What's The Anthropocene?
Have we entered a new age defined by humans? Paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara says there's "no doubt" that humans' impact on Earth will show up in the geological record.
Animals
Are We Headed Into Another Mass Extinction?
At various times, life on earth has come close to being erased. Paleontologist Peter Ward explains what we can learn from previous mass extinctions.
How Can Dinosaurs Help Us Understand Our Own Species?
Earth's rocks and fossils can help us understand our own species. Paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara explains important moments in Earth's history that help us recognize our place in the world.
Countries Gather For Wildlife Convention On Animal Trafficking
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to Ginette Hemley of the World Wildlife Fund about the CITES meeting and the challenges in trying to protect endangered species, particularly elephants.
Rats That Reminisce May Lead To Better Tests For Alzheimer's Drugs
Most potential Alzheimer's drugs are tested on mice. But rats may be a better choice because they seem to have a type of memory that's more like ours, and also are highly vulnerable to Alzheimer's.
Flawed Research Tool Leads To Faulty Medical Findings
Just as natural antibodies help your body find and fight microbial invaders, tailored research antibodies let scientists target and study cancer cells. But too many are poorly made, scientists say.
What Meerkat Murder Tells Us About Human Violence
What is the most murderous mammal? A new study says it's the meerkat. But the study argues that over all of human history, humans are still more lethally violent than the average mammal.
Whales, Sea Turtles, Seals: The Unintended Catch Of Abandoned Fishing Gear
An endangered whale was found dead over the weekend, entangled in derelict fishing gear. Such incidents have been on the rise in recent years. A new California law aims to combat the problem.
Pangolin, The 'Artichoke With Legs,' Earns Top Trade Protection
World leaders at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species agreed to ban all commercial trade in pangolins, small and endangered mammals that also resemble aardvarks.
Goldfish Populate Australian River Like Crazy
These are not the cute goldfish you bring home in a plastic bag. Some of these fish are more than a foot long and weigh several pounds.