BIOLOGY

6 Strange Animal Evolutions

From the long legs of the jerboa to basically everything about the duck-billed platypus, evolution has taken some weird turns.

This Carnarvon flapjack octopus is tiny, but it can withstand intense pressure thousands of feet underwater.

New Flapjack Octopus Species With ‘Dumbo’ Fins Discovered Off Australia

The Carnarvon flapjack octopus flattens its body like a pancake and uses its Dumbo-like fins to swim.

This insect was found for the first time since 1980.

‘Extinct’ Monte Gordo Grasshopper Spotted on African Island for First Time in 45 Years

A rare grasshopper once believed to be extinct has been spotted for the first time since 1980—but habitat loss may threaten its future.

The Best Way to Wipe Your Butt, According to the Experts

There’s a right and a wrong way to wipe your butt after all. But with these expert-approved tips, you’ll be sitting pretty in more ways than one.

A spider can now make red silk thanks to gene editing.

This Genetically-Engineered Spider Shoots Red Fluorescent Silk

Getting bitten by it won’t give you superpowers, as far as we know.

The stingray it on the left, and the skate is to the right.

Skates vs. Rays: What‘s the Difference?

Skates lay black, ravioli-shaped egg cases. Rays give birth to live pups.

Axolotls are cute and important to the environment.

Captive-Bred Axolotls Can Survive in the Wild, Sparking Hope for the Endangered Species

Scientists in Mexico have found that axolotls bred in captivity can survive and thrive in their native habitat—which is great news for the species.

A diver is about a meter behind the coelacanth discovered at a depth of 144 meters in North Maluku, Indonesia.

Scientists Capture First Footage of Ancient Coelacanth in Its Natural Habitat

Researchers in Indonesia have filmed a rare coelacanth nearly 500 feet underwater—marking the first time the fish has been recorded in its native environment.

Interactive Cicada Map Shows Where You Can See (and Hear) Brood XIV This Spring

Use this map from the University of Connecticut to check if 17-year periodical cicadas will appear in your neighborhood soon.

‘Why, yes, I am from Long Island! How did you know?’

Do Animals Have Regional Accents?

Can a Boston dog bahk?

Sea Pigs, Sea Spiders, and More Bizarre Creatures Collected Off Antarctica

Researchers witness strange sea animals, including poisonous sea pigs and hand-sized sea spiders, while sailing to the Denman Glacier.

See the first colossal squid ever caught on camera

Rare Video Shows a Colossal Squid Swimming in the Deep Ocean

A baby colossal squid was filmed deep in the South Atlantic—revealing rare footage of the ocean’s heaviest invertebrate.

They might seem icky, but we can‘t live without them.

Fly Migration Is Essential to Our Ecosystem, Study Finds

Flies aren’t just decomposers—they’re also pollinators and pest predators. Researchers shows it’s time to appreciate these misunderstood insects.

History in the Making! Critically Endangered Galapagos Tortoises Hatch at Philadelphia Zoo!

97-Year-Old Galápagos Tortoise Breaks Record as First-Time Mom

A nearly century-old Galápagos tortoise welcomed four babies recently, boosting a critically endangered population.

Can We Have Babies in Space?

If humans ever become a multi-planet species, some would have to spend years in space. And researchers have definitely speculated whether space travel would allow for reproduction.

The Chimborazo hillstar is native to the Andes of Ecuador and southern Colombia.

Hummingbirds Found Nesting Together in Groups in Surprising First

An ornithologist discovered a hummingbird “hive” in Ecuador‘s High Andes—a major departure for the solitary animals.

A 19th-century illustration of a human heart.

11 Fit Facts About the Heart

Technically, your heart isn’t made of gold. And don't wear it in on your sleeve—you’ll make a mess. Here are 11 scientific facts about your ticker.

Mantis Shrimp Remain Unharmed While Dealing Deadly Punches, Study Shows

Mantis shrimp can deal incredible blows without damaging themselves, but how? The makeup of their armor is key.

7 Vital Facts About Blood

George Washington died after his physician treated his sore throat with bloodletting, but don't let that stop you from learning more about the human circulatory system.