The secrets of snail mucus, according to a biochemist
NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks to slime scientist Antonio Cerullo at the City University of New York about the benefits of mucus.
Animals
Animal rights activists want a giraffe at the U.S.-Mexico border to be moved
Animal rights activists on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border are advocating for a giraffe named Benito who's living in a park in Juarez, Mexico to be moved to a proper zoo or wildlife sanctuary.
They logged on to watch the famous fat brown bears. They saved a hiker's life instead
Viewers of the Katmai National Park bear cameras caught more excitement than they may have hoped for last Tuesday when a hiker wandered into view, mouthing the words "help me."
Wouldn't it be great if dogs could talk? This might be the next best thing
There's no longer a need to wonder what your pets would say if they could talk. A voiceover artist who calls himself The Rxck Stxr adds voices to pet videos submitted by his fans on social media.
Australia weighs cat curfews and neutering requirements to rein in feral felines
Tanya Plibersek, Australia's Minister for the Environment and Water, declared "war" on feral cats officials say harm other species and carry disease. Critics say the feline threat is overblown.
Owner reunited with her dog that roamed the Atlanta airport for 3 weeks
Maia the dog escaped from her carrier last month while being loaded onto a plane at the busiest airport in the world. An online community banded together to reunite her with her owner.
Endangered species and climate change
The Endangered Species Act has helped save hundreds of species from extinction. But climate change presents a new threat to endangered species and wildlife officials working to protect them.
A baby giraffe was born with no spots and that's what inspired the calf's name
The zoo in Tennessee asked fans to pick their favorite name from four options. Forty thousand people from around the world voted, and the zoo went with Kipekee — the Swahili word for unique.
Is your dog a super good boy or girl? Here's the scientifically best way to tell them
Researchers in Hungary have looked at whether the high pitched babble people use with their dogs scientifically resonates with pets.
Airborne antibiotic resistance, farms supporting biodiversity and how black holes eat
NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Short Wave hosts Regina Barber and Aaron Scott about antibiotic resistance spreading through air, how farms can support biodiversity, and the eating habits of black holes.