Zoology

Bats have a specialized thin skin that allows their wings to change when a muscle is activated with every beat cycle of the wings.

Researchers explore the fascinating biomechanics and neuroscience of bats

Science

To get a true sense of wonder that surrounds the movement of bats, you just have to slow things down a little.

Flamingos have enjoyed a resurgence in Florida over the last 50 years. Notice that the young flamingo in the middle is gray and not the iconic pink. Flamingos gain their pinkish color over time through their diet — mainly shrimp.

New study sheds light on the debate over the origins of flamingos in Florida

Science
Aided by reintroduction programs and changing public attitudes, wolves are making a comeback in the rural American West. On Isle Royale, however, they’re in a steep decline and unlikely to recover.

The world’s longest animal population study has bad news for wolves

Environment
An image of a Patagonia beaver taken from a video by Motherboard.

It’s open season on Patagonia’s voracious, disruptive … beavers?

Environment
A pig-nosed turtle, which is becoming a favorite as an exotic pet.

Pig-nosed turtles are adorable — and that’s made them the target of traffickers

Environment
Scientists holds the arms of a colossal squid as they examine the squid at a national museum facility in Wellington, New Zealand.

A rare colossal squid was dissected in New Zealand — and you can watch it on YouTube

Science

Last summer in the southern hemisphere, a fishing vessel in the Antarctic Ocean pulled up a rare creature — a 770-pound colossal squid. Only one other such animal had been pulled up intact before, surprisingly, by the same vessel. It is thought that the giant marine beast might be the origin of legends of undersea monsters. Scientists in New Zealand froze it to preserve it and just defrosted and dissected it.

Two high ranking male chimps bond.

A ‘lexicon’ of chimp gestures may tell us things about our own language

Environment

Researchers at the University of St. Andrews have compiled a list of 66 gestures that that they say chimpanzees use to communicate with each other.Researchers at the University of St. Andrews have compiled a list of 66 gestures that that they say chimpanzees use to communicate with each other.

Dying sea star

What’s killing all the sea stars?

Environment

On the Pacific coast, the largest documented marine epidemic in human history is unfolding — and some beloved ocean-dwellers are in serious trouble.On the Pacific coast, the largest documented marine epidemic in human history is unfolding — and some beloved ocean-dwellers are in serious trouble.

Elephants running from bees

Researchers are learning how to say, ‘Run! Bees!’ — in elephant

Environment

Even an elephant, the largest land animal on Earth today, is terrified by the prospect of bees flying up its nose. And humans are putting that fear to their advantage in Africa.

Elephants running from bees

Researchers are learning how to say, ‘Run! Bees!’ — in elephant

Environment

Even an elephant, the largest land animal on Earth today, is terrified by the prospect of bees flying up its nose. And humans are putting that fear to their advantage in Africa.