Animals & Plants

Why are carrots orange? New study reveals the color secret

Picture a lavish, vibrant carrot salad on your plate. Have you ever stopped and wondered why carrots, a popular veggie, are predominantly orange and not,...

How hammerhead sharks grow their hammers

In the vast expanse of our oceans, resides one of the most enchanting and oddly-shaped creatures: the hammerhead shark. Their distinct 'hammer' shaped head, known...

Why killer whales play rough with porpoises, but don’t eat them

Killer whales, also known as orcas, are fascinating creatures known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. But, there’s a strange mystery about them that...

Why there were so many mosquitoes this year

If you think there were more mosquitoes this year than usual, you're not wrong. Spring and summer in 2023 saw record temperatures across the globe,...

Ancient DNA reveals an early African origin of cattle in the Americas

Cattle may seem like uniquely American animals, steeped in the lore of cowboys, cattle drives and sprawling ranches. In a study funded in part by...

Ancient fish fossil unlocks 100-million-year-old secrets of skull evolution

Scientists have discovered something amazing about a really, really old fish fossil. This fossil helps us understand how the skulls of animals with backbones, like...

Why bats rarely get cancer and what we can learn from them

Bats are fascinating creatures, not just because they can fly, but also because they live for a long time, hardly ever get cancer, and...

Wolves and dogs remember where food is hidden, shows study

Ever played hide and seek with your dog using treats? You might think your dog finds the hidden treats solely based on their strong sense...

What’s really going on with sharks in New York waters? Scientists weigh in

Ever wonder what's going on with sharks near New York's beaches? You may have heard rumors or news reports about more sharks getting close to...

Scientists make a self-powered sensor from plants

Qi Chen was a Ph.D. student just starting her research on special foam-like materials. One day while hanging out with friends, she talked about...