navigating treacherous ground?
- Animals
Here’s yet more evidence that the mythical yeti was probably a bear
A more complete genetic analysis amps up the evidence that the legendary creatures known as yetis are actually bears.
- Animals
Most blue whales are ‘righties,’ except for this one move
Though many blue whales tend to be “right-handed” when hunting for krill, one specific barrel roll move requires a lefty twist.
- Animals
Rough lessons can lessen the pull of human scent on a mosquito
A form of aversion therapy for mosquitoes shows they can connect human scent to a bad experience.
- Genetics
Bones show Dolly’s arthritis was normal for a sheep her age
Cloning didn’t cause the famous sheep to age prematurely.
- Animals
Seeds coated in a common pesticide might affect birds’ migration
Eating small amounts of a neonicotinoid pesticide can disorient white-crowned sparrows.
- Plants
The dietary habits of the emerald ash borer beetle are complicated
Tests answer some questions about the emerald ash borer’s hidden taste for olive and fringe trees.
- Animals
Even a tiny oil spill spells bad news for birds
Just a small amount of crude can make birds less active.
- Animals
The key to breaking down plastic may be in caterpillars’ guts
Caterpillars that feast on plastic have different gut microbes than those that eat a grain-based diet.
- Animals
Fluorescence could help diagnose sick corals
Diseased corals fluoresce less than healthy corals, and a new analysis technique can help spot the reduced glow.
