Animals

Colored transmission electron micrograph of a section through an Escherichia coli bacterium. This rod-shaped bacterium moves via its hair-like flagellae (yellow).

Biologists Trace Genetic Roots Of Evolution, One Cell At A Time

2:29pm March 15, 2018

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

E.coli bacteria, each cell trapped in a tiny tube, are giving researchers the chance to study the pace and effects of single genetic mutations. Most mutations, the scientists find, aren't harmful.

Environment

Bye, Bye Birdies?

5:49pm March 13, 2018

It's the 100th anniversary of one of the nation's first environmental laws, which protects migratory birds.

Drawn in by fresh eggs, or the possibility of feathered friends, people continue to flock toward backyard chickens. One researcher wonders if local laws are doing enough to keep people and birds safe.

Do Backyard Chickens Need More Rules?

4:00pm March 12, 2018

by Menaka Wilhelm

Drawn in by fresh eggs, or the possibility of feathered friends, people continue to flock toward backyard chickens. One researcher wonders if local laws are doing enough to keep people and birds safe.

A photo taken in Astoria, Ore., circa 1910. It was stated that the chinook on the left weighed 116 pounds and the one on the right weighed 121 pounds.

This Is Why You Don't See People-Size Salmon Anymore

3:43pm March 12, 2018

by John Ryan

Historical photos show fishermen with chinooks almost as tall as they are. A century's worth of dam-building, overfishing, habitat loss and hatcheries has cut the size of the average fish in half.

A fisherman loads a catch into baskets at sea aboard a Spanish boat. Two vessels flying the Spanish flag were signaled out for "going dark" in a new report issued by the conservation group Oceana.

Fishing Boats 'Going Dark' Raise Suspicion Of Illegal Catches, Report Says

1:26pm March 12, 2018

by Scott Neuman

A new report by the international conservation group Oceana highlights several incidents of fishing vessels switching off their automatic identification system beacons in no-take fishing areas.

Shelter Animals Wait To Be Adopted In Comfort

6:23am March 12, 2018

The Knox County Humane Society No Kill Shelter in Galesburg, Ill., is giving its dogs and cats some comfort by furnishing their kennels with old armchairs and recliners donated by the public.

Queue Listen Now

Emperor penguins near Australia's Mawson research center in Antarctica took a video "selfie."

Science

Penguins Mug For Camera, Take A Pretty Great 'Selfie'

3:43pm March 09, 2018

by Merrit Kennedy

You probably didn't know that emperor penguins are reasonably good at framing a video shot. At a research station in Antarctica, the curious animals provided a bird's-eye view.

Study Questions Science Behind Hunting Plans

10:02pm March 08, 2018

by Nathan Rott

Researchers say governments' hunting policies often don't demonstrate they've made wildlife decisions using the best available science.

One writer refuses to downplay the attraction and achievements of the octopus.

Science

Calling Team Cephalopod: Why Octopuses Could Never Disappoint

4:07pm March 08, 2018

by Barbara J. King

Evidence for smart, sassy octopus behavior once again impresses our resident cephalopod fan Barbara J. King, who is standing up for octopuses against a recent broadside.

A Look At Just How Invasive The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Is

7:51pm March 07, 2018

The brown marmorated stink bug first showed up in the United States about 20 years ago, and has been terrorizing homeowners and farmers ever since. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Kathryn Schulz, who writes about the invasive insect in the latest issue of The New Yorker.

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