In The Background: Art You May Never Notice
Why that unassuming museum art — which you'll find behind taxidermic bison and birds — deserves a closer look.
Animals
Battle Of The Bottom Feeder: U.S., Vietnam In Catfish Fight
When the popularity of catfish moved from the South across the U.S. in the 1980s, American catfish farmers could barely keep up with demand. But Vietnam has flooded the U.S. market with cheaper catfish, driving many catfish farms out of business and sparking a dispute that threatens a major trade deal.
National Zoo Creates 'Name The Panda' Contest
The zoo in Washington, D.C. says the name will be bestowed on Dec. 1 when the cub is 100 days old. In the meantime, the baby panda is getting acquainted with its surroundings.
Fishery Closure Puts New England's Shrimp Season On Ice
After several years of declining shrimp stocks, regulators have imposed a moratorium on shrimping in New England waters. The closure could hurt commercial fisherman and future demand for the Gulf of Maine shrimp, but scientists say the move may be the only way to prevent the population from collapsing.
Elwood, World's Ugliest Dog, Dies
Six years ago, Elwood shot to fame when he was named the world's ugliest dog. He died on Thanksgiving Day but is immortalized in a children's book written by owner Karen Quigley. Everyone Loves Elwood is about how it's OK to be different.
The Horse Who Picked Up A Paintbrush
After his career at the racetrack ended, Metro Meteor was adopted by an artist in Pennsylvania, who discovered the horse's gift. Now, his paintings raise money to treat his knee problems and to help other retired thoroughbreds find new homes.
Inside The Beef Industry's Battle Over Growth-Promotion Drugs
Beta agonists, a class of drugs widely fed to cattle and hogs to make them put on weight faster, are coming under increasing scrutiny. Reports suggest animals fed these drugs can seem reluctant to move — lethargic, unable to walk properly — and may die more often, too.
Antibiotic Use On The Farm: Are We Flying Blind?
No one knows exactly how farmers use antibiotics. Many public health experts say the government should collect and publish detailed information because antibiotic-resistant bacteria are an increasingly urgent problem. But many farm groups are opposed.
Are Antibiotics On The Farm Risky Business?
Farmers give antibiotics routinely to pigs, beef cattle and poultry. They say the drugs help keep animals healthy and get them to market faster. Others say this practice practically guarantees that bacteria will develop resistance to these antibiotics more quickly, endangering human lives and the long-term viability of the drugs.
Researchers Figure Out Found Clam Was 507 Years Old
A mollusk named Ming was that old when it was dredged up in the ocean off Iceland several years ago. It was named Ming in honor of the Chinese dynasty it was born into.