Cognition
Readers Respond to the June 2022 Issue
Letters to the editor for the June 2022 issue of Scientific American
Animals169 articles archived since 1845
Animals
These Spiders Use Their Webs like Huge, Silky Ears
A study of orb-weaving spiders shows that the arachnids’ webs pick up a range of sounds—and that they are always “listening” for vibrations coming in over them...
Animals
The Purpose of Dolphins’ Mysterious Brain Net May Finally Be Understood
Dolphins and whales experience a lot of pressure while swimming, and a “wonderful net” of blood vessels may protect their brain, new research shows
Animals
How Facebook Is Saving Snakes
Snake-identification groups on social media are turning serpent haters into appreciators
Animals
These Bats Buzz like Bees to Save Their Own Lives
New research has discovered the first case of acoustic mimicry between a mammal and an insect—an acquired skill that could just save certain bats’ skin.
Animals
Most Pets Can’t Sweat: Here’s What You Can Do for Them in a Heat Wave
Austrian veterinarian Michael Leschnik explains why high temperatures put a strain on pets. Pugs, bulldogs and Persian cats have a particularly tough time
Animals
How Sea Creatures Pack a Tiny Propulsive Sting
New work explains “one of nature’s most exquisite biological micro-machines”
Animals
Cockatoos Work to Outsmart Humans in Escalating Garbage Bin Wars
An innovation arms race may rage between birds and humans on the suburban streets of southeastern Australia
Animals
These Tiny Pollinators Can Travel Surprisingly Huge Distances
It turns out that hoverflies may fly hundreds or even thousands of miles—all to help pollinate our flowers and vegetables.
Animals
13,000 Crabs Crawl into a Museum (Collection)
The American Museum of Natural History recently received the life’s work of a professor in Minnesota—1,274 jars of crabs collected over decades from around the world.
Climate Change
During a Heat Wave, You Can Blast the AC, but What Does a Squirrel Do?
Although recent spikes in temperature affect all of us, our urban critters have had to find their own ways to beat the heat. Sometimes they “sploot.”
Animals
Dogs Actually Tear Up When Their Owners Come Home
Our puppies’ eyes well up, a reaction caused by oxytocin, which makes us want to take care of them even more.
Animals
Greatest Migration on Earth Happens under Darkness Every Day
Trillions of tiny animals may be coordinating their movements in ways that affect every organism on the planet
Epidemiology
Dog That Caught Monkeypox Highlights Risk to Pets and Wild Animals
A greyhound in Paris was infected with monkeypox from its owner, underscoring the possibility of a viral reservoir in animals
Animals
Fantastic Sea Creatures Photographed Up Close and Personal
Sea angels, telescope fish and blanket octopuses can be real monsters
Animals
Researchers Created a Potion That Turns Loud Lions into Placid Pussycats
A single whiff of oxytocin, a chemical that some call the “love hormone,” promotes tolerance among lions at a wildlife sanctuary.
Animals
For Some Dolphins, the Key to Mating is Rolling with a Tight, Noisy Crew
A pair of studies show that male bottlenose dolphins rely on wingmen when wooing mates—and that they cultivate these friendships by being vocal.
Animals
Spiders Seem to Have REM-like Sleep and May Even Dream
Jumping spiders have REM-like twitches when they sleep, suggesting dreams may be much more widespread in the animal kingdom than previously realized
Intelligence
If Humans Are the Smartest Animals, Why Are We So Unhappy?
New books on intelligence, medicinal cocktails, galactic history, and more
Animals
Common Fungicide Kills Bee’s Sex Appeal
The chemical makes male mason bees lose their groove—and smell bad
