Like Dogs, Gulf Toadfish Talk with Their Pee

Scientists suspect the fish use pulses of urea or pheromones in their urine to communicate.

Apr 4, 2019 | 500 words, about 2 minutes

Fighting for Science in the Shadow of Al-Shabaab

Despite the threats that surround them, Kenyan scientists and fishermen are teaming up to reduce their effects on the ecosystem.

Apr 3, 2019 | 1,000 words, about 5 minutes

The Salmon that Were Born to Survive

Most salmon die after their first spawning. But not all do. Scientists call the survivors “kelts.”

Mar 28, 2019 | 1,200 words, about 6 minutes

Inland Icelanders Burned Whale Bones for Warmth

An archaeological find shows that whale bones were sometimes imported inland to use as fuel.

Mar 27, 2019 | 600 words, about 3 minutes

Glacier Lessons as a Glacier Lessens

For nearly 10 years, Jón Stefánsson’s grade-seven students have been tracking the disappearance of their local glacier.

Mar 25, 2019 | 800 words, about 4 minutes

Wounded Wilderness: The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill 30 Years Later

On the surface, Prince William Sound appears to have recovered. But you don’t have to dig too deep—into the soil or into memories—to find the spill’s lingering effects

Mar 22, 2019 | 1,100 words, about 5 minutes

Chemical Cues Prompt Farmed Seaweeds to Protect Themselves

Scientists experimenting on farmed algae show they can deliberately trigger seaweeds’ chemical defenses.

Mar 21, 2019 | 600 words, about 3 minutes

Hidden Hawaiian Bird Nests Finally Found

Night vision binoculars, a scent dog, and video cameras have caught band-rumped storm petrels coming and going from their volcanic nests for the first time.

Mar 20, 2019 | 850 words, about 4 minutes