Do dogs know who’s kind? Scientists put it to the test—and got a surprise
Despite our strong belief in dogs’ ability to sense good from bad in people, new research shows they may not actually judge human character, at least not in the way…
Telehealth can improve care for cats with chronic health issues
UC Davis researchers found that video telehealth visits help cat owners better care for arthritic cats without the stress of clinic visits. Owners appreciated personalized tips to improve their cat…
Selfies, sugar, and death: How tourists are endangering elephants
Tourists feeding wild elephants may seem innocent or even compassionate, but a new 18-year study reveals it s a recipe for disaster. Elephants in Sri Lanka and India have learned…
These dogs are trained to sniff out an invasive insect—and they’re shockingly good at it
Dogs trained by everyday pet owners are proving to be surprisingly powerful allies in the fight against the invasive spotted lanternfly. In a groundbreaking study, citizen scientists taught their dogs…
Genetic basis of purring in cats
Whether you are lucky enough to have a cat companion or must merely live this experience vicariously through cat videos, Felis catus is a familiar and comforting presence in our…
They fled the flames—now jaguars rule a wetland refuge
After devastating wildfires scorched the Brazilian Pantanal, an unexpected phenomenon unfolded—more jaguars began arriving at a remote wetland already known for having the densest jaguar population on Earth. Scientists discovered…
Dogs can detect Parkinson’s years before symptoms—with 98% accuracy
Dogs trained to detect Parkinson’s disease using scent have shown remarkable accuracy in new research. In a double-blind trial, they identified skin swabs from people with Parkinson’s with up to…
Florida cat sniffs out another new virus—and scientists are listening
A cat named Pepper has once again helped scientists discover a new virus—this time a mysterious orthoreovirus found in a shrew. Researchers from the University of Florida, including virologist John…
How a lost gene gave the sea spider its bizarre, leggy body
Scientists have decoded the sea spider’s genome for the first time, revealing how its strangely shaped body—with organs in its legs and barely any abdomen—may be tied to a missing…
Scientists’ top 10 bee-magnet blooms—turn any lawn into a pollinator paradise
Danish and Welsh botanists sifted through 400 studies, field-tested seed mixes, and uncovered a lineup of native and exotic blooms that both thrill human eyes and lure bees and hoverflies…