BIOLOGY

These creepy crawlers must defend themselves from many predators, such as lizards, snakes, and birds.

Tarantulas May Have Evolved Hair to Defend Against Army Ants

A new study on tarantulas reveals surprising insights into their relationship with army ants.

Dodos were more agile than most people think.

Dodos May Have Been Fast and Strong, Contradicting Stereotypes

What you think you know about the dodo bird is probably wrong.

Red eyes are a hallmark of many albino creatures.

Why Do Albino Animals Have Red Eyes?

It has nothing to do with red pigment.

These gentle giants have so much history.

New Study Sheds Light on the Greenland Shark's Record-Breaking Lifespan

Scientists are closer to understanding how Greenland sharks can survive for hundreds of years.

The Real-Life Marine Biologist Who Helped Inspire ‘Jaws’

Dr. Donald “Reef” Nelson dedicated his life to studying sharks and was part of the inspiration for Matt Hooper, Richard Dreyfuss’s character from 1975's “Jaws.”

Everything you knew about normal human body temperature is a myth.

The 98.6°F Myth: Why Everything You Think You Know About Body Temperature Is a Lie

The average body temperature isn't actually 98.6°F, a fact scientists have known for at least three decades. So why does this myth persist?

Unlovable Sea Lampreys Might Share Our Fight-or-Flight Instinct

The alien-looking, bloodsucking fish have cells that may form the same rudimentary nervous system we have.

20 Surprising (and Horrifying) Facts About Pregnancy

The act of bringing another person into the world comes with a whole host of things you might not have anticipated, from a phenomenon called “lightning crotch” and disappearing belly buttons to unexpected excrement and so much more.

A northern hawk owl snoozes in a tree cavity.

How Do Birds Sleep?

At some point, whether during the day or at night, all birds need to sleep. How do they do it?

Parrots are among the longest-living birds.

How Long Do Birds Live?

A single number for birds’ lifespans is difficult to pin down, but the ability to fly is one of the keys to their longevity.

How Foxes Might Use Earth's Magnetic Field to Hunt Prey

Foxes are highly skilled hunters, which allows them to eat a variety of small animals.

Guests look at a portrait of Henrietta Lacks.

How Henrietta Lacks Became the Mother of Modern Medicine

Though she died of cancer in 1951, Henrietta Lacks's immortal cells became the foundation for countless medical advancements.

Homicidal or harmless? iNaturalist can help you answer that question.

The iNaturalist App Is Like Shazam for Plants, Animals, and Insects

It has even led to the discovery of a new species.

They’re the only marsupials you're likely to find north of Mexico.

13 Facts About Opossums

Opossums have a bad reputation, but they’re smarter and more beneficial to people than other woodland denizens. Discover more about these unique marsupials here.

A baby crocodile made for a scientific milestone.

Scientists Marvel at the First ‘Virgin Birth’ Documented in a Crocodile

The baby croc was the product of a mother who has spent her entire life in captivity.

8 Historical Methods of Detecting Pregnancy

Before home pregnancy tests, the most reliable test was just to wait and see. But people still wanted to know as early as possible whether they were harboring a tiny human.

8 Bodily Secretions You’d Rather Not Think About

Rheum, cerumen, and mucus are just a few of our gross bodily fluids.

Elephant Recorded Peeling a Banana With Its Trunk for the First Time

In this video, Pang Pha the elephant is shown peeling a banana using only her trunk—a first for the species.

Anglerfish Mating Is Horrific—and Here’s How It Works

If you thought modern-day dating was rough, just wait until you find out how these deep-sea dwellers get it on.

Chemistry between couples does involve actual chemistry.

When You Feel “Chemistry” With Someone, What’s Actually Going On?

We know chemistry when we feel it, but we don't always know why we're drawn to one person over another. Science has some answers … but not all of them.

10 Brilliant Facts About Teeth

The average adult human has 28 to 32 teeth, give or take a set of wisdom teeth. But besides the importance of brushing and flossing, how well do you know your chompers?

What’s That White Stuff on Your Salmon (And Is It Safe to Eat)?

That’s the salmon’s albumin—here’s everything you need to know about what it is and how to avoid it when cooking salmon.

For the First Time Ever, Scientists Witnessed—and Recorded—Orcas Stalking and Killing a Blue Whale

New video evidence shows that orcas are capable of hunting and killing blue whales—the largest animals on Earth.

Are Zebras Black With White Stripes or White With Black Stripes?

What color are a zebra's stripes? Though it may sound like a philosophical query, it is possible to answer this question with science.