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Why are some cats aggressive scratchers? Blame your ragged couch on stress

Cats always seem to have an itch. But when they go overboard, it's time to pay attention to your surroundings.

Hippos can run so fast that they're airborne for fractions of a second

You wouldn't believe it looking at their stubby frame.

Florida Carpenter Ants Perform Life-Saving Amputations on Injured Nest Mates

The only medical system that rivals this behavior would be the human one, scientists say.

Some mice may owe monogamy to a specialized cell -- and this could be significant for humans

The hormone that may be behind this is also found in humans, but it's not clear what it does.

Big Banks Break Their Climate Promises by Propping Up Big Meat

Massive industrial livestock financing sabotages major U.S. banks’ climate goals.

One Question About Climate, and Barely an Answer at Biden-Trump Debate

In this election cycle, stakes are high for the environment and the scientific community. You wouldn’t know that from the first presidential debate.

SuperAnimal: An AI model that anyone can use to understand animal behavior

Animals can't talk or express their feelings but an AI can help us understand their behavior.

Finally, green concrete? New mixture sequesters CO2 while producing strong, durable concrete

New method captures CO2 while enhancing concrete strength.

This startup is using dead leaves to make paper without cutting trees

The paper products emit nearly 80% less CO2 and use 15 less water than traditional paper.

Major Breakthrough in Perovskite Solar Cells Paves the Way for More Affordable Solar Power

This is big news for the future of solar energy.

These incredible butterflies migrate over the Atlantic

These delicate yet resilient insects have been found to traverse an astonishing distance of over 4,200 kilometers from West Africa to the coast of South America.

Honking lemurs that always stay on beat hint at origin of music

These primates can sing on the beat. Even their calls are rhythmic, hinting at a potential origin story for music in humans.

Are Pets Really Good for Your Health? This Psychologist Isn't Convinced

Research suggesting that pet ownership improves health is largely funded by the pet care industry. Does that matter?

There are probably microplastics in your penis

No escape from microplastics.

Honeybees can smell lung cancer on your breath

Bees are so good they can not only detect lung cancer but also distinguish between different types.

Wild chimpanzees use medicinal plants to treat ailments

Their knowledge of specific plants with medicinal properties is stunning.

Is online shopping really more sustainable?

Buying stuff has never been easier. The convenience of buying virtually anything with a few clicks and having them delivered to your doorstop is something our ancestors couldn’t have even dreamed of. But online shopping opens up a whole can of worms. Do you know what you’re actually buying without seeing it? What are the […]

Parrots may have evolved to get high on aromatic plants, stinky ants and alcohol

Norfolk Island green parrots are self-medicating with pepper tree bark and leaves, to rid themselves of parasites. But is there more to it? Birds are known to indulge in alcohol and take stimulants.

Firefighters in the Amazon are heroes. Scientists want you to see their story

They do a job that's crucial but often goes unnoticed. This short film puts them in the spotlight.

How to keep your dog safe from ticks (and other nasty parasites)

Ticks thrive in warm weather, but you can protect your dog with grooming, environmental controls, and vet-approved treatments.

Young male dolphins role-play and practice for fatherhood years before they're old enough to mate

Who knew young dolphins like to play doctor and nurse.

Revolutionary EV Battery Promises 1,000-Mile Range

New battery technology could extend EV range and lifespan, boosting resale value.

Researchers use AI to try and decode dog vocalizations

We won't have a dog translator anytime soon, but we're slowly understanding man's best friend.

Can We Prevent a Farming Catastrophe from Topsoil Erosion?

A new study says topsoil erosion is likely to increase under climate change, though policy changes now could help stem the loss.

Elephants call each other by name, just like people

Elephants use unique, name-like calls to identify each other, demonstrating advanced cognitive abilities and social complexity akin to human communication.

DNA study shows snow leopards eat a lot of things — including plants

Despite not being herbivorous, snow leopards seem to eat more plants than you'd think.

"Walking Tree" resembling an Ent from LOTR crowned New Zealand's tree of the year

It was part of a forest that was cleared 150 years ago to make way for farmland. It now stands solitary in the middle of a field.

Scientists find giant viruses on Greenland ice. Here's why this is actually a very good thing

Researchers find giant viruses that may regulate algae growth, potentially reducing ice melt.

The Evolution of Carrot Colors: A Genetic and Cultural Odyssey

From ancient Arab cultivators to Dutch breeders, the history of carrots spans continents and centuries, transforming this humble root into a global culinary staple.

The surprising reason why giraffes have long necks — it's not just for eating tall branches

New study reveals the driving evolutionary forces behind giraffes' necks

May 2024 is the 12th consecutive month with record-high temperatures

We're entering unprecedented territory more and more.

The surprising history of cat domestication: They were not so late to Europe after all

Recent discoveries push back the arrival of domesticated cats in Europe by thousands of years.

We finally know why male anglerfish evolved into sex parasites

Sexual parasitism is wild. Here is how it works for anglerfish.

US Renewable energy: over $80 billion a year in health and climate benefits

People focus on the difficulties and challenges. But it's important to acknowledge when something is working.

Crows can count to four, similar to toddlers. And they do it aloud

Research reveals crows' counting abilities match those of young children.

We need to make electric cars noisier. Otherwise, they can be dangerous to pedestrians

Electric cars may be twice as likely to hit pedestrians because they're harder to hear. But it may not just be the cars themselves.

The South Pole is entirely powered by diesel. This energy system could cut its use by 95%

The proposed hybrid energy system could make Antarctica largely diesel-free while saving money in the long-run.

Cows can be excellent therapy animals. But they seem to prefer women over men

Cuddling with cows provides a unique and powerful boost to emotional well-being. It's a fresh take on animal-assisted therapy.

Whales replicate "mythical" behavior described in ancient manuscripts

The technique is thought to have contributed to myths about sea monsters.

Over 30% of world's electricity now comes from renewables

Even though demand for electricity rises, the share of renewable energy is increasing.

How a lizard tail inspired a new building system that sheds parts to escape catastrophic collapse

How a trick used by lizards can help us make safer buildings.

Earth’s gateway to hell is expanding fast. Should you worry?

Climate change is testing the limits of the world's largest permafrost crater.

Scientists achieve over 1,000 degrees Celsius with solar power alone rather than fossil fuels. A game changer for heavy industries?

Solar power could replace fossil fuels in high-heat industries like steel and cement manufacturing.

Crab museum crowns the world's best "crabby" jokes

Several jokes were disqualified for "scientific inaccuracy," said organizers — "and rather a lot for lewdness."

Making cement and bricks out of the gemstone olivine could cut CO2 emissions by 11 percent

Cement and clay bricks could be replaced with olivine-based alternatives.

The summer of 2023 was the warmest in 2,000 years

It's hot and it's about to get even hotter.

Meet Mammoth, the world’s largest vacuum that now sucks thousands of tons of carbon out of the air

We'll need many more such Mammoths if we're serious about climate change.

Scientists make 'living plastic' with bacterial spores that could put an end to forever plastic pollution

The bacterial spores are incorporated into the bulk plastic. Interestingly, this plastic is more durable and flexible, mirroring the way rebar reinforces concrete.

Can Bitcoin's latest halving usher in a greener future for mining?

After the halving, there are good reasons to believe Bitcoin's notoriously unsustainable mining could be turned around.

Venezuela has become the first country to lose all its glaciers

No more "eternal snows" in Venezuela.