Life science - Populations and ecosystems

  • Honeybees getting lost?
    Honeybees getting lost?

    As colony collapse disorder continues to attack honeybee hives, a new study shows that a common insecticide interferes with their return flights. Although the disorder probably has many causes, agricultural chemicals have long been key suspects, and this study adds to the suspicion!


    Thursday, March 29th, 2012
  • Putting the brakes on fish invasions
    Putting the brakes on fish invasions

    As Asian carp approach the Great Lakes, ecologists seek to forestall a devastating invasion. Electric fish barriers on Chicago’s canals — built to dump wastewater into the Mississippi — are blocking carp from reaching Lake Michigan. Many scientists prefer closing the canals, but the shipping industry objects. Who’s right?


    Thursday, March 8th, 2012
  • Flying robots
    Flying robots

    Compared to regular airplanes, radio-controlled craft are safer, cheaper, and easier to use for observing wildlife and environmental conditions. Where are these robots being used? What are they finding? And as prices continue to fall, what stands in the way of much broader use?


    Thursday, February 9th, 2012
  • Ocean fish in hot water
    Ocean fish in hot water

    The ocean’s most valuable fish are caught in a vise. Areas known as dead zones are encroaching on their living zones and pinning them closer to the surface, where they are more vulnerable to becoming the day’s catch. The predicament is yet another side effect of climate change.


    Thursday, January 19th, 2012
  • Amphibian anxiety
    Amphibian anxiety

    Amphibians are disappearing faster than any other animals. A new study looks at the effects of changes in climate, land use and disease. The picture isn’t pretty, but looking at three threats at once shows the true danger facing frogs, toads, salamanders and their relatives.


    Thursday, November 17th, 2011
  • The secret life of cats
    The secret life of cats

    Humans and cats have enjoyed each other’s company for millennia, but scientists have discovered some troubling secrets of free-roaming felines that have wildlife and health experts worried. A new study reveals what free-roaming cats do all day, and The Why Files investigates some implications of their outdoor habits.


    Thursday, June 9th, 2011
  • Bats under attack
    Bats under attack

    White nose syndrome has killed a million bats in the eastern U.S., and spread to Nova Scotia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Why is the fungus deadly here, but not in Europe? Can quarantines, anti-fungals or heated bat houses help our bats survive the onslaught?


    Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
  • Historic photo of a group of men crouched in front of hanging wolf pelts.
    Gray wolf: How many is enough?

    The gray wolf has made a dramatic recovery in the northern Rockies and upper Midwest. Is the wolf still endangered, or has it recovered? Should we start hunting and killing the dog wild relatives?


    Thursday, June 17th, 2010
  • Giant snake invasion!
    Giant snake invasion!

    Pythons and boas are already breeding in South Florida and could get established in Southern U.S. Feds want to ban import and transport of nine species of boas, pythons and anacondas. What will these snakes eat? Can they be trapped, hunted, poisoned? Don’t count on predators: Burmese pythons can kill alligators!


    Thursday, March 25th, 2010
  • History of fishing
    History of fishing

    A new study finds a surprising number of fish, birds and mammals in the oceans 100 and 1,000 years ago. Can this information help regulators slow the decline of important marine animals?


    Thursday, May 28th, 2009


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