How orangutans thrive in feast and famine without gaining weight
Orangutans, humans’ close evolutionary relatives, have developed remarkable strategies to survive in the unpredictable rainforests of Borneo. A Rutgers-led study reveals that these apes balance protein intake and adjust their activity to match food availability, avoiding obesity and metabolic diseas Read more
70-million-year-old crocodile relative with dinosaur-crushing jaws found in Argentina
Seventy million years ago, southern Patagonia was home to dinosaurs, turtles, and mammals—but also to a fierce crocodile-like predator. A newly discovered fossil, astonishingly well-preserved, reveals Kostensuchus atrox, a powerful 3.5-meter-long apex predator with crushing jaws and sharp teeth capa Read more
How cats with dementia could help crack the Alzheimer’s puzzle
Cats can naturally develop dementia with brain changes strikingly similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, including toxic amyloid-beta buildup and loss of synapses. A new study shows these similarities could make cats valuable natural models for research, potentially leading to treatments that ben Read more
This prehistoric predator survived global warming by eating bones
A prehistoric predator changed its diet and body size during a major warming event 56 million years ago, revealing how climate change can reshape animal behavior, food chains, and survival strategies. Read more
Ancient bird droppings reveal a hidden extinction crisis
An intriguing new study reveals that over 80% of parasites found in the ancient poo of New Zealand’s endangered kākāpō have vanished, even though the bird itself is still hanging on. Researchers discovered this dramatic parasite decline by analyzing droppings dating back 1,500 years, uncovering an u Read more
They fled the flames—now jaguars rule a wetland refuge
After devastating wildfires scorched the Brazilian Pantanal, an unexpected phenomenon unfolded—more jaguars began arriving at a remote wetland already known for having the densest jaguar population on Earth. Scientists discovered that not only did the local jaguars survive, but their numbers swelled Read more
Why cats prefer sleeping on their left side—and how it might help them survive
Cats overwhelmingly choose to sleep on their left side, a habit researchers say could be tied to survival. This sleep position activates the brain’s right hemisphere upon waking, perfect for detecting danger and reacting swiftly. Left-side snoozing may be more than a preference; it might be evolutio Read more
These frozen wolf cubs ate a woolly rhino—and changed what we know about dogs
Two Ice Age wolf pups once thought to be early dogs have been identified as wild wolves, thanks to detailed DNA and chemical analysis. Surprisingly, their last meals included woolly rhinoceros meat—an unusually large prey item—hinting that ancient wolves might have been bigger than today’s. Their we Read more
Telehealth can improve care for cats with chronic health issues
UC Davis researchers found that video telehealth visits help cat owners better care for arthritic cats without the stress of clinic visits. Owners appreciated personalized tips to improve their cat s comfort at home, and most said they'd pay for this convenient service. It s a game-changer for Read more
Genetic basis of purring in cats
Whether you are lucky enough to have a cat companion or must merely live this experience vicariously through cat videos, Felis catus is a familiar and comforting presence in our daily lives. Unlike most other feline species, cats exhibit sociality, can live in groups, and communicate both with other Read more
Genetic deep dive dispels fear of hybrid worm threat
Parasitic worms that infect humans are not interbreeding with those that infect cattle as previously thought. This is good news for when it comes to controlling schistosomiasis, a disease caused by these worms that affects more than 200 million people globally. Read more
When the forest is no longer a home -- forest bats seek refuge in settlements
Many bat species native to Germany, such as the Leisler's bat, are forest specialists. However, as it is becoming increasingly hard for them to find tree hollows in forest plantations, so they are moving to settlements instead. Using high-resolution GPS data from bats, a team led by scientists Read more
Managing surrogate species, providing a conservation umbrella for more species
A new study shows that monitoring and managing select bird species can provide benefits for other species within specific regions. Read more
Climate change poses severe threat to bowhead whale habitat
New research examining 11,700 years of bowhead whale persistence throughout the Arctic projects that sea ice loss due to climate change will cause their habitat to severely contract by up to 75 per cent. Read more
New research reveals puff adders as an important conservation and rodent control solution
Often feared as dangerous, puff adders may be unsung agricultural heroes—capable of devouring rodents at extraordinary rates just when farmers need it most. By harnessing their natural abundance, these snakes could protect crops, cut losses, and reshape the way we think about pest control. Read more
Novel molecular maneuver helps malaria parasite dodge the immune system
Researchers have discovered how a parasite that causes malaria when transmitted through a mosquito bite can hide from the body's immune system, sometimes for years. It turns out that the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, can shut down a key set of genes, rendering itself 'immunologically in Read more
Wild orangutans show communication complexity thought to be uniquely human
Researchers have found that wild orangutans vocalize with a layered complexity previously thought to be unique to human communication, suggesting a much older evolutionary origin. Read more
