Animals

Science & Technology

Can insects have culture? Puzzle-solving bumblebees show it's possible

Ari Daniel

A new study in PLOS Biology finds that bumblebees can learn to solve puzzles from each other — suggesting that even invertebrate animals may have a capacity for culture.
International

What to know about the new U.N. high seas treaty — and the next steps for the accord

Juliana Kim

Rachel Treisman

Right now, two-thirds of the ocean are regulated by a fragmented patchwork of agreements and organizations. This treaty plans to unite countries to improve the health of the ocean.
Health

An Oscar for 'The Elephant Whisperers' — a love story about people and pachyderms

Kamala Thiagarajan

The winner in the documentary short film category, the film, now streaming on Netflix, depicts the loving relationship of a tribe in India and the pachyderms who share the forest with them.
Environment

San Diego officials work to stop elephant poaching

Erik Anderson

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is working with state and federal law enforcement officers to encourage people to turn in ivory they own.
Science & Technology

Scientists find signs of horse riding in ancient human remains

Nell Greenfieldboyce

Researchers have found evidence of horseback riding in skeletal remains of people who lived about 5,000 years ago, adding to a body of research on when people first started using horses to get around.
International

Who can house a hippo? Colombia hopes export part of Pablo Escobar's bloat

The Associated Press

Dozens of the invasive behemoths, descended from 4 imported by the 1980s drug lord, are thriving in the region around his former ranch. Colombia wants to ship some of them to Mexico and India.
Science & Technology

Toothed whales use 'vocal fry' to hunt for food, scientists say

Ari Daniel

New research suggests that vocal fry among toothed whales is what gives them the ability to echolocate, hunting down their prey with the loudest sounds produced by any animal on the planet.
Environment

Climate change is fueling more conflict between humans and wildlife

Nathan Rott

As climate change shifts resources and habitat, humans and wildlife are coming into conflict more often, new research finds. It underscores the need for interventions, the researchers say.
Health

What does the science say about the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic?

Michaeleen Doucleff

Two U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly support the lab leak theory — with low-to-moderate confidence. No evidence has been shared. Scientists have strong evidence of animal spillover at a market.
National

On the Kansas prairie, a master falconer develops a unique bond with birds of prey

Brian Mann

Monte Markley read My Side of the Mountain as a kid and was captivated by the story of a boy and his falcon. He's now a master falconer, training his latest bird on the grasslands of Kansas.