NATURE

10 Historical Pigments—and Their Surprising Origins—from ‘The Universe in 100 Colors’

In their new book, Tyler Thrasher and Terry Mudge explore the origins of colors found rocks, animals, plants, and even space—including these 10 historical pigments with surprising histories.

A Los Angeles high school turned out to be a hotbed for fossils.

Millions of Marine Fossils Discovered Beneath Los Angeles High School

Millions of fossils, from shells to the largest known shark species, were unearthed beneath San Pedro High School.

Raking leaves is annoying—and totally unnecessary.

Leave the Leaves: Why Nature Experts Say You Shouldn’t Rake Your Yard This Fall

Good news for anyone who hates raking their lawn: You don’t have to.

Little brown bats like this one are at risk from white nose syndrome.

A Bright Side for Bats: Scientists Make Progress Against White Nose Syndrome

The deadly fungus has decimated bat populations across North America. But recently, scientists have found reasons to hope their efforts to save bats are working.

Zoolife lets you view animals live through your computer screen.

This Website Lets You View Animal Webcams From Over a Dozen Zoos

Skip the lines and spend your next day at the zoo online instead.

Linhares’ new law gives part of the ocean several protections.

Brazilian City Grants Legal Personhood to Ocean Waves in Historic First

Linhares in Brazil has taken a groundbreaking step by granting human rights to part of the ocean.

Watch Mesmerizing Footage of a Deep-Sea ‘Spaghetti Monster’

Bathyphysa conifera, or the flying spaghetti monster, can grow several feet long.

A breathtaking view of Wosnesenski Lake in Alaska’s Kachemak Bay State Park.

The Top 10 State Parks in the U.S.

These state parks are definitely worth the trip, according to reviewers on Tripadvisor.

Now is the perfect time to add the northern lights to your bucket list.

The 10 Most Affordable Places to See the Northern Lights

Planning to see the northern lights soon? Take a look at these hotel prices before booking your trip.

We'll see some gorgeous views later this month.

Don’t Miss the Harvest Supermoon Partial Lunar Eclipse This Month

This fall, sky-gazers will be treated to a supermoon and a partial lunar eclipse on the same night.

Pinpoint the perfect weekend for leaf-peeping.

Get Excited for Fall With the 2024 Peak Foliage Map

Can't wait for fall? Start planning the ultimate leaf-peeping expedition now with this interactive map showing peak foliage predictions for 2024.

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.

Porbeagle sharks can grow up to 12 feet long and can weigh around 500 pounds.

7-Foot Shark Likely Eaten By Great White in First Documented Attack of Its Kind

The new discovery could change the way scientists think about shark predation.

Shiitake mushrooms (left) are edible, while fly agaric (right) is extremely toxic, causing serious symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and hallucinations.

Mushrooms vs. Toadstools: What’s the Difference?

The definitions of toadstools and mushrooms are a bit intertwined.

You don't want to come across a bearded fireworm on your beach day.

Beachgoers, Beware: Venomous Fireworms Have Been Spotted on Texas Shores

Texans should take special caution on beaches—these fireworms pack a powerful sting.

Some of us can't wait to frolic in the leaves.

The Reasons We Love Fall So Much, According to Science

Wondering why you— or your friends—like fall so much? Here’s the science behind our love of the season.

Chimpanzees vs. Bonobos: What’s the Difference?

They basically share a genome, but chimps and bonobos have some not-so-subtle differences.

Make a pollinator’s life easier by providing it a place to stay.

How to Make a Bee Hotel in Your Yard

The solitary bee population is declining—here’s what you can do to help.

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.

A Brief History of Leaf-Peeping

From Henry David Thoreau's 'Autumnal Tints' to the origins of the term 'leaf-peeper.'

This lucky camper scored a permit at Yosemite National Park.

National Parks Now Let Visitors Set Alerts for Online Reservations

Want to snatch a camping spot at Yosemite before they’re gone? The new availability alert feature on Recreation.gov can help.

A tornado south of Cheyenne, Oklahoma, touched down on April 15, 2012.

10 of the Most Terrifying Tornadoes in History

Tornadoes can (and do) happen anywhere. Here are 10 of the most terrible twisters to ever take a turn on Earth.

Say hello to the world's cutest research assistant.

Sea Lions With Cameras Collect Valuable (and Adorable) Footage of the Ocean Floor

Sea lion camera crews are helping scientists map uncharted waters.

Air pollution may keep these pollinators from doing their jobs.

Air Pollution May Prevent Bees From Smelling Flowers

Air pollution is making it hard for bees to pollinate flowers.

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