Wednesday, 23 May, 2012

Migration of songbirds, butterflies, turtles and seals. Where does the natural urge to move originate?

Fast genomic analysis could open the door to breakthroughs in health, ecology and genetics. How do these machines work, and what have they taught about obesity, microbial diversity, and drug treatment?

Football star convicted for bloody dog-fighting operation. What made the wolf turn into 400+ breeds of dog? How have farmers and animal breeders changed cattle and chickens? Why bother saving an old breed of horse?

A honeybee queen mates with 15 guys. This weakens family ties in the hive, possibly hampering the selfless behavior these bees need for survival. Does polyandry have hidden benefits for bees?

Are humans the only animals that will help another animal without any expectation of reward? Not according to a recent study, which shows they’re willing to help unrelated apes.

Cooperation is a classic human trait, but chimps do it too. A new study sheds light on the “what’s-in-it-for-me” angle of cooperation: It’s good for your genes.

Big sharks eat little sharks and rays, which eat shellfish. So ultimately, hunting big sharks may cause shellfish to disappear.

Conventional wisdom says species form faster in the biodiverse tropics. But a new study shows fast speciation and extinction at the poles. Why didn’t we think up this study?

Toxins are nature’s best defenses. The Asian snake can get toxin by eating toxic food. If an Asian snake offers to let you gobble its pretty neck, don’t be tempted!

How’s a hungry fish supposed to make a living in the shallow water below tropical mangrove trees? Hint: Squirt, squirt!