Neuroscience
Implanting Memories in Birds Reveals How Learning Happens
Researchers activated specific brain cells in zebra finches to teach them songs they’d ordinarily have to hear to learn.
Stories by Jason G. Goldman
Biology
More Grazing Leads to Fewer Fires in the Serengeti
Beneficial blazes are critical to maintaining the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, but animals are eating the fuel
Biology
Migrating Birds Provide Surprising Snacks for Sharks
Meticulous work reveals the identity of sharks’ feathered prey
Wellness
The Nature Cure
Mind and body benefit from two hours in nature each week
Wellness
Mind and Body Benefit from Two Hours in Nature Each Week
People who spent at least two hours outside—either all at once or totaled over several shorter visits—were more likely to report good health and psychological well-being. Jason G...
Evolution
Monkeys Use Alarm Calls to Tell Predators to Scram
New research shows that primate calls deter predators in the wild
Evolution
Hyena Society Stability Has Last Laugh
Female hyenas keep their clans in line by virtue of their complex social networks. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Evolution
Urban Coyote Evolution Favors the Bold
Coyotes become fearless around people in just a few generations—which isn’t good for their longterm co-existence with humans in cities. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Biology
A Tiny Reef Fish Can Recognize Itself in a Mirror
When chimpanzees and elephants pass this classic test, they are said to have self-awareness. Can we say the same for a fish?
Arts & Culture
Different Humpback Whale Groups Meet to Jam
Humpback populations from the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet up south of Africa and trade song stylings.
Environment
Killer Whales and Chimpanzees Have Similar Personalities
Animals of both species can be assessed using many of the “big five” factors used to describe humans
Engineering
What Birds Can Teach Us about Flying Robots
Modeling the physics of bird jumping is helping engineers make more mobile machines
Behavior & Society
Do-Gooders Should Survey Communities First
Detroit residents declined an offer of free street trees—but were more willing to accept them if they had a say in the type of tree. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Evolution
Simple Genetic Mutation Helped Humans Become Endurance Runners
Mice with the human version of a gene can run for longer without becoming fatigued
Evolution
Colorful Peacocks Impress Females with Good Vibes
Peafowls' head crests are specifically tuned to the vibrations produced by feather-rattling male peacocks, thus acting as a sort of antenna. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Environment
Frog Picks Maternity Ward Like Goldilocks
The Bahia's broad-snout casque-headed tree frog needs a pool to raise its young that's just right.
Environment
Little Aphids Ride Big Ones to Safety
When trouble lurks, juvenile aphids drop off of the plants they're eating and hitch a ride on bigger aphid escapees.
Biology
Wild Songbirds Can Pick Up New Tunes
Researchers taught two dozen wild sparrows new songs, by playing them the recordings of sparrows that live thousands of miles away. Jason G. Goldman reports.
Conservation
Highway Crossings Protect Migrating Pronghorns—and Motorists
Twice a year, thousands of pronghorn antelope and mule deer migrate through Wyoming, and newly built highway crossings are sparing the lives of animals—and motorists. Jason G...
Biology
Birds of a Feather Fight Germs Together
Tropical African birds have greater immunity to certain pathogens than northern or migratory ones
