Poetry from China’s imperial dynasties has unveiled the stark reality of habitat loss for the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise, according to new research published Monday in Current Biology. Scientists analyzed 724 ancient poems mentioning the iconic “smiling” porpoise, documenting a 65% range contraction over the past 1,400 years – with most of this decline … Read more
Scientists have discovered a remarkably effective method for teaching cockroaches to navigate mazes, potentially transforming these common insects into valuable search-and-rescue agents for disaster zones. Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology revealed that gentle electrical stimulation applied to a cockroach’s cerci—sensory organs on their rear end—not only steers their movement but also helps form strong … Read more
Scientists have discovered that mice naturally help their unconscious companions without any training or rewards, challenging long-held assumptions about animal altruism and revealing surprising parallels between rodent and human social behavior. When placed near an anesthetized mouse, observer mice show clear signs of distress and quickly begin grooming and licking their unconscious companions. This behavior … Read more