The tragedy of Laika, the first animal to orbit the earth
Soviet researchers launched the real Laika, a small black-and-white terrier mix, into space aboard the Sputnik 2 spacecraft, where she became the first living thing to orbit the earth, proving that life could survive both launch and outer space conditions for extended periods of time.
Wild honeybees now officially listed as endangered in the EU
Wild honeybee populations have been officially categorised as endangered within the European Union. That’s according to the latest update to the IUCN Red List, the world’s official database of species conservation statuses.
Jane Goodall, legendary primatologist, has died at age 91
Jane Goodall, a scientist whose studies of wild chimpanzees made her a household name, has died at the age of 91, according to an announcement posted by the Jane Goodall Institute.
Scientists discover the pancake secret that makes vegan eggs irresistible
Researchers discovered that the best way to get people to try vegan eggs is to blend them into well-known dishes. While not ready to replace the classic scramble, they’re gaining traction for their eco-friendly and ethical appeal.
Do dolphins and whales really play together? Yes—and it’s a joy to watch
Researchers sought to answer this question by looking through hundreds of photographs and video clips in a new study to determine if these species are mutually playing, or if their interactions are all one-sided.
Four Days in the Mud: A Harrowing Rescue Mission
In all our decades of elephant conservation, this stands out as one of our more challenging operations yet. Over the course of four days, teams battled time, terrain, and rising tides to pull off an extraordinary elephant rescue mission.
Human connection to nature has declined 60% in 200 years, study finds
People’s connection to nature has declined by more than 60% since 1800, almost exactly mirroring the disappearance of nature words such as river, moss and blossom from books, according to a study.
‘Erasure of years of work’: outcry as White House moves to open Arctic reserve to oil and gas drilling
The Trump administration’s plan to expand oil and gas drilling in a 23m acre reserve on the Arctic Ocean is sparking an impassioned response, amid fears it threatens Arctic wildlife, undermines the subsistence rights of Alaska Natives, and imperils one of the fastest-warming ecosystems on Earth.
How radioactive rhino horns could help save the species from poachers
The black market trade in rhino horns is driving the species to near extinction. Now, scientists at a rhino orphanage in the Bushveld of South Africa are trying to protect them from poaching in a rather surprising way.
The law that saved the whales is under attack
A landmark law passed more than 50 years ago to protect whales, dolphins and other marine mammals in U.S. waters could be upended by amendments proposed on July 22 during a legislative hearing of the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.
Alicia Silverstone, 48, says her diet is key to keeping her youthful
Forget injectables or plastic surgery. Alicia Silverstone, 48, says the key to aging well is in her fridge. In an interview with Byrdie, the ‘Clueless’ actor said she has never had Botox or fillers and has not undergone any cosmetic surgery.
Greenland wildlife crossing—set to be world’s largest—on time, under budget as project hits halfway mark
The project, located at milepost 165.4 near the Greenland interchange on I-25, is set to become the largest wildlife overpass in the world. It will be about 80,000 square feet in size and span six lanes of interstate traffic, connecting 54 square miles of protected land and open space.
