To Save Birds, Send A Ship Full Of Rat Poison
A ship has departed for South Georgia Island with enough poison to wipe out the rats that have been decimating the local bird population.
Animals
Finding Crime Clues In What Insects Had For Dinner
Forensic scientists can find crime-solving evidence in the tiniest details, such as the insects that arrive at the scene to feed on the decomposing corpse.
Rare And 'Horrific': Frilled Shark Startles Fishermen In Australia
The frilled shark's roots are traced to 80 million years ago. Its prehistoric origins are obvious in its primitive body; nearly all of the rare animal's closest relatives are long extinct.
Paddle Boarder Who Wanted To See Orcas Gets An Up-Close Look
A pod of five orcas swam around — and even under — Rich German while he stood on his paddle board off of Laguna Beach, Calif. He videotaped the encounter.
Researchers Learn To Dust Feathers For Fingerprints
Researchers in Scotland say they have a new way to investigate the killing of large birds of prey. NPR's Rachel Martin talks to forensic scientist Dennis Gentles about dusting birds for fingerprints.
A Fish Gets A New Eye And An Edge In The Tank
Nothing worse than being bulled in school, especially if you're a fish. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Dr. Martin Haulena from the Vancouver Aquarium about a fish that was picked on by schoolmates.
Are Stripes A Zebra's Cooling System?
Scientists say they are closer to knowing how, or rather why, the zebra got its stripes. It's an answer that would impress even Rudyard Kipling.
From The Mouths Of Apes, Babble Hints At Origins of Human Speech
You say banana; this orangutan says ... well, it's hard to tell what she's saying. But the rhythmic, speechlike sounds of the zoo-dwelling ape have started scientists talking.
Highflying Geese Save Energy By Swooping Like A Roller Coaster
They could shoot up to 24,000 feet and maintain that altitude in a long-distance migration across the Himalayas. But it's more efficient for bar-headed geese to soar and dive, scientists find.
Ancient Scottish Sea Reptile Not 'Nessie,' But Just As Cute
It was 15 feet long, with a snout shaped like a dolphin's. This newly identified meat-eater swam the seas near the Isle of Skye in the time of dinosaurs.