Animals
New heart rate measurements suggest that blue whales are about as large as animals can get
Anything larger would need more blood than a heart can pump.
Koalas might not be functionally extinct — but they’re in huge trouble
It's unclear if the species really is functionally extinct -- but koalas have been in trouble for a long time.
Agriculture impacts diets of wild mammals, study shows
Wild mammals living near agriculture fields were found to change their diets.
Urban pigeons often have maimed feet. Now, researchers know why — and it’s not what you think
Human activity -- and quite possibly, human hair -- is to blame.
‘Lost’ deer species rediscovered after 30 years
The adorable-looking fanged critter has been rediscovered in Vietnam after it was presumed extinct for three decades.
Over 800 mammoth bones discovered in massive fossil stash in Mexico
This might be the earliest example of a mammoth trap.
One small-brained Kenyan bird creates complex societies, and it can teach us about our own
"It's obviously not just about being smart," the authors say.
Macaque tool-use patterns help us understand how early humans went about it
Macaques rely on tools for foods such as shellfish.
Vampire bats make friends in captivity — and keep them after release
A new study looking into social bonding dynamics for vampire bats reports that friendships they make in captivity are likely to continue after the animals are released back into the...
Insects in Germany have declined by up to two-thirds in ten years
This not just happening only in Germany, but all over the world.
Why is it so hard to stop people dying from snakebite?
Around the world, thousands of people die every year from snakebite – and there’s not enough antivenom to go round. But even if we had the antivenom we needed, would...
Rats trained to drive makeshift cars seem to find it relaxing
Unlike most of us, rats seem to find driving relaxing. The impromptu vehicle.Image credits University of Richmond. A team of U.S. scientists reports training a group of rats to drive...
Crabs can solve mazes and find their way out
Crustaceans are just as good as some mammals at spatial learning.
‘Cursed’ yet adorable aye-aye has a sixth ‘pseudothumb’
The aye-aye is the craziest primate out there -- and it just got a lot more interesting.
Careful design and placement of wind turbines can minimize the threat to birds
The size of the turbine and the length of the blades are key to reduce the impacts
