http://dsc.discovery.com/news/news.html News on animals from Discovery en-us 2007 Discovery Communications Inc. Fri, Nov 6 2009 10:15:37 EST 60 http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-schedules/gallery/logos/dsc.gif http://dsc.discovery.com 60 46 The case of an Iowa cat that contracted swine flu has experts re-thinking the disease. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/11/06/swine-flu-pets.html The case of an Iowa cat that contracted swine flu has experts re-thinking the disease. Could Humans Infect Pets With H1N1? Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20091106070000 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST Getty Images | Chemical pollutants are causing brain damage in sea lions. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/11/04/sea-lions-toxins.html Chemical pollutants are causing brain damage in sea lions. Sea Lion Brain Mapped to Study Toxins' Effects Cristen Conger, HowStuffWorks.com animals 20091104120000 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST Getty Images | A tree frog and a mudfish are among the more than 17,000 species threatened by extinction. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/11/03/at-risk-species.html A rare tree frog, a mudfish and lizards are among the more than 17,000 species threatened by extinction, according to a leading environmental group. Over 17,000 Animals Near Extinction Frank Jordans, Associated Press animals 20091103190000 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST Tim Laman/Brad Wilson | Middle-aged and older wolves tend to leave the hunting to their younger counterparts. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/11/03/wolves-hunt.html Middle-aged and older wolves tend to leave the hunting to their younger counterparts. Middle-Aged Wolves Retire From the Hunt Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20091103080000 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST Getty Images | Albatross chicks are dining on a massive, floating garbage patch in the Pacific. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/11/03/albatross-plastics.html Albatross chicks are dining on a massive, floating garbage patch in the Pacific. Remote Albatrosses Feed on Ocean Garbage Patch Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20091103070000 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST U.S. Department of the Interior/U.S. Geological Survey | In 1898, two man-eating lions terrorized railway workers, claiming 35 lives. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/11/02/lions-human.html In 1898, two man-eating lions terrorized railway workers, claiming 35 lives. Lions Had a Taste for Human Flesh Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20091102150000 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST Getty Images | The mysterious white-nose syndrome is expected to continue afflicting bats this winter. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/30/bat-disease-syndrome.html The mysterious white-nose syndrome is expected to continue its deathly rampage through bat populations this winter. As Bats Begin Hibernation, Deaths Expected Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20091030140000 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST AP Photo/Mike Groll | Fireflies may flash their bio-luminescent lights at night to warn off hungry bats. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/29/bats-fireflies-poison.html Fireflies may flash their bio-luminescent lights at night to warn hungry bats that hate their taste. Hungry Bats Prompt Firefly Flashes Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20091029111500 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST Paul Moosman, Jr. | A depressed shipping economy is helping invasive species spread around the world's oceans. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/29/invasive-species-economy.html The depressed shipping economy is helping invasive species spread around the world's oceans and waterways. Economic Crisis Could Spread Invasive Species Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20091029094500 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:45:00 EST AP Photo/John L. Russell | Male humpback whales change their songs when they hear other males singing along. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/23/humpback-whales-song.html Male humpback whales change their songs when they hear other males singing along. Male Humpbacks Call Each Other Out Susan Milius, Science News animals 20091023140030 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:00:30 EST iStockPhoto | A fossilized jawbone reveals stark differences in the diets of extinct beavers and their modern cousins. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/23/beavers-wood.html A fossilized jawbone reveals stark differences in the diets of extinct beavers and their modern cousins. Ancient, Giant Beavers Didn't Have a Taste for Wood Sid Perkins, Science News animals 20091023123030 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:30:30 EST Getty Images | Legions of Asian lady beetles are arriving in Ill. and Mo. in search of warmth before winter. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/22/ladybug-swarm-midwest.html Legions of Asian lady beetles are arriving in Ill. and Mo. in search of warmth before the approaching winter. Ladybugs Swarm Midwest Jim Suhr, Associated Press animals 20091022110000 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST AP Photo/Seth Perlman | Ida, the fossil discovery announced last May, appears to have been a distant relative of humans. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/21/ida-primate-fossil.html Ida, the fossil discovery announced last May, appears to have been a distant relative of humans. 'Missing Link' Primate Fossil Debunked Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press animals 20091021150000 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST AP Photo/Mary Altaffer | Female black widow spiders demand exactly 100 minutes of wooing -- or they eat their suitors. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/21/spider-mating-courtship.html Female black widow spiders demand exactly 100 minutes of wooing -- or they eat their suitors. Deadly Spider Demands Long Courtship Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20091021120000 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST Ken Jones | Junk food can elicit the same kind of addictive behavior in rats as heroin. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/21/rats-junk-food.html Junk food can elicit the same kind of addictive behavior in rats as heroin. Binging Rats Get Hooked on Junk Food Laura Sanders, Science News animals 20091021110030 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:30 EST Getty Images | New estimates suggest sperm whales' feeding habits help take in carbon. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/20/sperm-whales-carbon.html New estimates suggest sperm whales' feeding habits help take in carbon. Sperm Whales Act as Carbon Sink Susan Milius, Science News animals 20091020110030 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:00:30 EST AP Photo/Guam Variety News, Chris Bangs | Forty-four percent of U.S. dogs and 57 percent of cats are obese, a study finds. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/20/pet-obesity.html Forty-four percent of U.S. dogs and 57 percent of cats are obese, a study finds, placing the animals at risk for various health problems. U.S. Pets Increasingly Pudgy Christen Conger, HowStuffWorks.com animals 20091020094500 Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:45:00 EST AP Photo/Stephen J. Boitano | Soil-dwelling creatures shrank by up to 50 percent during an ancient warming event. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/19/animals-shrink-warming.html Even soil-inhabiting creatures shrank by up to 50 percent during an ancient extreme warming event. Sub-Soil Creatures Shrank With Warming Robert Lamb, HowStuffWorks.com animals 20091019093030 Tue, 19 Oct 2009 09:30:30 EST iStockPhoto | Is a barking dog driving you nuts? There are reasons behind the noise, researchers find. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/16/barking-dogs-city.html Is a barking dog driving you nuts? There are reasons behind the noise, researchers find. Barking Dogs Explained Annabel McGilvray, ABC Science Online animals 20091016134500 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:45:00 EST iStockPhoto | Macaque mothers and infants, like human moms and babies, share emotional exchanges. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/09/macaque-mama-baby.html Macaque mothers and infants, much like human moms and babies, share emotional exchanges. Mama Monkeys and Babies Communicate Bruce Bower, Science News animals 20091009133000 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | A 123-million-year-old chipmunk-sized mammal may explain how human hearing evolved. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/08/ear-evolution.html A 123-million-year-old chipmunk-sized mammal may explain how human hearing evolved. Prehistoric Mammal Hints at Ear's Evolution AFP animals 20091008160000 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST Mark A. Klingler/Carnegie Museum of Natural History | A pet turtle is diagnosed with a highly infectious bacterial disease that could spread to people. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/05/pet-turtle-disease.html A common species of pet turtle is diagnosed with a highly infectious bacterial disease that could spread to people. Pet Turtle Disease Could Spread to Humans Nicky Phillips, ABC Science Online animals 20091005120000 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | A pig-sized animal seems to have survived the Permian Extinction by digging burrows. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/05/animal-burrow-survive.html A pig-sized animal seems to have survived the Permian Extinction by digging burrows. Animals Survived Apocalypse by Burrowing Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20091005090000 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST Lunar and Planetary Institute | Mosquito-borne diseases could be controlled using a parasite known as Wolbachia. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/10/01/mosquito-parasite.html Deadly malaria, painful filariasis and other mosquito-borne diseases can likely be controlled using a parasite known as Wolbachia. Mosquito Parasite Fights Infectious Disease Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20091001140100 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST iStockPhoto | A catalog of all known plants and animals finds that 10 percent of major species are at risk. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/29/species-census.html A catalog of all known plants and animals finds that 10 percent of major species are at risk. Species Census Reveals Extinction Threat AFP animals 20090929110000 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST Getty Images | A fungal infection eliminating rare species means strains on the food web and tourism. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/29/frogs-biodiversity-loss.html Frogs in Central America are becoming increasingly homogeneous as a fungal infection eliminates rare or unusual species. Fungus Hitting Frogs Hard Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090929091500 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:15:00 EST Roberto Brenes | The breeding ground of the world's largest, prehistoric predator, Megalodon, has been found. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/29/megalodon-nursery.html The breeding ground of the world's largest, prehistoric predator, Megalodon, has been found. Prehistoric Shark Nursery Spawned Giants Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090929070000 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST Catalina Pimiento/University of Florida | More than 160 new species from the Mekong region are at risk of extinction. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/25/climate-change-mekong.html More than 160 new species from the Mekong region are at risk of extinction. Climate Change Threatens Mekong Species AFP animals 20090925140000 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST Lee Grismer/WWF Greater Mekong | Butterfly antennas help these little insects to navigate during their long migrations. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/24/butterfly-gps.html Butterfly antennas help these little insects to navigate during their long migrations. Monarch Butterfly Antennas Serve as GPS Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090924160000 Wed, 24 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST Kirsten Luce/AP Photo | A recent look at monarch butterfly populations shows a big drop in the number of females. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/23/female-butterflies.html A recent look at monarch butterfly populations shows an alarming decline in the number of females over the last 30 years. Female Monarch Butterflies Disappearing Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20090923103000 Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST Richard Ellis/Getty Images | Coyotes are breeding with wolves, turning mice-eating coyotes into larger, hungrier animals. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/22/coyote-wolf.html Coyotes are breeding with wolves, turning mice-eating coyotes into larger, hungrier animals. Coyote + Wolf = Big, Carnivorous Coywolf Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090922190100 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST Roland Kays | Egg-laying mammals like echidnas have evolved quicker than previously thought. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/22/echidna-platypus.html Echidnas and other egg-laying mammals have evolved much quicker than previously thought. Echidna's Ancestor Swam With Platypuses Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20090922123000 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | Facing climate change pressures, Yellowstone's grizzlies get threatened status. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/22/grizzly-bear-threatened.html A federal court orders that Grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park be placed back on the threatened species list. Yellowstone Grizzlies Back on Threatened List Matthew Brown, Associated Press animals 20090922100000 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST Kim Keating, USGS | Paralyzed rats were made to walk again with a technique that may work for people. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/21/paralyzed-rats.html Paralyzed rats were made to walk again with a technique that may work for people. Paralyzed Rats Regain Their Footing Marlowe Hood, AFP animals 20090921111500 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST Getty Images | Locust wings are built for long hauls, possibly inspiring engineers to be more flexible with their designs. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/18/locust-wings.html Locust wings are built for the long haul, potentially inspiring engineers to be more flexible with their designs. Locust Wings Designed for Marathons Laura Sanders, Science News animals 20090918113000 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST Science/AAAS | Early relatives of the great white shark had a feeding frenzy on a fallen plesiosaur. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/17/plesiosaur-sharks.html Early relatives of the great white shark once chomped down on a fallen plesiosaur, remains reveal. Sharks Swarmed on Ancient Sea Monster Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090917091500 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:15:00 EST Getty Images/Kenshu Shimada | Gene therapy has allowed colorblind squirrel monkeys to see in full color. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/16/colorblind-monkey.html Gene therapy has allowed colorblind squirrel monkeys to see in full color. Monkeys Cured of Color Blindness Tina Hesman Saey, Science News animals 20090916190000 Fri, 16 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST Neitz Laboratory/University of Washington | An Arctic goose known to winter in sunny Mexico now stays put in Alaska during winter. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/16/birds-migration-warming.html An Arctic goose known to winter in sunny Mexico are finding the planet has warmed enough that they can stay in Alaska year-round. Arctic Geese Skip Migration as Planet Warms Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090916101500 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:15:00 EST USGS | Killer whales die when abundance of their favorite prey, Chinook salmon, declines. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/16/killer-whale-salmon.html Killer whales show high death rates when abundance of their favorite prey, Chinook salmon, also declines. Killer Whales Die Without King Salmon Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090916090000 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST Brian Gisborne | Male fish with female anatomy are appearing in river basins across the United States. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/15/intersex-fish.html Male fish with female anatomy are appearing in river basins across the United States. More Hermaphrodite Fish in U.S. Rivers Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090915173000 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | NASA scientists have levitated mice, simulating a zero-gravity environment. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/15/mice-levitate.html NASA scientists have levitated mice, simulating a zero-gravity environment. NASA Levitates Mice in Magnetic Field Irene Klotz, Discovery News animals 20090915070000 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST NASA/JPL | The calls of frisky pandas during mating season have just been deciphered. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/14/panda-calls.html The calls of frisky pandas during mating season have just been deciphered. Giant Panda Calls Reveal Sex Talk Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090914123000 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST Adam K. Thompson/Zoo Atlanta | Computer scans of fossils from an ancient, giant raptor reveal that it may have preyed on people. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/11/extinct-eagle.html Computer scans of fossils from an ancient, giant raptor reveal that it may have preyed on people. Extinct Eagle May Have Hunted Humans Michael Casey, Associated Press animals 20090911183000 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | Migrating birds drop their body temperatures to save energy for their long journeys. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/11/migrating-birds-temp.html Migrating birds drop their body temperatures by as much as 10 degrees to save energy for their long journeys. Migrating Birds Chill to Conserve Energy Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090911091500 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | An overabundance of females among a butterfly reveals evolution in action. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/10/butterfly-sex-ratio.html An extreme imbalance of females to males among a tropical butterfly reveals evolution in action. Butterfly Hindered by Extreme Sex Ratio Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090910120000 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST Sylvain Charlat | As sea ice melts, thousands of walruses congregate on Alaska's coast. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/10/walruses-ice.html In a sign that sea ice is melting, thousands of walruses congregate on Alaska's coast. Melting Ice Forces Walruses to Alaska Shore Dan Joling, Associated Press animals 20090910094500 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:45:00 EST US Fish and Wildlife Service | Computer animations stimulated contagious yawning in chimpanzees, according to a new study. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/09/chimp-animation.html Computer animations stimulated contagious yawning in chimpanzees, according to a new study. Chimpanzees Empathize with Animated Apes Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090909110000 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST J. Devyn Carter | Neurons in a gecko's tail control its movements even after the tail has been severed. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/09/gecko-tail.html Neurons in a gecko's tail control its movements even after the tail has been severed -- a finding that could help humans with spinal cord injuries. Gecko Tail Pre-Programmed to Fool Predators Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090909070000 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST Timothy Higham | Under UV light, rings around the brown spots in bananas may signal rotten fruit. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/08/bananas-ripen.html Under ultraviolet light, rings around the brown spots in aging bananas may signal the transition from ripe to rotten. Glowing Rings in Bananas Signal Overly Ripe Jenny Lauren Lee, Science News animals 20090908110000 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST PNAS | Ribbon seals are under threat from global warming and require protection, according to advocates. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/03/ribbon-seal-protection.html Ribbon seals are under threat from global warming and require protection, according to advocates. Ribbon Seal Protection Sought by Activists Dan Joling, Associated Press animals 20090903163000 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST AP Photo | Animals that process information using a preferred side of the brain prove better at problem-solving. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/03/brain-handedness.html Animals that process information using a preferred side of the brain prove better at problem-solving. Animals That Favor One Side More Successful Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090903091500 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:15:00 EST Culum Brown | Amphibians and other wetland animals may benefit from your golf game. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/03/golf-courses-animals.html Amphibians and other wetland animals may benefit from your golf game. Golf Courses May Protect Wetland Animals Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20090903070000 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:00:00 EST Getty Images | Pigeons manipulate the shape of their wings when spooked so they emit a unique whistle. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/02/pigeon-wing-alarm.html Pigeons manipulate the shape of their wings when spooked so they emit a unique whistle during take-off. Startled Pigeons Whistle With Their Wings Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090902140100 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:01:00 EST iStockPhoto | Gulls exposed to oil pollution are found to have smaller red spots on their bills. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/02/seagull-pollution.html Gulls exposed to oil pollution are found to have smaller red spots on their bills than their healthy counterparts, thanks to lower levels of a key enzyme in their blood. Spot on Gulls' Beaks Can Indicate Poisons Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090902094500 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:45:00 EST Getty Images | Cotton-top tamarin monkeys have an ear for music created using their own sounds. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/01/monkey-music.html Cotton-top tamarin monkeys have an ear for music created using their own sounds -- and Metallica. Monkeys Appreciate Monkey Music and Metallica Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090901190100 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:01:00 EST Carla Boe Nesbit | Rats are devouring Hawaii's extraordinary range of snail species. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/01/snails-hawaii.html Hawaii once hosted an extraordinary range of snail species, but invasive rats are devouring them. Rats Devastating Native Hawaiian Snails Susan Milius, Science News animals 20090901093000 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST Nature Conservancy | Efforts to protect rapidly declining freshwater fish populations may not be enough. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/09/01/freshwater-fish-decline.html Efforts to protect rapidly declining freshwater fish populations may not be enough. Freshwater Fish Populations See Rapid Decline Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090901010100 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:01:00 EST iStockPhoto | The Great Pacific Garbage Patch hosts much more debris than scientists expected. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/28/pacific-garbage.html The Great Pacific Garbage Patch hosts much more debris than scientists expected. Great Pacific Garbage Patch Swells Michelle Rindels, Associated Press animals 20090828123000 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST NOAA Marine Debris Program | An aphid-like insect is found farther north in Calif. than it has ever been seen before. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/28/citrus-crop-pest.html An aphid-like insect is found farther north in California than it has ever been seen before. Fast-Spreading Bug Threatens Calif. Citrus Michelle Rindels, Associated Press animals 20090828104500 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:45:00 EST University of Florida, Michael Rogers | Three genes combine to form nearly all the various types of dog coats. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/27/dog-coats.html Three genes combine to form nearly all the various types of dog coats. Dog Coats Produced by Three Genes Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090827161500 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:15:00 EST White House/Handout | Odors from ripening bananas can jam mosquitoes' power to detect carbon dioxide. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/27/banana-repellant-mosquito.html Odors from ripening bananas can jam fruit flies' and mosquitoes' power to detect carbon dioxide. Ripe Fruit May Inspire Mosquito Repellents Susan Milius, Science News animals 20090827121500 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Monkeys are born from a procedure that could enable women to avoid passing on disease. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/26/monkey-dna-transfer.html A procedure that could someday enable women to avoid passing genetic disease has worked with monkeys. Monkeys Born From Eggs With DNA Transplant Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press animals 20090826140000 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST Oregon National Primate Research Center at OHSU | Tiny termites listen for the chewing noises of their larger, deadly cousins. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/26/termites-eavesdrop.html Tiny termites are observed listening for the chewing noises of their larger, deadly cousins when cohabiting the same tree. Termites Eavesdrop to Avoid Bullies Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20090826110000 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST Patrick Gleeson | An enormous prehistoric animal swung its spiked tail like athletes swing bats or rackets. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/25/glyptodont-tail.html An enormous prehistoric animal swung its spiked tail like athletes swing bats or rackets. Prehistoric Animals Swung Tails Like Baseball Bats Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090825190000 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST Rudemar Ernesto Blanco | A paleontologist claims he can reproduce dinosaur anatomy from chicken embryos. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/25/chicken-dinosaur.html A Canadian paleontologist claims he can reproduce dinosaur anatomy from chicken embryos. Could Chicken Embryos Produce Dinosaurs? AFP animals 20090825164500 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:45:00 EST iStockPhoto | Increasing acidity in Alaska's oceans threatens its productive marine food chain. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/24/alaska-ocean-acidic.html Increasing acidity in Alaska's oceans threatens one of the most productive marine food chains in the world. Alaska's Oceans Turning Acidic Dan Joling, Associated Press animals 20090824141530 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:15:30 EST iStockPhoto | Illegal, online sales of primates is threatening already endangered species. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/24/black-market-primate.html Illegal, online sales of primates is threatening already endangered species. Black Market Trading Threatens Primates Reinnier Kaze, AFP animals 20090824111500 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:15:00 EST Karl Ammann/Getty Images | Traffic noise is drowning out the seductive croaks of amorous male frogs. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/21/traffic-frogs.html Traffic noise is drowning out the seductive croaks of amorous male frogs. Traffic Puts a Damper on Frogs' Sex Lives Rod McGuirk, Associated Press animals 20090821110000 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | Green Bombers are a new kind of worm equipped with glowing body parts to confuse attackers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/20/worm-green-bomber.html Green Bombers are a new kind of worm equipped with glowing body parts to confuse attackers. New Glowing Worm Drops 'Bombs' on Predators Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090820153000 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:30:00 EST Karen J. Osborn | Lesions on the bones of an ancient hominin resulted from an acute infection. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/20/earliest-infection.html Lesions on the bones of an ancient hominin resulted from an acute infection. Earliest Known Bacterial Infection Found Rossella Lorenzi, Discovery News animals 20090820080000 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST Ruggero D'Anastasio | The attack by a pack of a dogs that killed an elderly couple is horrifying, but also rare. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/19/dog-attack.html The attack by a pack of a dogs that killed an elderly couple is horrifying and tragic, but, experts say, it's also extremely rare. Deadly Dog Attack Described as Rare Kate Brumback, Associated Press animals 20090819080000 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST AP Photo/Kate Brumback | Twenty-nine species of plants and animals may need federal protection. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/18/endangered-species.html Twenty-nine species of plants and animals may need federal protection. Endangered Species List May Grow Longer Mike Stark, Associated Press animals 20090818140000 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST National Park Service | The potentially deadly canine influenza is affecting dogs in at least five states. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/18/dog-canine-virus.html Canine influenza, the potentially deadly H3N8 virus commonly known as dog flu, is now affecting dogs in at least five states. Deadly Dog Flu Spreads Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090818120000 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:00:00 EST Alexis Wenski-Roberts/Image Lab/Cornell University | A 23,000-square-mile deep-sea coral reef tract is being proposed for protection. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/18/corals-protection.html A 23,000-square-mile coral reef tract is being proposed for protection from potential damage by deep-sea commercial fishing. Deep-Sea Coral Reef May Get Protection Brian Skoloff, Associated Press animals 20090818100000 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST Steve W. Ross/UNCW | A new adhesive inspired by a marine worm may help bones heal after surgery. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/18/marine-worm-glue.html A new adhesive inspired by a marine worm may help bones heal after surgery. Marine Worm's Glue May Aid Bone Repair Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20090818080000 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST Fred Hayes | Mint, thyme and other spices offer a new alternative in organic pest-control. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/17/killer-spices.html Mint, thyme and other spices offer a new alternative in organic pest-control. Killer Spices Keep Pests at Bay Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090817133000 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | China's giant panda could soon be extinct as the animal's habitat is continually split up. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/17/giant-panda-extinct.html China's giant panda could soon be extinct as the animal's habitat is continually split up. Pandas Could Be Extinct in 2-3 Generations AFP animals 20090817123000 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST Getty Images | Mosquitoes brought in by tourists are creating an "ecological disaster" in the Galapagos. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/12/galapagos-tourism.html Mosquitoes brought in by tourists are creating an "ecological disaster" in the Galapagos. Galapagos Ecosystem Threatened by Tourism AFP animals 20090812104500 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:45:00 EST Paul Souders | French winemakers are using satellite imagery to improve their grape harvests. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/11/wine-harvest-satellite.html French winegrowers are reaping the benefits of satellite imagery to improve their grape harvests, in a fusion of cutting-edge technology and the ancient art of winemaking. Satellites Track, Improve French Wine Crop Boris Cambreleng, AFP animals 20090811154500 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:45:00 EST NOAA | Dolphins follow the same basic rule that defines human language: the law of brevity. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/11/dolphin-language.html Dolphins follow the same basic rule that defines human language: the law of brevity. Dolphin Speak Relies on Brevity Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090811090000 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST Rene Frederick | Over 350 Himalayan species have been discovered -- and their habitats are under threat. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/10/himalaya-species.html More than 350 new species have been discovered in Himalayas -- and their habitat is under threat. New Himalaya Species Include Flying Frog Claire Cozens, AFP animals 20090810113000 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST Totul Bortamuli/WWF Nepal | Larger, faster mosquitoes created in sewage can spread dangerous diseases. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/10/mosquito-sewage.html Larger, faster mosquitoes created in sewage can spread dangerous diseases. Sewage Breeds Bigger, Faster Mosquitoes Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090810093000 Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | A thirsty crow raises water level with stones -- in the fable and in new research. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/06/crow-water-stones.html A thirsty crow raises water level with stones -- in the fable and in new research. Rooks Prove They're as Clever as Fabled Crow Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press animals 20090806144500 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:45:00 EST University of Cambridge | A disk clamped onto fishing gear protects sharks by creating a mild electric current. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/06/shark-repellent.html A half-dollar-sized metal alloy clamped onto fishing gear protects sharks by creating a mild electrical current. Shark Repellent Disk Emits Electric Volts Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20090806100000 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST Getty Images | Orangutans use a "kiss squeak" sound to deter potential predators. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/05/orangutan-kiss-squeak.html Orangutans use a "kiss squeak" sound to deter potential predators. Orangutans Invent Deceptive 'Kiss Squeak' Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090805113000 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST Madeleine Hardus | Geckos turn on their sticky feet when they encounter an incline of at least 10 degrees. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/05/gecko-gravity-sticky.html Geckos turn on their sticky feet when they encounter an incline of at least 10 degrees or more, research finds. Gravity Cues Geckos When to Use Sticky Feet Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090805091500 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Female swamp gorillas have a ritual that appears to hold meaning for other gorillas. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/05/gorillas-clapping.html Female swamp gorillas have a ritual that appears to hold meaning for other gorillas. Swamp Gorillas Perform Hand Clapping Ritual Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090805090000 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | A walking and climbing bat apparently developed its unique skills earlier than thought. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/04/walking-bat-ancestor.html The lesser short-tailed bat is unique for its walking and climbing skills and new research finds it developed the abilities earlier than thought. Odd Walking Bat Has Ancient Heritage Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090804101500 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:15:00 EST University of New South Wales/AMNH | Rising seagull populations have wreaked havoc on salmon fisheries along the Pacific coast. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/04/seagulls-salmon.html Rising seagull populations have wreaked havoc on salmon fisheries along the Pacific coast of the U.S. Seagulls Menace Endangered Salmon Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090804090000 Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | Dog domestication first began in Africa, not Asia, according to an extensive genetic study. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/03/dog-domestication.html Dog domestication first began in Africa, not Asia, according to an extensive genetic study. Dog Domestication Likely Began in Africa Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090803170100 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:01:00 EST iStockPhoto | Elephant seals proved highly mobile when an ice sheet retreated 8,000 years ago. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/03/elephant-seals-climate.html Elephant seals proved highly mobile when an ice sheet retreated about 8,000 years ago -- could they adapt again? Elephant Seals Moved Fast With Climate Change Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090803093000 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST Getty Images | Mammoths were not likely wiped out by a comet or asteroid, a new study concludes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/08/03/mammoth-extinction.html Mammoths were not likely wiped out by a comet or asteroid, a new study concludes. Mammoths Doomed by Hunting, Climate: Study Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090803090000 Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST PLoS | Body scratchers developed by spider monkeys could be used for medicinal purposes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/31/spider-monkey-scratcher.html Body scratchers developed by spider monkeys may be used for medicinal purposes as well as olfactory communication. Spider Monkeys Invent Medicated Body Scratcher Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090731090000 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST AP Photo/Esteban Felix | Using mosquitoes as flying needles, scientists have created a delivery mechanism for a malaria "vaccine." http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/29/mosquito-malaria.html Using mosquitoes as flying needles, scientists have created a delivery mechanism for a malaria "vaccine." Mosquito Bites Used to Deliver Malaria 'Vaccine' Marilynn Marchione, Associated Press animals 20090729190100 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:01:00 EST James Gathany/Center for Disease Control | Jellyfish pulsating through oceans could actually influence Earth's climate. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/29/jellyfish-climate-ocean.html Jellyfish pulsating through water could actually influence ocean currents, which play a huge role in Earth's climate. Jellyfish May Affect Climate by Stirring Oceans Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090729130000 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST K.Katija/J.Dabiri | A powerful toxin is not only threatening bee populations, but also the nation's food supply. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/29/bees-selenium.html A powerful toxin is not only threatening bee populations, but also the nation's food supply. Toxic Pollen, Nectar Could Sting Bees Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090729083000 Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:30:00 EST AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari | The first known tree-dwelling vertebrate was a distant relative of modern mammals, including humans. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/28/first-tree-dweller.html The first known tree-dwelling vertebrate was a distant relative of modern mammals, including humans. Early Human Relative Predates Dinosaurs Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090728190100 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:01:00 EST Diane Scott | A single protein produces the unique color system present in all crustaceans. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/28/crustacean-color.html A single protein produces the unique color system present in all crustaceans. Crustacean Color Control System Decoded Anna Salleh, ABC Science Online animals 20090728113500 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:35:00 EST iStockPhoto | A May 2008 earthquake affected over half of the giant panda population in China's Sichuan province. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/27/panda-earthquake.html A May 2008 earthquake affected over half of the giant panda population in China's Sichuan province. Wild Giant Pandas Devastated by Quake AFP animals 20090727170000 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST AP Photo/Color China Photo | A swimmer in New Zealand has to be rescued from an overly playful dolphin. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/27/dolphin-swimmer.html A swimmer in New Zealand has to be rescued from an overly playful dolphin that refuses to let her return to shore. Playful Dolphin Refuses to Let Swimmer Quit AFP animals 20090727123000 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST AP Photo | A new kind of stem cell, derived from skin cells, has been used to create live mice. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/23/stem-cells-mice.html A new kind of stem cell, derived from skin cells, has been used to create live mice. Stem Cells Grow Into Live Mice Seth Borenstein, Associated Press animals 20090723173000 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | The gigantic schnoz of the toucan helps the bird lose body heat in the sultry rainforest. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/23/toucan-bill-cool.html The gigantic schnoz of the toucan helps the bird lose body heat in the sultry rainforest. Toucan's Giant Bill Keeps It Cool Randoph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090723160000 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST Thiago Filadelpho | Although still in the trial phase, scientists hope pig cells can delay the effects of Type 1 diabetes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/23/pig-cells-diabetics.html Although still in the trial phase, scientists hope pig cells can delay the effects of Type 1 diabetes. Pig Cells Implanted in Diabetics Ray Lilley, Associated Press animals 20090723124500 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST iStockPhoto | Female cats tend to use their right front paw while male cats prefer their left. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/23/cats-handedness.html Female cats tend to preferentially use their right front paw while male cats more often rely upon their left, research finds. Female Cats Are Right-Pawed, Males Are Lefties Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090723090000 Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST public-photo.net | Although rabbits are known for their numbers, the white-sided jackrabbit is struggling to survive. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/22/jackrabbit-threatened.html Although rabbits are known for their numbers, the white-sided jackrabbit is struggling to survive. White-Sided Jackrabbit Under Threat Susan Montoya Bryan, Associated Press animals 20090722183000 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | An HIV-related virus is killing wild chimps and could lead to better AIDS treatments. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/22/chimps-hiv-link.html An HIV-related virus is killing chimpanzees in the wild and could be a missing link in the evolution of AIDS. Missing AIDS Link Found in Chimps Seth Borenstein, Associated Press animals 20090722153000 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST Michael L. Wilson | The numbers of black sheep are dwindling thanks to climate change. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/22/black-sheep-warming.html Black sheep's dark wool absorbs sunlight, helping them stay warm, but rising temperatures are diminishing that advantage. Warming Dooms Black Sheep Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090722091500 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:15:00 EST A. Ozgul/Science/AAAS | Smaller fish could have a significant impact on the food web and ecosystem. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/20/fish-climate-change.html Smaller fish could have a significant impact on the food web and ecosystem. Fish Shrink Due to Climate Change AFP animals 20090720183000 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST AP Photo/Thomas Haentzschel | A rising tide of salts in rivers is sparking a mass exodus of wild herds on the Serengeti. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/20/serengeti-wildlife.html A rising tide of salts in rivers is sparking a mass exodus of wild herds on the Serengeti. Wildlife on Serengeti Migrate to Cleaner Water Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090720121500 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Aquarium fish kept alone or in pairs show higher stress than those kept in big groups. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/16/fish-tank-company.html Two common aquarium fish kept alone or in pairs show higher stress levels than those who are kept in groups of 10 or more. For Tank Fish Two Is Not Enough Company Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090716084500 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:45:00 EST iStockPhoto | Scientists confirm the oldest penis-like structure in an ancient fish specimen. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/14/oldest-male-organ.html Scientists confirm the oldest penis-like structure in an ancient fish specimen. 400 Million-Year-Old Male Sex Member ID'd Nicky Phillips, ABC Science Online animals 20090714114000 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:40:00 EST P. E. Ahlberg, Uppsala University | New analysis of scorpion venom could lead to new drug applications. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/14/scorpion-venom.html The findings from the analysis of scorpion venom could lead to new drug applications. Secrets of the Scorpion's Sting Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20090714081500 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Cats manipulate humans by embedding an urgent cry sound into their purr. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/13/cats-purring-humans.html Cats manipulate their human caretakers by embedding an urgent cry sound into the purr, resulting in a vocalization that people difficult to ignore. Cats Use Special Purr to Manipulate Humans Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090713120000 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST Karen McComb | To protect the giant Palouse earthworm, researchers must first find it. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/13/giant-worm-search.html To protect the giant Palouse earthworm, researchers must first find it. Search Begins for Rare, Giant Worm Nicholas K. Geranios, Associated Press animals 20090713111500 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:15:00 EST AP Photo/Dean Hare | Dogs possess a two-year-old child's capacity to understand human pointing. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/13/dog-toddler-gestures.html Dogs possess a two-year-old child's capacity to understand human pointing gestures, research finds. Dogs Get Gestures as Well as Toddlers Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090713100000 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | The chances of fertilization are increased when the female is deemed to be desirable. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/08/sperm-attractiveness.html The chances of fertilization are increased when the female is deemed to be desirable. Sperm Travels Faster Toward Attractive Females Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090708093000 Mon, 08 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | The fence threatens already limited populations of pygmy owls and bighorn sheep. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/08/border-fence-wildlife.html The fence threatens already limited populations of pygmy owls and bighorn sheep. U.S.-Mexico Border Fence May Snag Wildlife Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20090708071500 Mon, 08 Jul 2009 07:15:00 EST Aaron Flesch | Cotton-top tamarin monkeys can tell the difference between prefixes and suffixes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/07/monkeys-verbal-skills.html Cotton-top tamarin monkeys can tell the difference between prefixes and suffixes. Monkeys Display Verbal Skills Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090707190000 Mon, 07 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST AP Photo/Victoria Arocho | The genomes of 17 different ants, fungi and bacteria could provide a source of biofuels. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/06/community-genome-biofuel.html The genomes of 17 different ants, fungi and bacteria could provide a source of biofuels. Community Genome Could Produce Biofuels Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20090706100500 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:05:00 EST University of Wisconsin | Scientists have uncovered how salamanders are able to regrow their limbs. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/02/salamander-regeneration.html Scientists have uncovered how salamanders are able to regrow their limbs. Mystery of Salamander Limb Regrowth Solved AFP animals 20090702112000 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:20:00 EST iStockPhoto | A stash of fossil feathers from the extinct Moa reveal a wealth of information. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/01/moa-feathers-extinct.html A new stash of fossil feathers from the extinct Moa are revealing a wealth of information about the giant birds. Fossil Feathers Revealing Extinct Moa's True Colors Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090701133000 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST Rawlence et al. 2009 | Supporters of the Palouse earthworm file a petition to protect this rare, giant worm. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/01/palouse-earthworm.html Supporters of the Palouse earthworm file a petition to protect this rare, giant worm. Giant, Spitting Worms Garner Protection Plea Nicholas K. Geranios, Associated Press animals 20090701125500 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:55:00 EST Lee Matthews | Wild animals get cancer too and the disease is another conservation threat. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/01/wildlife-cancer.html Wildlife are vulnerable to cancers like people, and the disease could be an overlooked conservation threat. Cancer: Another Threat to Wildlife Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090701100000 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST iStockPhoto/Cynthia Lagueux | Although perceived as invasive predators, dingoes actually protect biodiversity. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/30/dingoes-predators.html A new study on dingoes shows that invasive predators can play an important role in the food web and might actually be good for conservation. Predatory Dingoes Promote Diversity Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090630080000 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 08:00:00 GMT Mike Letnic | Pigeons have the potential to learn and mark a "good" piece art from a "bad" one. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/26/pigeon-art-critic.html Pigeons have the potential to learn and mark a "good" piece art from a "bad" one. Pigeons Make Good Art Critics AFP animals 20090626145000 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:50:00 EST iStockPhoto | Fish ears grow up to 17 percent larger when CO2 levels are increased in water. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/25/fish-ears-acidity.html Fish ears grow up to 17 percent larger when carbon dioxide levels are increased in water. 'Fish's Ears Get Bigger in Acidic Water Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090625153000 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:30:00 EST Science/D.M. Checkley et. al | A new study shows that a third of ocean sharks now face extinction. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/25/shark-extinction.html A new study shows that a third of ocean sharks -- including the great white and hammerhead -- now face extinction. One-Third of Sharks Now Face Extinction AFP animals 20090625104000 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:40:00 EST AP Photo/Yves Lefebre | Faced with declining populations, spotted owls have lost genetic diversity. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/25/spotted-owl.html Faced with declining populations, spotted owls have lost genetic diversity. Spotted Owls Face Genetic Bottleneck Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090625080000 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:00:00 GMT U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service This unusual spider fends off other spiders by mimicking the behavior an ant. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/24/spider-ant.html This unusual spider fends off other spiders by mimicking the behavior an ant. Spider-Ant? Spider Mimics Ants to Scare off Predators Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090624080000 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST Ximena Nelson and Robert Jackson Scientists uncover the most complete prehistoric elephant skeleton ever found in the tropics. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/23/elephant-fossil.html Scientists uncover the most complete prehistoric elephant skeleton ever found in the tropics. Giant Elephant Fossil Unearthed in Java Niniek Karmini, AP animals 20090623150000 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:00:00 GMT AP | Caribou and reindeer herds have dwindled by nearly 60 percent on average. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/22/caribou-population.html Caribou and reindeer herds have dwindled by nearly 60 percent on average. Caribou Populations See Rapid Decline Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090622154000 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:40:00 EST U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The severely endangered Iberian lynx is making a slow but steady comeback in captivity. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/22/emdangered-lynx.html The Iberian lynx, on the brink of extinction, is making a slow but steady comeback in captivity. Lynx Brought Back from the Brink Denholm Barnetson, AFP animals 20090622101500 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:15:00 EST National Wildlife Federation Jack the Ripper had plenty in common with great white sharks, according to new research. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/22/shark-attacks.html Jack the Ripper had plenty in common with great white sharks, according to a team of researchers who have determined sharks hunt like human serial killers. Great White Sharks Hunt Like Serial Killers Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090622083000 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST Neil Hammerschlag | Carbon markets could protect threatened species, as well as reduce emissions. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/19/carbon-credits-orangutan.html Carbon markets could protect threatened species, as well as reduce emissions, research shows. Carbon Credits Could Help Orangutans, Elephants Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090619130000 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | Freshwater dolphins in Cambodia and Laos are on the brink of extinction due to pollution. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/18/mekong-dolphin.html Freshwater dolphins in Cambodia and Laos are on the brink of extinction due to pollution. Mekong River Dolphin Nearly Extinct Patrick Falby, AFP animals 20090618151500 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:15:00 EST AP Photo People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants Obama to be kinder to pesky flies. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/18/fly-obama-peta.html The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants the flyswatter in chief to try taking a more humane attitude the next time he's bedeviled by a fly in the White House. PETA Wishes Obama Hadn't Swatted That Fly Associated Press animals 20090618092000 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:20:00 EST iStockPhoto | Shrews use primitive echolocation to "see" past obstacles and navigate. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/18/shrews-echolocation.html Shrews use primitive echolocation to 'see' past obstacles and navigate in their dark world, according to a new study. Sonic Twittering Helps Shrews Find Their Way http://blogs.discovery.com/earth Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090618081500 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | The nine-spined stickleback can think and learn like we humans do, researchers find. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/17/fish-intelligence.html The nine-spined stickleback can think and learn like we humans do, researchers determine. 'Genius Fish' Strategizes Like Humans Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090617082000 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:20:00 EST St. Andrews University | A box jellyfish antivenom is proven ineffective against the animal's deadly sting. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/15/jellyfish-antivenom.html A long-used box jellyfish antivenom is proven ineffective in saving lives from the animal's deadly sting. Antivenoms Can't Stop Deadly Jellyfish Sting Anna Salleh, ABC Science Online animals 20090615103000 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EST courtesy of GBRMPA | A new weapon against bed bugs includes the insects' own pheromones. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/11/bedbug-pheromones.html Bed bug alarm pheromones, combined with a common insecticide make up a new, potent control agent. Bed Bug Weapon Uses Insect's Own Juice Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090611101500 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:15:00 EST Joshua Benoit | Swamp beasts of the prehistoric Canadian high Arctic survived the polar darkness on rotting plants. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/11/arctic-alligators.html Beasts that roamed balmy swamps and forests in the prehistoric Arctic survived the polar dark by eating decaying plants, according to a new study. Ancient Beasts Thrived in Arctic Swamps http://blogs.discovery.com/earth Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090611090000 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST iStockPhoto /Jaelyn Eberle, University of Colorado | Big mammals may be unexpectedly flexible to climate change, research finds. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/10/mammals-climate-change.html Big mammals may be unexpectedly flexible to climate change, according to research that found in the past animals shifted their diets with ease. Climate Change? Big Mammals May Be Flexible Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090610104500 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:45:00 EST Getty Images | Bird flu can survive for up to two years in bird carcasses that have been dumped into landfills. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/09/bird-flu-landfills.html Bird flu can survive for up to two years in bird carcasses that have been dumped into landfills, research finds. Bird Flu Survives in Landfills Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090609091500 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 09:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Chimps and other primates laugh the way we do, research finds. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/04/chimps-apes-laugh.html Orangutans, chimps, gorillas and other primates laugh the way we do, especially babies that are being tickled, research concludes. Chimps, Other Apes Laugh Like People Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090604120000 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST Davila-Ross | The world's first pig stem cells are created and could be used to battle human disease. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/03/pig-stem-cells.html Chinese researchers announced they have successfully creates the world's first pig stem cells, which could be used to battle human disease. Chinese Researchers Create First Pig Stem Cells AFP animals 20090603102000 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:20:00 EST USGS | Most city rats stay local, but a few adventurous ones stray further, foiling pest controls. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/03/city-rats-travel.html Most city rats stay local, but a few adventurous ones stray further and make pest control more challenging. Some City Rats Roam Far From Home Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090603091500 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Researchers followed Emperor penguin poop trails from space to track at-risk colonies. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/02/penguins-guano-tracking.html Researchers followed Emperor penguin poop trails from space to track the threatened colonies. Tracking Penguin Poop From Space Seth Borenstein, Associated Press animals 20090602111500 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Chimps create an impressive five-piece toolkit for extracting honey. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/06/02/chimpanzee-tool-kit.html Chimps create an impressive five-piece toolkit for extracting honey from bee hives and underground nests. Chimp-Made Toolkit Most Complex Ever Found Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090602100000 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | A baby panda birth makes Thailand only the third country to breed a panda in captivity. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/28/baby-panda-thailand.html The birth of a female panda at a Thai zoo makes Thailand only the third country to breed the rare mammal in captivity. Rare Baby Panda Born in Thai Zoo Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press animals 20090528103000 Thu, 28 May 2009 10:30:00 EST AP Photo/Chiang Mai Zoo | Under the Tuscan soil lie the fossilized remains of some toothy ancient residents. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/28/chianti-shark-tooth.html Primitive, eel-like sharks once populated what are now the rolling hills of the wine-growing Chianti region in Tuscany. Toothy Sharks Once Ruled Tuscany Rossella Lorenzi, Discovery News animals 20090528080000 Thu, 28 May 2009 08:00:00 EST Alex Orlandini/Franco Cigala Fulgosi Transgenic monkeys are shown to pass newly acquired genes to their offspring. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/27/monkeys-transgenic.html Transgenic monkeys can pass newly acquired genes to their offspring, research shows, in a step that could boost disease research. Monkeys Pass on Inserted Gene Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press animals 20090527144500 Wed, 27 May 2009 14:45:00 EST E.Sasaki et al 2009 | Video of a sperm whale stealing fish reveals how these sneaky marine giants foil fishermen. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/27/sperm-whale-thief.html Video of a sperm whale stealing fish reveals how these sneaky marine giants foil fishermen, as well as how they produce their vocalizations. Sperm Whale Caught Stealing Fish on Video Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090527090000 Wed, 27 May 2009 09:00:00 EST Scripps Institution of Oceanography,/UC San Diego; National Geographic | Predicting where displaced animals could live may become a major conservation tool. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/27/desert-tortoise-map.html Predicting where displaced animals could live may become an important conservation tool. Desert Tortoises Get Real Estate Map Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090527080000 Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST AP Photo | A mouse gene linked to hair loss could lead to treatments for baldness in people. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/26/hair-loss-gene.html The discovery of a mouse gene linked to early hair loss is sparking hopes for a treatment for thinning hair and baldness in people. Hair Loss Gene Found in Mice AFP animals 20090526103000 Tue, 26 May 2009 10:30:00 EST Getty Images | Laboratory studies with rooks show the birds quickly pick up how to use tools to get food. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/26/rook-tools-bird.html Laboratory studies with rooks show the birds quickly pick up how to use tools to get food. Rooks Quickly Learn Tool-Use Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090526101500 Tue, 26 May 2009 10:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | The oceans once supported far more animals than exist today. Could it happen again? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/26/whale-shark-ocean.html If the oceans once supported dramatically more large animals than exist today, could it happen again? Whales, Sharks Need Major Rebound, Study Shows Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090526090000 Tue, 26 May 2009 09:00:00 EST Getty Images | Pigs may have hosted genes included in the new swine flu for a decade or more. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/22/swine-flu-genes.html Pigs may have hosted genes included in the new swine flu for a decade or more, according to new research. Swine Flu Genes Circulated for a Decade Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090522133000 Fri, 22 May 2009 13:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | A contagious cancer has wiped out most wild Tasmanian devils. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/22/tasmanian-devil.html A contagious cancer has wiped out most of the wild population of Tasmanian devils. Tasmanian Devils Listed as Endangered Rod McGuirk, Associated Press animals 20090522101500 Fri, 22 May 2009 10:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | The doe-eyed English cocker spaniel may be the world's most aggressive breed. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/22/cocker-spaniel-aggressive.html The doe-eyed English cocker spaniel may be the world's most aggressive breed, according to a new study. World's Meanest Dog: The English Cocker Spaniel? Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090522090000 Fri, 22 May 2009 09:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | Male birds sing more elaborately under stress to prove they're good learners -- and survivors. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/21/bird-song-stress.html In hostile conditions, male birds sing more elaborately to prove they're good learners -- and survivors. Birds Under Stress Become Better Singers AFP animals 20090521150000 Thu, 21 May 2009 15:00:00 EST Getty Images | Bumblebees use brute force to fly around, but they have fine control. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/21/bumblebee-flight.html Analysis of bumblebee flight shows the insects use brute force to get around, but they have fine control. Flight of the Bumblebee: Inefficient But Precise Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090521090000 Thu, 21 May 2009 09:00:00 EST Richard Bomphrey | Will genetic engineering be the solution to livestock methane emissions? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/20/low-emission-cow.html When cows pass gas, it's no laughing matter. Will genetic engineering be the solution to livestock methane emissions? Introducing the Fuel-Efficient Cow Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20090520143000 Wed, 20 May 2009 14:30:00 EST Roberto Eizemberg | Primitive life forms may have survived a period of intense bombardment on early Earth. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/20/early-earth-life.html Life forms may have arisen on Earth some 4.4 billion years ago and survived a harsh period of bombardment. Life on Earth May Have Begun Much Earlier Marlowe Hood, AFP animals 20090520140000 Wed, 20 May 2009 14:00:00 EST Oleg Abramov | The porous structure of echinoderms offer a model for a greenhouse gas sponge. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/20/echinoderms-co2.html The porous structure of echinoderms offer a model for a sponge to absorb greenhouse gases. Sea Creatures Inspire CO2 Sponge Nicky Phillips, ABC Science Online animals 20090520100000 Wed, 20 May 2009 10:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | Tiny magnets found in ant antennae may explain the insects' sense of direction. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/20/ant-magnet-gps.html Tiny magnets found in ant antennae may explain why the insects always seem to know where they're going. Magnets in Ant Antennae Work as Internal GPS Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090520090000 Wed, 20 May 2009 09:00:00 EST Roberto Eizemberg | A 47-million-year-old skeleton may help illuminate the early evolution of apes and humans. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/19/skeleton-primates.html The skeleton of a 47-million-year-old creature may help illuminate the early evolution of apes and humans. Skeleton Sheds Light on Primate Evolution Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press animals 20090519140000 Tue, 19 May 2009 14:00:00 EST AP Photo/Mary Altaffer | It is poison, not bacteria, that gives the Komodo dragon's bite its lethal power. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/19/komodo-dragon-bite.html It is a shock-inducing poison, not bacteria, that gives the Komodo dragon's bite its lethal power. Komodo Dragon's Deadly Bite Explained AFP animals 20090519124500 Tue, 19 May 2009 12:45:00 EST iStockPhoto | New fuel and emission standards will save oil for an extra $1,300 per vehicle. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/19/car-emissions.html President Obama's new fuel and emission standards will save oil and clear air at a cost of an extra $1,300 per vehicle. National Emission Limits to Conserve at a Cost Ken Thomas and Philip Elliott, Associated Press animals 20090519120000 Tue, 19 May 2009 12:00:00 EST AP Photo | If you've ever wronged a mockingbird, you may want to watch your back. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/19/mockingbird-learning.html If you've ever wronged a mockingbird, you may want to watch your back. Mockingbirds Can Tell People Apart Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090519112000 Tue, 19 May 2009 11:20:00 EST iStockPhoto | A study shows as populations of animals lose diversity, disease rates increase. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/19/biodiversity-disease.html A study shows as populations of animals lose diversity, disease rates increase. Animal Biodiversity Keeps People Healthy Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090519101500 Tue, 19 May 2009 10:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Having recovered from near extinction, blue whales reclaim an old migration route. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/18/blue-whales.html Having recovered from near extinction, blue whales could be re-establishing an old migration route. Blue Whales Returning to Alaska Mary Pemberton, Associated Press animals 20090518124500 Mon, 18 May 2009 12:45:00 EST Getty Images | After a disappointing experience, monkeys ponder what might have been. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/15/monkey-learn-mistakes.html After a disappointing experience, monkeys ponder what might have been, suggests new research. Monkeys Learn From Their Mistakes AFP animals 20090515090000 Fri, 15 May 2009 09:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | A rare, chicken-sized bird now has a 36-acre beach in Indonesia where it will be protected. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/15/bird-private-island.html A rare, chicken-sized bird now has a 36-acre beach in Indonesia where it will be protected. Rare Bird Gets Own Private Beach Associated Press animals 20090515084500 Fri, 15 May 2009 08:45:00 EST AP Photo/Wildlife Conservation Society, Julie Larsen Maher | Three colorful birds are added to the list of the world's most threatened species. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/14/birds-endangered.html An Ethiopian lark, a Galapagos finch and a spectacularly colored hummingbird only recently discovered in Colombia are added to the list of the world's most threatened species. Three Birds Join Ranks of Highly Endangered Bradley S. Klapper, Associated Press animals 20090514130000 Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:00 EST Birdlife International | In the wake of a brutal chimpanzee attack, sanctuaries are running out of space. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/14/chimp-pet-sanctuary.html In the wake of a brutal chimpanzee attack, sanctuaries are running out of space. Chimp Owners Vie for Sanctuary Space John Christofferson, Associated Press animals 20090514114000 Thu, 14 May 2009 11:40:00 EST AP Photo/Ted S. Warren | In late spring, some penguins leave home for months. Now, we know where they go. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/13/macaroni-penguins.html Macaroni penguins abandon their Antarctic home after the spring breeding season. But where do they go? Penguins' Secret Ocean Food Stash Found Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090513091500 Wed, 13 May 2009 09:15:00 EST Getty Images | The chicks of interloping male birds gain an advantage by hatching before their half siblings. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/12/promiscuity-birds-survive.html The chicks of interloping male birds gain an advantage in the nest by hatching before their half siblings. Offspring of Unfaithful Get Head Start Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20090512121500 Tue, 12 May 2009 12:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Scientists mimic the way cuttlefish change their color to create a hi-tech TV screen. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/12/cuttlefish-tv-screen.html MIT scientists mimic the way cuttlefish change their skin color to create a cheap but hi-tech color TV screen. Color-Shifting Cuttlefish Inspire TV Screens Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20090512120000 Tue, 12 May 2009 12:00:00 EST Getty Images | Mercury emissions reach ocean fish with a helping hand from circulating algae. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/12/mercury-fish-algae.html Mercury emissions from human sources make their way from the atmosphere into ocean fish with a helping hand from circulating algae. Mercury Takes Algae Road to Ocean Fish Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090512092000 Tue, 12 May 2009 09:20:00 EST iStockPhoto | From seagulls that play catch to fish that exchange stimulating charges, animals seek pleasure. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/11/animal-pleasure.html From seagulls that play catch to fish that exchange stimulating charges, animals like to have fun according to a new study. Animals Just Want to Have Fun, Survey Finds Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090511113000 Mon, 11 May 2009 11:30:00 EST Connie Pugh/Farm Sanctuary | Polar bear protection will not be broadened to include limits on nation-wide emissions. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/08/polar-bear-emissions.html Polar bear protection will not be broadened to include limits on nation-wide emissions, according to reports. Polar Bear Protection Won't Be Broadened H. Josef Hebert, Associated Press animals 20090508130000 Fri, 08 May 2009 13:00:00 EST Getty Images | The biggest fish in the sea, whale sharks, are surprisingly low in genetic diversity. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/08/whale-shark-genes.html The biggest fish in the sea, whale sharks, are low in genetic diversity, suggesting the animals roam great distances to breed. Whale Sharks Travel Vast Distances to Breed Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090508090000 Fri, 08 May 2009 09:00:00 EST Getty Images | A dazzling firefly population in Malaysia faces destruction due to tree clearing. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/07/fireflies-malaysia.html A dazzling firefly population in Malaysia faces destruction due to tree clearing. Fears of 'Lights Out' for Malaysian Fireflies M. Jegathesan, AFP animals 20090507134500 Thu, 07 May 2009 13:45:00 EST AP Photo/Anchana Thancharoen | Basking sharks hide out for half the year and scientists have finally tracked where they go. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/07/basking-shark-track.html Basking sharks hide out for half the year and scientists have finally figured out where they go. Basking Sharks' Hiding Places Found Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090507120000 Thu, 07 May 2009 12:00:00 EST Chris Gotschalk | A packed cluster of trilobite fossils found in Portugal could include the largest ever found. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/07/trilobites-fossil.html A packed cluster of trilobite fossils found in Portugal could include the largest ever found. Giant Trilobites in Portugal Could Be Biggest Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090507100000 Thu, 07 May 2009 10:00:00 EST Artur Sa, University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro | Horses' coats exploded into colors after domestication took off some 5,500 years ago. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/07/horse-coat-color.html Horses' coats exploded into a range of colors after domestication of the animals took off some 5,500 years ago. Domestication Led to Horse Color Explosion Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090507091500 Thu, 07 May 2009 09:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | A man tried smuggling songbirds into the country by hiding them in a pair of leggings. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/06/songbirds-smuggling.html A man tried smuggling songbirds into the country by hiding them in a pair of leggings. Smuggler Tries to Conceal Birds in Socks Raquel Maria Dillon, Associated Press animals 20090506111500 Wed, 06 May 2009 11:15:00 EST AP Photo/Department of Justice | Seahorses adopted their upright posture to take advantage of grassy habitats. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/06/seahorses-stand-up.html Seahorses are famous for their upright posture and new research pinpoints when the fish first went vertical to take advantage of grassy underwater habitats. Seahorses 'Stood Up' 25 Million Years Ago Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090506091500 Wed, 06 May 2009 09:15:00 EST Robert Harcourt/David Harasti | Hundreds of thousands of bees are at risk from a disease sweeping through hives in South Africa. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/05/bees-disease-hives.html Hundreds of thousands of bees are at risk from a disease sweeping through hives in South Africa. Disease Threatening Bees in South Africa AFP animals 20090505120000 Tue, 05 May 2009 12:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | Vanishing sea ice could cause seals to eat more mercury-contaminated fish. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/05/seal-mercury-fish.html Vanishing sea ice could cause seals in the Arctic to eat more mercury-contaminated fish. Mercury in Seal's Diet Linked to Warming Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090505093000 Tue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST NOAA | After a comeback the grey wolf is no longer endangered and can be hunted in most states. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/04/gray-wolf-delisted.html After a big comeback the grey wolf is no longer endangered and can be hunted in most states. Grey Wolf Taken Off Endangered List AFP animals 20090504154500 Mon, 04 May 2009 15:45:00 EST Montana Fish and Wildlife | Lizards and chameleons bask in the sun to stock up on vitamin D. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/04/lizard-sunning-vitamin.html Lizards and chameleons bask in the sun not just to thermoregulate but also to stock up on vitamin D. Lizards Sunbathe for Vitamin D Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090504090000 Mon, 04 May 2009 09:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | A tiny mummy found at the feet of a mummified Egyptian was probably his beloved pet. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/05/01/puppy-mummy-egypt.html A tiny mummy found at the feet of a mummified Egyptian man was probably his young, beloved dog, say researchers. Mummified Puppy Found in Egyptian Tomb Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090501083000 Fri, 01 May 2009 08:30:00 EST University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology | Invasive species, often introduced as pets, increase risk to diseases and lead to heavy costs. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/30/pet-trade-costs.html Invasive species, often introduced through wild animal trade, can increase risk to diseases like swine flu and cost millions of dollars to control. Pet Trade Introduces Diseases, Costs Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090430151500 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:15:00 EST Getty Images | Some birds can boogie to the beat in almost-perfect tempo. How do they do it? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/30/dancing-birds-rhythm.html Some birds can boogie to the beat in almost-perfect tempo. How do they do it? Dancing Birds Feel the Beat Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090430123000 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:30:00 EST Irena Schulz | A desalination plant may pose a threat to populations of the giant Australian cuttlefish. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/30/cuttlefish-desalination.html Populations of the giant Australian cuttlefish may be at risk from a proposed huge desalination plant. Cuttlefish at Risk From Desalination Plant Anna Salleh, ABC Science Online animals 20090430104500 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:45:00 EST Sean Connell | Some female lizards rely on testosterone for a unique way of keeping amorous males off their backs. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/29/lizard-dead-sex.html Females of an Australian species of lizard rely on testosterone for a most unusual method of keeping amorous males off their backs. Lizard Rolls Over to Avoid Sex Anna Salleh, ABC Science Online animals 20090429153000 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:30:00 EST Devi Stuart-Fox | Animals that play dead often survive, but more often when others are there to take the heat. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/29/playing-dead-survival.html Insects and animals that play dead often survive, but more often when a moving friend or relative is around to take the heat. Animals that Play Dead Sacrifice Others Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090429093000 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST Takahisa Miyatak | Kenya elephants' diets are gleaned from tail hair analysis and GPS tracking. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/28/elephants-gps-grass.html GPS collars and analysis of chemical isotopes in tail hairs help researchers understand how human encroachment and climate change could harm elephant populations in Kenya. GPS and Hair Analysis Reveal Elephant Stresses Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090428100000 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST Thure Cerling, University of Utah | Reef fish under environmental stress create irregular offspring with asymmetrical ears. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/27/reef-fish-stress.html Reef fish under environmental stress are creating irregular offspring with asymmetrical ears. Stress Gives Reef Fish Wonky Ears Wendy Zukerman, ABC Science Online animals 20090427111500 Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | The genome of the domestic cow is decoded, revealing a similarity to human chromosomes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/23/cow-genome.html The genome of the domestic cow is decoded, revealing human chromosomes are more similar to cows than rats or mice. Cow's Genetic Code Cracked Jean-Louis Santini, AFP animals 20090423145000 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:50:00 EST Michael MacNeil, USDA-ARS | A poorly prepared supplement could be to blame for the deaths of 21 polo horses. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/23/polo-horse-deaths.html A poorly prepared supplement could be to blame for the deaths of 21 polo horses. Pharmacy Takes Blame for Polo Horse Deaths Brian Skoloff, Associated Press animals 20090423143000 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST AP Photo/Veronica Castillo | How did the seal get its flippers? A new fossil from the Canadian Arctic offers clues. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/22/seal-otter-fossil.html How did the seal get its flippers? A new fossil from the Canadian Arctic offers clues. Fossil Offers Flipper Evolution Link Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press animals 20090422143000 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST Mark A. Klingler/(CMNH) | Like living thermometers, some owls are turning a deep shade of red as the climate warms. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/22/owl-climate-change.html Like living thermometers, some species of owls in Europe and the United States are turning a deep shade of red as temperatures rise. Owls Getting Redder as Climate Warms Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090422133030 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:30:30 EST iStockPhoto | Kenya's giraffes, warthogs and impalas have dwindled by as much as 95 percent. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/22/kenya-wildlife.html Populations of giraffes, warthogs and impalas have dropped by as much as 95 percent in Kenya. Kenya's Wildlife in Steep Decline AFP animals 20090422133000 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST Getty Images | Marsh spiders enter temporary comas to survive drowning, research shows. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/22/spider-drown-coma.html Marsh spiders enter temporary comas to survive drowning in a skill developed to withstand regular immersion, research shows. 'Drowned' Spiders Come Back From the Dead Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090422110000 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST Sonia Dourlot | Anyone who questions bonobo language abilities should hear them at a meal. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/17/bonobo-food-language.html Anyone who questions bonobo language abilities should hear them at a meal, say scientists who have deciphered five distinct calls the great apes make in response to tasty (or terrible) morsels. Bonobos Rate Food on Scale From Bark to Grunt Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090417120000 Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | A remote-controlled submarine will monitor ocean conditions off Tasmania. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/16/porpoise-submarine.html A remote-controlled submarine will monitor deep ocean conditions off the coast of Tasmania. Porpoise-Like Sub Explores Deep Sea Darren Osborne, ABC Science Online animals 20090416143000 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST CSIRO | A population of microbes has been thriving in a reservoir of briny liquid under an Antarctic glacier. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/16/glacier-microbes.html A population of microbes has been thriving for more than a million years in a freezing, dark, airless reservoir of briny liquid beneath an Antarctic glacier. Ancient Ecosystem Found in Ice Pocket Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090416140000 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST Ralph Maestas | Hana, the world's first cloned goat, could help scientists find treatments for stroke. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/16/goat-clone-iran.html Hana, the world's first cloned goat, could help scientists find treatments for stroke and other medical conditions. Goat Cloned by Iranian Scientists Ali Akbar Dareini, Associated Press animals 20090416133000 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST AP Photo/ISNA, Gholam Hossein Baharloo | Four baby pythons slithered from their box during a passenger flight over Australia. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/16/python-escape-plane.html Four baby pythons slithered from their box during a passenger flight over Australia. Baby Pythons Escape on Passenger Plane Associated Press animals 20090416101500 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 10:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Simply changing some light bulbs could prevent more than half of migratory bird deaths. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/15/migratory-birds-towers.html To prevent more than half of migratory bird deaths, all we need to do is change some light bulbs, according to a new study. Switching Tower Lights Could Save Birds Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090415114500 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:45:00 EST Getty Imags | A species of ants has completely ended its sex life and produces only females. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/15/asexual-ants.html A widespread species of female ants has completely ended its sex life and produces only females. Asexual Ants Give up on Males Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090415100000 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST April Nobile/California Academy of Sciences | Honeybees consistently hone in on flowers that produce the best nectar. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/15/honeybee-flower-scent.html The honeybee nose knows what's best, according to research that finds the bees consistently hone in on flowers that produce the best nectar. Honeybees Don't Fall for Cheap Perfume Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090415090000 Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST James Ward | The Obamas are greeting a new member of the first family today. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/14/obama-dog-bo.html President Barack Obama and his family are greeting a new member of the first family today. Portuguese Water Dog 'Bo' Moves Into White House Associated Press animals 20090414150000 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST AP Photo/Pete Souza, White House | Injaz, a female one-humped camel, was cloned from a camel that was slaughtered in 2005. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/14/camel-clone-dubai.html Injaz, a female one-humped camel, was cloned from a camel that was slaughtered in 2005. First Cloned Camel Born in Dubai AFP animals 20090414104500 Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:45:00 EST Chris Jackson/Getty Images | The Berlin Zoo won't change security measures after a polar bear attacked a woman. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/13/polar-bear-attack.html The Berlin Zoo doesn't plan to change security measures even after a polar bear attacked a woman who managed to jump into the bears' enclosure last week. Polar Bear Attack Won't Affect Berlin Zoo Policies Rachel Nolan, Associated Press animals 20090413150000 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST AP Photo/Gero Breloer | Conservationists discover a large group of orangutans in a remote corner of Borneo. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/13/orangutan-indonesia.html Conservationists discover a large, previously unknown group of orangutans in a remote corner of Borneo. New Orangutan Population Found in Indonesia Robin McDowell, Associated Press animals 20090413100000 Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST Nature Conservancy | Conservationists in Zimbabwe are in a desperate face-off with illegal poachers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/10/rhino-zimbabwe.html Bloody new poaching methods and weak law enforcement are leading to a rash of rhino deaths in Zimbabwe. Rhinos Under 24-Hour Armed Guard in Zimbabwe Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090410113000 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST Judy and John Travers | Detergents used to clean up oil spills might be worse for fish that the spills themselves. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/10/oil-spill-fish.html The detergents used to clean up oil spills might actually be more toxic to fish that the oil spills themselves, according to a new study. Oil Spill Surface Cleanup Ignores Fish Below Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090410090000 Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST Getty Images | Future flying robots could be easier to steer, thanks to a new study on animal flight. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/09/flying-robot-wings.html Future flying robots could be easier to steer, thanks to a new study that breaks down how birds and bats turn in mid-air. Bird Maneuvers Inspire Next-Gen Flying Robots Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20090409140000 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST Science | Necropsy reports of leatherback turtles revealed plastic inside more than a third of the animals. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/09/leatherback-turtles.html Reviews of hundreds of necropsy reports of leatherback turtles since 1885 revealed plastic inside more than a third of the animals. Leatherback Turtles Consuming Plastic Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090409090000 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | The world's first land animals likely crammed their scorpion-like bodies into snail shells. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/08/hermit-ocean-land.html The world's first land animals likely crammed their scorpion-like bodies into snail shells for protection. Scorpion-Like Hermits First to Scurry to Land Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090408144000 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:40:00 EST iStockPhoto/James W. Hagadorn | Repeated blasts of sonar can cause a dolphin to temporarily lose its hearing, research shows. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/08/dolphins-sonar-deaf.html Repeated blasts of sonar can cause a dolphin to temporarily lose its hearing, research shows. Strong Sonar Causes Deafness in Dolphins AFP animals 20090408101500 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:15:00 EST AFP/HO Female chimps are more likely to copulate with males if they are given meaty meals. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/08/chimp-mate-meat.html Female chimps are more likely to copulate with males if they are gifted with meaty meals beforehand, a study finds. Wild Chimps Exchange Meat for Sex Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090408090000 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST Cristina M. Gomes | A megamouth shark is caught, carved up, and eaten by fishermen from the Philippines. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/07/megamouth-shark.html A megamouth shark, one of the world's most elusive species, has been caught, carved up, and eaten by fishermen from the Philippines. Ultra-Rare Shark Caught and Eaten AFP animals 20090407092000 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:20:00 EST AFP/HO A pet dog that fell overboard in rough seas survived alone on an island for four months. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/06/dog-overboard.html A pet dog that fell overboard in rough seas off Australia survived alone on an island for four months. Dog Overboard Found Four Months Later AFP animals 20090406124500 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:45:00 EST AFP/Jan Griffith Numbers of a dolphin species resembling the orca are declining at an alarming rate. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/03/false-killer-whales.html Numbers of a dolphin species resembling the orca are declining at an alarming rate, a new study says. False Killer Whales Declining Near Hawaii AFP animals 20090403131000 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:10:00 EST AP Photo/By Robin Baird/www.cascadiaresearch.org After a wild jaguar was accidentally captured and later euthanized, many cry foul. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/02/macho-b-jaguar.html After a wild jaguar, known as Macho B, was euthanized months after being accidentally captured in Arizona, many are crying foul. Wild Jaguar's Euthanization Raises Ire Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090402110000 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST AP Photo/Arizona Game and Fish Department, File | Baby chickens aren't just cute; they are also whizzes at math, a new study reveals. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/01/chicks-math-smart.html Baby chickens aren't just cute; they are also whizzes at math, a new study reveals. Chicks Are Smart, Scientists Confirm Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090401120000 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST Rosa Rugani | Wild camels are entering communities in the Australian outback in search of water. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/04/01/camels-australia.html Wild camels are entering communities in the Australian outback in search of water. Rogue Aussie Camels Infiltrate Communities AFP animals 20090401095000 Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:50:00 EST Getty Images | Toxic gases fuming from salt lakes may have caused the world's worst extinction event. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/31/salt-lake-extinction.html The world's worst mass extinction may have been caused by toxic gases fuming from salt lakes around the world, according to a controversial new theory. Did Great Salt Lakes Trigger Mass Extinction? Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090331093000 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST Image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team at NASA GSFC | Hundreds of pets and livestock wait out the North Dakota flood in a fairgrounds pavilion. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/30/dakota-flood-pets.html Chased from their homes by the Red River, hundreds of pets and livestock wait out the flood in a fairgrounds pavilion. Pets Wait Out ND Flood in Shelters James MacPherson, Associated Press animals 20090330114000 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:40:00 EST AP Photo/Minneapolis Star Tribune, Brian Peterson | In times of stress, female mushroom corals can turn into male mushroom corals. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/30/mushroom-corals-sex.html In times of stress, female mushroom corals can turn into male mushroom corals since it takes less energy to produce sperm than eggs. Stressed Female Mushroom Corals Become Male Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090330103000 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | Crustaceans show all the trademark signs of pain and stress, new research suggests. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/27/crab-lobster-pain.html Crustaceans show all the trademark signs of pain and stress, say scientists who argue we should re-think our approach to seafood. Lobsters and Crabs Feel Pain, Study Shows Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090327093000 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST Getty Images | New tech reveals herring shoals plunge to deeper waters at dawn and then scatter. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/26/fish-groups-tech.html Herring shoals plunge to deeper waters at dawn and then scatter, according to new monitoring tech. New Tech Can Monitor Vast Groups of Fish Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090326160000 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | Dogs, not chimps, are most like us, in terms of behavior, researchers argue. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/26/dog-human-behavior.html Dogs, not chimps, are most like us, in terms of behavior, due to years of domestication and comparable evolution, new research argues. Dogs (Not Chimps) Most Like Humans Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090326091500 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Fish caught near water treatment plants are found to carry residues of pharmaceuticals. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/25/pharmaceuticals-fish.html Fish caught near wastewater treatment plants serving five major U.S. cities are found to carry residues of pharmaceuticals. Drugs Found in Fish Near Treatment Plants Martha Mendoza, Associated Press animals 20090325130000 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | Were six Iditarod dog deaths a statistical fluke or the result of animal cruelty? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/25/iditarod-dog-deaths.html Were the deaths of six dogs during this year's Iditarod a statistical fluke or the result of animal cruelty? At 2009 Iditarod, Dog Deaths Stir Controversy Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090325123000 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | When a dog compulsively chases its tail, could diet be the hidden cause? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/24/dog-tail-chasing.html When a dog compulsively chases its tail, could diet be the hidden cause? Dog Tail-Chasing Linked to High Cholesterol Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090324104500 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:45:00 EST iStockPhoto | The inbreeding of endangered species could reduce their chances of long-term survival. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/23/inbreeding-sperm.html The inbreeding of endangered species could be lessening their chances of long-term survival. Animal Inbreeding Leads to Poor Sperm Quality Wendy Zukerman, ABC Science Online animals 20090323121500 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:15:00 EST Sarah Pryke | Female finches control the gender of their offspring, depending on their mate's head color. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/20/finch-color-mate.html Female finches control the gender of their offspring, depending on their mate's head color. Finch Head Color Affects Mating Outcome Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20090320141500 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:15:00 EST Sarah Pryke | From wind tech to coal mining, the energy business is contributing to bird declines. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/20/bird-energy-decline.html From wind tech to coal mining, the energy business is contributing to bird declines, says a new report. Energy Boom Bad News for Birds? Dina Cappiello, Associated Press animals 20090320121000 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:10:00 EST Getty Images | An undersea eruption in the South Pacific has decimated local wildlife and vegetation. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/20/underwater-volcano.html An undersea eruption in the South Pacific has decimated local wildlife and vegetation. 'No Living Thing Left' Near Tonga Eruption AFP animals 20090320100000 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST AP Photo | The Amazon has the Andes to thank for its diverse population of poison frog species. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/20/frog-diversity-amazon.html Poison frog ancestors hopped from the Andes into the Amazon several times during the last 10 million years, research shows. Mountains Fed Amazon's Frog Diversity Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090320094500 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:45:00 EST Getty Images | Surveys at forests around Chernobyl show residual radiation effects on birds and insects. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/18/chernobyl-animals.html Surveys at forests around the Chernobyl disaster site show residual radiation effects on birds and insects. Chernobyl Radiation Still Harming Animals Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090318103000 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:30:00 EST Timothy Mousseau | A 33-foot humpback is seen swimming in the East Lamma Channel near Hong Kong. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/18/humpback-whale-china.html A 33-foot humpback is seen swimming in the East Lamma Channel near Hong Kong. First Humpback Whale Sighting in Hong Kong AFP animals 20090318100000 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST Getty Images | High-voltage power lines can mess with animal magnetism, a new study shows. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/17/cow-power-line.html High-voltage power lines can mess with animal magnetism, a new study shows. Power Lines Disorient a Cow's Compass Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090317100000 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | An oily secretion keeps hippos safe from the sun. Can scientists put it in a bottle? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/16/hippo-sweat-sunscreen.html Hippos can stand in the hot sun all day but never get burned. Now researchers are studying why, in the hopes of creating a product that could help people avoid sunburn and bugs at the same time. Hippo Sweat Offers Key to Natural Sunscreen Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090316090000 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST Getty Images | Could a brutal fight between a spear-fisherman and a tiger shark have been prevented? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/13/shark-spearfishing.html Could a brutal battle between a spear-fisherman and a tiger shark have been prevented? Tiger Shark Encounter Spotlights Spearfishing Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090313163000 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | A group of spear-fishermen survive a two-hour battle with a 12-foot shark in the Gulf of Mexico. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/13/tiger-shark-attack.html Last June, a group of spear-fishermen had a rare -- and ultimately deadly -- encounter with a 12-foot tiger shark in the Gulf of Mexico. What went wrong? Q and A: Fisherman Recounts Tiger Shark Battle Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090313143000 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:30:00 EST Ryan McInnis, http://insea.tv/Home.html | An ancient shark fossil suggests great whites belong to a rather mild-mannered family. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/13/great-white-fossil.html The world's most complete fossil of its kind suggests great whites belong to a rather mild-mannered shark family. Great White Sharks Had Humble Beginnings Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090313113000 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST Florida Museum of Natural History illustration by Jason Bourque | Hundreds of species live in both poles despite the 8,000-mile distance. But how? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/13/arctic-antarctica-species.html At least 235 species live in both the Arctic and the Antarctic despite a distance of more than 8,000 miles between them. In Arctic and Antarctic, a Species Overlap Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090313083000 Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:30:00 EST Getty Images | Lead levels in the hair of Australian animals reveal they are at higher risk than humans. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/12/wildlife-heavy-metals.html Lead and cadmium found in the hair of wildlife are revealing they are at higher risk from heavy metal pollution than humans, say experts. Heavy Metal Pollution Hits Wildlife Hardest Anna Salleh, ABC Science Online animals 20090312110000 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | Tiger stripe patterns are used like fingerprints to trace poached skins. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/12/tiger-stripes.html Conservationists identify individual tigers in the wild by their stripes and use those patterns like fingerprints to trace poached skins. Tiger Stripes Used to ID Poached Pelts Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20090312091500 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | An estimated 7,000-10,000 moon bears are trapped in bile farms across China. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/11/china-moon-bear.html An estimated 7,000-10,000 moon bears, so-called for the pale crescent across their chests, are trapped in bile farms across China. Tapped for Bile, China's 'Moon Bears' Languish AFP animals 20090311110000 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST Getty Images | People are spending less time at the beach, which may explain a dip in shark attacks. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/11/shark-attacks.html Americans are spending less time at the beach on vacation, and that may explain why the total number of shark attacks declined from 71 in 2007 to 59 in 2008. Shark Attacks Down in 2008 as Economy Tanks Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090311094500 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:45:00 EST Getty Images | The walrus can sleep anywhere (even in water) and can easily forgo sleep for up to 84 hours. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/10/walrus-sleep.html The walrus may be the world's most extreme sleeper with its ability to sleep anywhere -- even in water -- and its ability to easily go without sleep for up to 84 hours. Walrus Can Sleep Anywhere or Barely At All Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090310091500 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | A chimp at Swedish zoo plans stone-throwing attacks on visitors, research concludes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/09/chimp-stone-thrower.html A chimp at Swedish zoo plots stone-throwing attacks on visitors, research concludes, suggesting that the animals can plan events for the future. Zoo Chimp Plots Stone Throwing Attacks Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090309120000 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST Mathias Osvath/Current Biology | Finally, the endless energy of hamsters running on their wheels is put to a useful purpose. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/09/hamster-energy-power.html Finally, the seemingly endless energy of hamsters running on their wheels is put to a useful purpose. Hamster Jackets Harness Wheel-Running Power Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20090309100000 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST Zhong Lin Wang | Coral reefs are healthiest in regions of low and high economic development, research finds. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/09/coral-reef-economic.html Coral reefs and the fish they support do best in regions of low and high economic development, research finds. Fish Fare Best at Economic Extremes Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090309091500 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:15:00 EST Tim McClanahan | Newly released footage shows elusive Javan rhinos wallowing in the mud in Indonesia. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/06/javan-rhino-camera.html Newly released footage shows elusive Javan rhinos wallowing in the mud in Indonesia. Rare Javan Rhinos Captured on Film AFP animals 20090306123030 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:30:30 EST WWF | The finding of a tropical turtle in the Arctic suggests the region was once much balmier. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/06/arctic-turtle-fossil.html The finding of a tropical turtle in the Arctic suggests the region was once a much balmier place. Tropical Turtle Fossil Found in the Arctic Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090306090000 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST University of Rochester | Three out of four bird species in Europe are facing decline under warming, research shows. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/04/birds-global-warming.html Three out of four bird species in Europe are facing decline under warming, new research shows. Birds Facing Dire Future Under Warming AFP animals 20090304151500 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:15:00 EST iStockPhoto | Some whales do double-duty when it comes to "seeing" their surroundings. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/04/whales-sonar.html Some whales do double-duty when it comes to "seeing" their surroundings. Whale Sonar: Two Pings Are Better Than One AFP animals 20090304104500 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:45:00 EST Getty Images | A new class of chemicals takes part of the blame for feminized male fish. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/04/male-female-fish.html A new class of chemicals takes part of the blame for feminized male fish that are appearing around the world. Worldwide She-Male Fish Mystery Widens Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090304093000 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:30:00 EST iStockPhoto | Chimps in central Africa use carefully crafted "paint brush" probes to haul up termites. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/04/chimp-brush-tool.html A chimpanzee population in central Africa uses carefully crafted "paint brush" probes to haul up their termite dinners. Chimpanzees Invent Brush-Tipped Tool Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090304090000 Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST Josep Call and Royal Society Publishing | When water is polluted with nitrate, animals emit the greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/03/sea-creatures-gas.html When water becomes polluted with nitrate, animals including snails and mussels emit the greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide. Underwater Creatures Emit Laughing Gas AFP animals 20090303150000 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:00:00 EST Getty Images | Young, male lizards are shown to take on female colors to mate while avoiding attack. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/03/lizard-imitate-females.html Young, male Augrabies flat lizards are shown to take on female colors to mate while avoiding attack by other males. Lizards Disguise as Females to Avoid Attack Wendy Zukerman, ABC Science Online animals 20090303111500 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:15:00 EST Martin Whiting | Tags, traps, pyrotechnics: just another day in the life of a California bear protector. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/03/bear-yosemite.html Tags, traps, pyrotechnics: just another day in the life of a California bear protector. Interview: Bear Boss, Yosemite National Park Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20090303095000 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 09:50:00 EST Ryan M. Leahy | Europe's bison have survived since prehistoric times, but now they have a small gene pool. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/26/bison-prehistoric.html Europe's bison have survived since prehistoric times, but their small gene pool now places them at risk. Europe's Bison at Risk With Small Gene Pool Ursula Hyzy, AFP animals 20090226110000 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | A funky striped fish with leg-like appendages is found hopping along the sea floor. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/26/psychedelic-fish.html A funky striped fish with leg-like appendages is found hopping along the Southeast Asian sea floor. Psychedelic Fish Named a New Species Robin McDowell, Associated Press animals 20090226094500 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:45:00 EST David Hall, seaphotos.com | Wolves defecate in places that enhance the appearance and scent of their feces. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/26/wolf-dog-scat.html Wolves defecate in places that enhance the appearance and scent of their feces, research shows. Wolves (and Likely Dogs) Poo in Prominent Places Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090226093000 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:30:00 EST Isabel Barja | Fossils of two pregnant fish suggest sex evolved millions of years earlier than thought. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/25/fish-sex-evolution.html The fossilized remains of two pregnant fish suggest that sexual reproduction evolved millions of years earlier than thought. Fish Fossils Revise Date Sex Evolved Michael Casey, Associated Press animals 20090225163000 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:30:00 EST Peter Trusler | With no natural enemy but humans, the Balkan lynx could soon disappear from the wild. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/23/balkan-lynx.html With no natural enemy but humans, the Balkan lynx could soon disappear from the wild. Balkan Lynx Poached to Brink of Extinction Jasmina Mironski, AFP animals 20090223153000 Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST Getty Images | DNA and caribou migration studies reveal caribou have been wrongly classified. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/20/mountain-caribou.html New analyses of DNA and caribou migration patterns reveal the animals have been wrongly classified in the past. Genetics Reveal Unique Caribou Species Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090220091500 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:15:00 EST Getty Images | In the mossy forests of a Southeast Asian island, a small furry rat has been hiding out from humans. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/18/philippines-rat.html In the mossy forests of a Southeast Asian island, a small furry rat has been hiding out from human eyes. New Rat Species Found on Philippine Island AFP animals 20090218170000 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST AP Photo/Field Museum | Investigators are puzzled why a pet chimpanzee suddenly attacked. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/18/chimp-attack-travis.html Investigators are puzzled why Travis, a chimpanzee kept by a Connecticut woman, suddenly mauled a friend of his owner. Chimp Attack Puzzles Investigators John Christoffersen, Associated Press animals 20090218120000 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST AP Photo/The Stamford Advocate, Kathleen O'Rourke | Cold-blooded animals' ability to stay cool will become tougher with warming, research shows. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/17/cold-blooded-warming.html New modeling shows that the main priority of cold-blooded animals is staying cool, which will become tougher with warming. Reptiles May Overheat in Warmer Future Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20090217160000 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST Joe Raedle/Getty Images | A survey finds an astonishing richness of marine life in the polar oceans. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/17/polar-species.html Polar bears are just the tip of the iceberg -- a survey finds an astonishing richness of marine life in the polar oceans. Polar Oceans Rich With Diverse Life Michael Casey, Associated Press animals 20090217120000 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST AP Photo/Romas Dabrukas | A major Magellanic penguin population has declined more than 20 percent in two decades. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/13/magellenic-penguins.html A major Magellanic penguin population in Argentina has declined more than 20 percent in two decades due to stresses introduced by climate change. Penguins Showing Strain Under Climate Change Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090213143000 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:30:00 EST Getty Images | Male humpback whales fight over big females, new video-based research finds. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/13/humpback-whale-attraction.html Male humpback whales fight over big females, new video-based research finds. Male Whales Prefer Enormous Females Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090213083000 Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:30:00 EST The Dolphin Institute, NOAA Permit:1071-1770-00 | The bigger the dog, the chillier its body, suggests a new study on different breeds. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/11/big-dog-cold.html The bigger the dog, the chillier its body, suggests new research that finds similarities between canine metabolism and our own. Hot Dog! Tiny Breeds Have Warmer Bodies Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090211084000 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:40:00 EST Daniel Stahler/NPS | More than half the bird species in North America are spending winters 35 miles farther north. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/10/birds-climate-change.html More than half the bird species in North America are spending winters 35 miles farther north, according to a report. Birds Shifting North as Planet Warms Dina Cappiello, Associated Press animals 20090210114500 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:45:00 EST iStockPhoto | The FDA approves the first drug made with materials from genetically engineered animals. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/06/genetic-animals-medicine.html The Food and Drug Administration approves the first drug made with materials from genetically engineered animals. Drug From Milk of Genetically Engineered Goats Gets OK Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press animals 20090206131500 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:15:00 EST AP Photo | Pupae of a certain butterfly exude a scent that mimics ants so they can beg for food. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/05/ants-butterflies.html The pupae of a certain butterfly exude a scent that mimics ants so they can beg for food like ant larvae and even get special treatment. Young Butterflies Trick Ants Into Raising Them Associated Press animals 20090205154500 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:45:00 EST Jason Bourque, University of Florida | At least some of today's wolves inherited traits from ancient dogs, research finds. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/05/cow-milk-name.html Today's dogs are descendants of ancient wolves. Now, it turns out, at least some of today's wolves inherited traits from ancient dogs. Found: Wolves in Dogs' Clothing Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090205150000 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST Daniel Stahler/NPS | Being treated as an individual helps a cow let down 500 extra pints of milk a year. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/05/cow-milk-name.html Being treated as an individual helps a cow let down 500 extra pints of milk a year. Cows With Names Make More Milk Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090205093000 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:30:00 EST Getty Images | Animal life first may have appeared tens of millions of years earlier than thought. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/04/fossils-life.html Animal life first appeared on Earth tens of millions of years earlier than thought, say scientists. Fossils Push Animal Life Back Millions of Years AFP animals 20090204140000 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST Getty Images | A 45-foot-long snake likely munched on crocodiles some 60 million years ago. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/04/giant-snake-fossil.html A 45-foot-long snake slithered in land and water and likely munched on crocodiles some 60 million years ago. Fossils Reveal Bus-Sized 2,500-Pound Snake Molcolm Ritter, Associated Press animals 20090204120000 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST Jason Bourque, University of Florida | The skeleton of a now-extinct whale reveals it lived partly on land, and partly at sea. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/04/whale-fossil.html The skeleton of a now-extinct whale reveals it lived partly on land, and partly at sea. Ancient Whale Gave Birth on Land Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090204091500 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:15:00 EST Philip Gingerich, University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology | Flooding a bird's hypothalamus with light triggers it to breed in spring. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/02/birds-spring-breed.html Flooding a bird's hypothalamus with light triggers it to breed in spring, researchers prove. Springtime Cue for Lovebirds Found Anna Salleh, ABC Science Online animals 20090202133000 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:30:00 EST Getty Images | Anti-whaling activists employ a new "military grade" acoustic weapon. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/02/sea-shepherd-whalers.html Anti-whaling activists employ a new "military grade" acoustic weapon. Japanese Whalers, Activists Clash at Sea AFP animals 20090202120000 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST AFP | Chimp infants receiving human motherly care score higher than human babies on IQ tests. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/02/02/chimp-baby-smart.html Orphaned chimp infants receiving motherly care from humans score higher than human babies at the age of nine months. Baby Chimps Given Human Love Ace IQ Tests Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090202093000 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:30:00 EST University of Portsmouth | How do you make a shy fish come out of hiding? Pair it up. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/29/shy-fish-mate.html How do you make a shy fish come out of hiding? Pair it up. Shy Fish Inspire Boldness in Mates AFP animals 20090129140000 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST AP Photo | Genetic research reveals the head louse is indeed a superbug. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/29/head-lice-genes.html Genetic research reveals the head louse is indeed a superbug. Head Lice Have Extreme Genes Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20090129110000 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | A new species of babbler bird is discovered in China's network of unexplored caves. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/29/babbler-bird-china.html A new species of babbler bird is discovered in China's network of unexplored caves. Bird Find Shows China's Ecological Potential Michael Casey, Associated Press animals 20090129100000 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST AP Photo | A newly found species of catfish climbs by grasping with its mouth and its pelvic fin. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/29/climbing-catfish.html A newly found species of catfish climbs by grasping with its mouth and its pelvic fin. Climbing Catfish Hikes Remote Venezuela Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090129091500 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:15:00 EST Scott Schaefer | Birders in the South are reporting sightings of the normally more northern snowy owl. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/28/snowy-owl-migration.html Birders in the American South are reporting several sightings of the normally more northern snowy owl. Overcrowded Snowy Owl Swoops South Mary Esch, Associated Press animals 20090128110000 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST AP Photo/Rob Swanson | Lizards are evolving in front of our eyes in response to fire ant invasions. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/28/lizard-evolution-ants.html Lizards are evolving in front of our eyes in response to fire ant invasions. Lizards Evolved Quickly to Avoid Death by Ants Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090128100000 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST Tracy Langkilde, Penn State | As people in parched regions store water, mosquitoes find new homes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/27/mosquito-disease-warming.html As people in increasingly parched regions of Australia store water, disease-carrying mosquitoes find new homes. Human Adaptation to Climate Change Aids Mosquito Spread AFP animals 20090127133000 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST AP Photo | A small population of mountain gorillas is growing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/27/mountain-gorillas.html A small population of mountain gorillas is growing despite bloody conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Congo Gorillas Thriving Despite War AFP animals 20090127120000 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST AP Photo | New analysis finds the living ancestor of all animals is a sperm-like creature. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/27/animal-ancestor.html New analysis finds that the living ancestor of all animals (including humans) is a sperm-like creature called monosiga. Ancestor For All Animals Identified Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090127093000 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:30:00 EST W. Jakob | Are frogs being eaten to extinction? Maybe so, suggests a new study. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/27/frog-extinction.html Are frogs being eaten to extinction? A new study blames the international trade in frog meat for some species' decline. Global Appetite for Frog Legs Threatens Species Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20090127090000 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | A captive New Zealand tuatara is a new father -- at the ripe old age of 111. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/26/lizard-new-zealand.html A captive New Zealand tuatara is a new father -- at the ripe old age of 111. Reptile Becomes Dad at Age 111 Ray Lilley, Associated Press animals 20090126100000 Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST AP Photo/Karori Sanctuary | The secret to a strong, lightweight new material could be in the jumbo squid's powerful grip. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/23/jumbo-squid-teeth.html The secret to a strong, lightweight new material could be in the jumbo squid's powerful grip. Squid Teeth Inspire Handy Material Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20090123110000 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST Getty Images | Are caged chickens healthier than their free-range pals? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/23/free-range-chickens.html It may seem cruel to keep chickens cooped up, but caged chickens may be healthier than their free-range pals. Free-Range Chicken More Disease-Prone? Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20090123100000 Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST Getty Images | Three seemingly different fish are really one species that undergoes remarkable changes as it matures. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/22/fish-gender.html Three seemingly different fish are really one species that undergoes remarkable changes as it matures. Three Strange Fish, One Species Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20090122150000 Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST AP Photo/Biology Letters of the Royal Society | Scientists spy on venomous cobras at target practice. How do they do it? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/21/cobra-venom.html By studying spitting cobras at target practice, researchers explain how the snakes aim with such pointed accuracy. Spitting Cobras' Sharp-Shooting Secrets Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090121091500 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:15:00 EST Robert Lachlan | The best seats at Tuesday's inauguration may be on horseback, suggests research. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/17/horse-back-health.html The best seats at Tuesday's inauguration may be on horseback, suggests research that finds sitting on horseback is good for your heath. Horses Offering Healthiest Inauguration Seats Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090117153000 Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST AP Photo/Elise Amandola | Proximity to water, bird flyways and quieter airplane engines all increase the risk of bird strikes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/16/bird-strikes.html Proximity to water and bird flyways, as well as quieter airplane engines all increase the risk of dangerous bird strikes. Some Airports More At Risk for Bird Strikes Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090116110000 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari | Bird song turns out to be far more complex than thought, and it originated in lungfish. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/16/bird-song-analysis.html Bird song turns out to be far more complex than thought, and it originated in lungfish. Singing Began in Fish, Perfected by Birds Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090116091500 Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:15:00 EST Robert Lachlan | Malaysia's elephant population appears to be on the rise. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/15/asian-elephants.html Malaysia's elephant population appears to be on the rise, if the dung they leave behind is any indication. Elephant Dung Count Reveals Thriving Population AFP animals 20090115170000 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST Getty Images | Fish excrement contributes between 3 and 15 percent of carbonate in oceans. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/15/fish-poop-ocean.html Marine fish excrement contributes between 3 and 15 percent of carbonate in oceans, decreasing ocean acidity. Fish Poop Helps Balance Ocean Acidity Associated Press animals 20090115150000 Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST Getty Images | A complete tusk believed to belong to a mammoth is uncovered off the California coast. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/14/mammoth-tusk.html A complete tusk believed to belong to a prehistoric mammoth is uncovered on Santa Cruz Island off the Southern California coast. Possible Mammoth Tusk Found on SoCal Island Alicia Chang, Associated Press animals 20090114153030 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:30:30 EST AP Photo/The Nature Conservancy, Kristina Gill | A new 3-D image of Archaeopteryx's inner ear suggests it heard like modern-day emu. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/14/archaeopteryx-ear.html A new 3-D image of Archaeopteryx's inner ear suggests it heard like modern-day emu. Avian Dino Ancestor Heard Like an Emu AFP animals 20090114141500 Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:15:00 EST Getty Images | Hunting practices have a big effect on animal populations -- but is it reversible? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/13/hunting-animal-size.html The artificial selection that results from hunting has a big effect on animal populations -- but is it reversible? Human Hunting Shapes Animal Populations Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090113100000 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST AP Photo | Scientists capture a deep-sea fish and find it uses mirrors to focus light in its eyes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/13/fish-vision-mirror.html Scientists capture a deep-sea fish and find it uses mirrors, rather than lenses, to focus light in its eyes. Deep Sea Fish Uses Mirrors to See Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20090113091500 Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:15:00 EST Dr. Tammy Frank, Habor Branch Oceanographic Institution | Will a modern organism placed in an ancient setting evolve in reverse? Not exactly. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/12/fruit-fly-evolution.html Will a modern organism placed in an ancient setting evolve in reverse? Not exactly. Fruit Flies Put Evolution in Reverse AFP animals 20090112150000 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST Getty Images | The extinction of the Tasmanian tiger has long been a mystery -- until now. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/12/tasmanian-tiger-extinct.html The Tasmanian tiger was not a tiger, but rather a marsupial whose 1936 extinction can now be explained. Tasmanian Tiger's Mysterious Die-Off Explained Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090112140000 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST Getty Images | Efforts to remove rabbits from an island reveals the hazards of tinkering with ecosystems. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/12/macquarie-island-ecology.html An effort to eradicate rabbits from a World Heritage Site proves it's hazardous to mess with Mother Nature. Effort to Remove Species Creates More Problems AFP animals 20090112124500 Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:45:00 EST UNESCO/WORLD HERITAGE SITES | Whaling groups in Iceland argue for the expansion of catch quotas. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/09/iceland-whaling.html Whaling groups in Iceland argue for the expansion of catch quotas. Iceland Pressed by Pro-Whaling Groups AFP animals 20090109151500 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:15:00 EST AP Photo | It is head width, not overall size, that best predicts how hard a shark's bite will be. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/09/shark-bite-head.html It is head width, not overall size, that best predicts how hard a shark's bite will be, according to new research. Great White Tops List of Hardest-Biting Sharks Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090109104500 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:45:00 EST Getty Images | Shiny city surfaces can trap insects drawn to the glint of water. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/09/insects-city-traps.html Reflective surfaces on treacherous city streets can attract insects drawn to the glint of water. But how big a problem is it? Shiny Urban Surfaces Trap Clueless Critters Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20090109094500 Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:45:00 EST Getty Images | Scientists hope to match the buzz of mating mosquitoes to try and curb disease spread. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/08/mosquito-flap-mating.html Scientists hope to match the buzz of successful mating mosquito males to try and curb disease spread. Mosquito Buzz Actually a Love Song Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20090108150000 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST iStockPhoto | The ancestral bull of a high-end brand of beef is cloned by Japanese scientists. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/08/cloned-bull-japan.html The ancestral bull of a high-end brand of beef is cloned by Japanese scientists. Luxury Beef Bull Cloned AFP animals 20090108140000 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST JIJI Press | The funnel-web spider, whose bite can kill within 76 minutes, is thriving this season. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/08/funnel-spider-australia.html The funnel-web spider, whose bite can kill humans within 76 minutes, is thriving this season. Deadly Spider Thriving in Australia's Humid Summer AFP animals 20090108101500 Wed, 08 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST Getty Images | | Brown pelicans are turning up on California shores bruised and confused. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/07/pelicans-california.html Wildlife experts don't know why so many brown pelicans are turning up on California shores bruised and confused. Brown Pelicans Turning Up Injured and Confused Denise Petski, Associated Press animals 20090107091500 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:15:00 EST Getty Images | | A pink-and-black Galapagos iguana is ID'd some 179 years after Darwin's visit. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/05/pink-iguana.html A fetching pink-and-black iguana on the Galapagos Islands is identified some 179 years after Darwin's visit. Rare Pink Iguana Evaded Darwin Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20090105161500 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:15:00 EST photograph by Gabriele Gentile | Scientists may be able to breed mosquitoes to carry a parasite that causes early death. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/01/05/mosquito-parasite.html Scientists may be able to breed mosquitoes to carry a parasite that causes early death, curbing disease spread. Parasite Could Make Mosquitoes Die Young Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press animals 20090105141500 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:15:00 EST Getty Images | A new theory ties together three explanations for the disappearance of mammoths. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/31/woolly-mammoth.html A new theory ties together three proposed explanations for the disappearance of mammoths 12,000 years ago. Mammoths Wiped Out by Prehistoric 'Perfect Storm'? Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20081231094530 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:45:30 EST PLoS | Sea Shepherd activists prevent Japanese whalers from harpooning whales. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/29/sea-shepherd-whales.html Sea Shepherd activists said Monday they had prevented Japanese whalers from harpooning any whales. Japanese Whalers Disrupted by Activists AFP animals 20081229124300 Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:43:00 EST AFP | "Fight the deed, not the breed" is the motto of these pioneering pinup models. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/23/pinups-pit-bulls.html "Fight the deed, not the breed" is the motto of this rare group of pioneering pinup models. 'Pinups for Pit Bulls' Rally for Breed Linda Lombardi, Associated Press animals 20081223161530 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:15:30 EST Courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute | The life of a 66-year-old chimpanzee named Gregoire is celebrated by his caretakers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/23/gregoire-oldest-chimp.html A 66-year-old chimpanzee named Gregoire has died of natural causes in the Republic of Congo. Africa's Oldest Chimp, a Conservation Icon, Dies Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081223130000 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST Courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute | The Sea Shepherds intercept Japanese whalers in dangerous conditions off Antarctica. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/22/sea-shepherd-whales.html The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society intercepts Japanese whalers in dangerous conditions off Antarctica. Activists Say Whalers Unable to Harpoon AFP animals 20081222140000 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST AFP | The antlers on Santa's reindeer suggest they're all females, say researchers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/19/santa-reindeer-female.html Antlers are what tipped off a team of researchers who concluded Santa's reindeer are likely all female. Santa Likely Pulled by All-Female Reindeer Team Betsy Blaney, Associated Press animals 20081219101500 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:15:00 EST Getty Images | The cleanest, most social creatures are those that never expel bodily waste. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/19/animals-feces-cleanliness.html The cleanest, most social creatures are those that never expel bodily waste, new research suggests. Cleanest Creatures Skip the Bathroom Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081219091500 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST Getty Images | The Fish and Wildlife considers listing six penguin species as threatened and one as endangered. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/18/penguin-protection.html The Fish and Wildlife considers listing six penguin species as threatened and one as endangered. Seven Penguins Considered for Protection Dina Cappiello, Associated Press animals 20081218111500 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:15:00 EST AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam | Rising CO2 levels in the oceans is likely to make the Humboldt squid lethargic. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/18/jumbo-squid-warming.html Rising CO2 levels in the oceans is likely to harm the Humboldt squid, according to research that shows increased acidity makes the animal more lethargic. High-Energy Jumbo Squid at Risk With Warming Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20081218091500 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST Rui Rosa | The remains of two new species of extinct animals are found in remote Morocco. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/16/sahara-extinct-reptile.html The remains of two new species of extinct animals are found in remote Morocco. New Pterosaur Species Unearthed in Sahara AFP animals 20081216160000 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST Getty Images | Koalas did not evolve as dwarf versions of prehistoric giant koalas, research concludes. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/16/koala-dwarf-prehistoric.html Today's koalas did not evolve as dwarf versions of prehistoric giant koalas that lived tens of thousands of years ago, research concludes. Koala Not a Dwarf of Prehistoric Versions Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20081216130000 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:00:00 EST Getty Images | The world's oldest spider web is found encased in a prehistoric piece of amber. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/15/oldest-spider-web.html The tiny tangled threads of the world's oldest spider web have been found encased in a prehistoric piece of amber, a British scientist said Monday. Found: World's Oldest Spider Web? Raphael G. Satter, Associated Press animals 20081215143000 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST AP Photo/Martin Brasier | From snakes to giant spiders, hundreds of species are found in the Mekong region. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/15/mekong-rainforest-species.html From snakes to giant spiders, flowers and millipedes, hundreds of species are found in the Mekong region. More Than 1,000 New Species Found in Mekong AFP animals 20081215110000 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST WWF| Researchers find the median life span for elephants in zoos is much younger than in the wild. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/11/elephants-zoo-wild.html Researchers find the median life spans for elephants in zoos is 16.9 compared with 56 for elephants in wildland parks. Elephants Live Much Longer in Wild Than Zoos Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20081211150000 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST AP Photo/Dickerson Park Zoo, Jeff Glazier | Less than 100,000 koalas are left in Australia and they could become extinct in some areas. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/11/koala-bear-endanger.html Less than 100,000 koalas are left in Australia and they could become extinct in some areas. Koala at Risk for Extinction, Group Says Julie Shingleton, AFP animals 20081211110000 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST Getty Images | Female dolphins that use sponges for foraging spend less time socializing but have as many calves. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/10/dolphin-sponge-social.html Female dolphins that use marine sponges for foraging spend less time socializing but have as many calves. Loner Dolphins Produce as Many Offspring Bianca Nogrady, ABC Science Online animals 20081210091500 Thu, 10 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST PNAS/Photos by Janet Mann | Why do some birds lay only one egg in their nest, while others lay 10 or more? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/09/clutch-egg-birds.html Why do some species of birds lay only one egg in their nest, while others lay 10 or more? New research provides the answers. Number of Eggs in a Nest Depends on Climate Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081209091500 Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:15:00 EST Cagan Sekercioglu | Turtles along the Mississippi River are changing their nesting dates thanks to rising temps. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/04/turtles-climate-change.html Turtles along the Mississippi River are dramatically changing their nesting dates in response to rising temps. Turtle Egg-Laying Season Thrown Off by Warming Emily Sohn, Discovery News animals 20081204113030 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:30:30 EST Getty Images | Conservationists go to court for the declining Pacific walrus. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/04/walrus-conservation.html Conservationists go to court for the declining Pacific walrus. Walruses Threatened by Shrinking Ice, Group Says Dan Joling, Associated Press animals 20081204093030 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:30:30 EST Getty Images | Twin mountain gorillas are born in Uganda and survive harsh November rains. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/03/gorilla-twins.html Twin mountain gorillas are born and survive harsh November rains in Uganda's Bwindi Forest. Rare Gorilla Twins Born in Uganda AFP animals 20081203090000 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST Getty Images | The same sharp jaws that allow sawfish to survive in the wild may be responsible for their decline. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/02/sawfish-shark.html The same sharp jaws that allow sawfish to survive in the wild may be responsible for their decline, say scientists. Toothy Sawfish Doomed by Own Design Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081202121530 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:15:30 EST Getty Images | A clam-inspired "smart anchor" burrows through sand and holds strong. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/02/roboclam-anchor.html A new smart anchor, based on a fast-digging clam, can burrow through sand to find the best anchor point for a ship. 'RoboClam' Anchor Holds Ships Steady Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20081202103000 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST Donna Coveney, MIT | Four years after a much-debated sighting of an elusive woodpecker, the search goes on. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/02/ivory-billed-woodpecker.html Four years after a much-debated sighting of an elusive woodpecker, the search continues. Ivory-Billed Woodpecker Search Begins Anew Peggy Harris, Associated Press animals 20081202090030 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:00:30 EST Getty Images | The U.N. commits to raising awareness about the plight of gorillas in 2009. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/12/01/year-of-gorilla.html The U.N. plans to sponsor new efforts to raise awareness about the plight of endangered gorillas in 2009. 2009: 'Year of the Gorilla' AFP animals 20081201160030 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:30 EST Getty Images | When a male anole lizard wants to alert others he does four-legged push-ups. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/25/lizard-push-up.html When a male anole lizard wants to grab the attention of others he does four-legged push-ups, researchers find. Male Lizards Do Push-Ups to Get Attention Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081125091500 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:15:00 EST Terry Ord (courtesy of UC Davis) | Michael Phelps may be fast, but dolphins can kick with 212 pounds of power. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/24/dolphin-kick.html Michael Phelps may be fast in the water, but dolphins can kick with 212 pounds of power, research finds. Dolphin Kick Three Times More Mighty Than Olympians Michael Hill, Associated Press animals 20081124110000 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST AP Photo/Mark Baker | The tracks of a single-celled organism forces scientists to rethink early evolution. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/20/gromia-cambrian.html Single-celled organisms the size of grapes reveal that fossils once believed to be made by complex organisms may have been formed by primitive ones. Single-Celled Giant Upends Early Evolution Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20081120123000 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST Matz/NOAA /Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute | The world's simplest vision system can be found in tiny marine plankton. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/19/plankton-vision.html The world's simplest vision system can be found in tiny marine plankton. View to a Krill: Secrets of Plankton Eyes AFP animals 20081119151500 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:15:00 EST Getty Images | Scientists edge closer to reversing extinction by mapping the woolly mammoth's DNA. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/19/woolly-mammoth-dna.html Scientists map most of the DNA of the woolly mammoth, closing in on the possibility of reversing extinction. DNA of Ice Age's Woolly Mammoth's Mapped Seth Borenstein, Associated Press animals 20081119140000 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST Getty Images | Scientists unravel the DNA of a small kangaroo named Matilda. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/18/kangaroo-dna.html Scientists say they have unraveled the DNA of a small kangaroo named Matilda. Big Hop Forward: Scientists Map Kangaroo DNA Kristen Gelineau, Associated Press animals 20081118142030 Wed, 18 Nov 2008 14:20:30 EST Robert Magrath | Invasive cane toads are killing alarming numbers of freshwater crocodiles in Australia. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/18/cane-toad-crocodile.html Invasive cane toads are killing alarming numbers of freshwater crocodiles in Australia. Toxic Toads Killing Australian Crocs AFP animals 20081118114530 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:45:30 EST Robert Magrath | Japan's controversial whaling fleet may have begun its annual Antarctic hunt. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/17/japan-whaling.html Japan's controversial whaling fleet may have begun its annual Antarctic hunt. Japanese Whalers Set Sail, Say Witnesses AFP animals 20081117150030 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:00:30 EST AP Photo/Greenpeace Japan, Yuzuru Oshihara | Polar bear experts ask the public for help with a first-of-its-kind database. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/17/polar-bear-pics.html Polar bear experts ask the public for help with a first-of-its-kind database. Wanted: Polar Bear Pics for Science Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081117095030 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:50:30 EST Robert Magrath | The Supreme Court rules that the U.S. Navy can continue to use long-range sonar. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/12/sonar-whales-court.html The Supreme Court rules that the U.S. Navy can continue to use long-range sonar. Sonar Ruling Worries Whale Advocates AFP animals 20081112133030 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:30:30 EST Getty Images | Birds often respond to the warning calls of other species, but are they truly bilingual? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/12/bird-language-song.html Birds often respond to the warning calls of other species, but are they truly bilingual? Wild Birds Learn Foreign 'Languages' Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081112093030 Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:30:30 EST Robert Magrath | Human hair shaft proteins are linked to lizard and dinosaur claws. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/11/hair-claw-protein.html Proteins found in the human hair shaft are linked to those found in lizard, chicken and perhaps even dinosaur claws. Human Hair Linked to Lizard and Dinosaur Claws Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081111091500 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:15:00 EST Karin Jaeger and Leopold Eckhart, Medical University of Vienna | The decline in bee populations has not yet harmed crops, research finds. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/10/bees-agriculture.html Research yields surprisingly good news that the decline in bee populations has not yet harmed crops. Bee Decline Not Yet Felt in Agriculture Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20081110121500 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:15:00 EST Getty Images | Who should be the first dog? Breeders weigh in. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/10/obama-puppy-dog.html Who should be the first dog? Breeders weigh in. Dog Experts to Obama: Plenty to Choose From Linda Lombardi, Associated Press animals 20081110114530 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:45:30 EST Getty Images | A new marine census reveals the secret lives of deep-sea creatures. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/10/marine-census-ocean.html A new marine census reveals the secret lives of deep-sea creatures. Ocean Census Reveals Sea Creature Colonies Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20081110093030 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:30:30 EST AP Photo/National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research | Like ultra-picky sushi chefs, killer whales will go to great lengths for their favorite fish. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/07/killer-whales-salmon.html Like ultra-picky sushi chefs, killer whales will go to great lengths for their favorite fish. Killer Whales Are Discriminating Diners Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081107113030 Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:30:30 EST Getty Images | Warming is shortening the period when lemmings can burrow in wintry havens. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/06/lemmings-warming.html Global warming is shortening the period when lemmings can burrow in wintry havens. Lemming Numbers Dwindling Under Warming AFP animals 20081106131500 Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:15:00 EST Getty Images | Rats on Christmas Island are the first-known case of extinction caused entirely by disease. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/05/rat-extinct-disease.html In the early 20th century, rats on Australia's Christmas Island couldn't survive in the face of an introduced disease. Christmas Island Rats Wiped Out by Disease Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081105090030 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:00:30 EST Getty Images/Teruhiko Wakayama | Japanese researchers create a mouse from a dead, frozen cell. Will the mammoth be next? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/04/mouse-clone-mammoth.html Japanese researchers create a mouse from a dead, frozen cell. Will the mammoth be next? Mouse Cloned From Long-Frozen Cell Kyoko Hasegawa, AFP animals 20081104104530 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:45:30 EST Getty Images/Teruhiko Wakayama | A foot-long salamander known as the water monster is threatened by extinction. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/11/03/water-monster-extinct.html A foot-long salamander known as the water monster is threatened by extinction as its habitat deteriorates in Mexico. Ancient 'Water Monster' Facing Extinction David Coop, Associated Press animals 20081103094500 Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:45:00 EST AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills | Many creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/31/spider-scorpion-genetic.html Many creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed, according to new research. Spiders and Scorpions Among World's Oldest Creatures Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081031104000 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:40:00 EST University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences | White-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/31/vampire-bat-duet.html White-winged vampire bats call and "harmonize" with separated roost mates, new research shows. Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing Duets Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081031094500 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:45:00 EST Gerald Carter | A pesticide is found to promote parasites and weaken immune systems among amphibians. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/30/amphibian-pesticides.html A pesticide compound may promote the growth of parasites and a weakening of immune systems among frogs and other amphibians. Pesticides, Fertilizers Linked to Frog Decline Marlowe Hood, AFP animals 20081030150000 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST Jeff T. Green/Getty Images | What may be one of Earth's first animals was no bigger than a coaster and had eight arms. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/30/eight-arm-animal.html Researchers find the remains of what may be one of Earth's first animals -- and it had eight arms. Eight-Armed Animal Preceded Dinosaurs Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081030113000 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST Maoyan Zhu | Wyoming tries to ease concerns that it is not offering enough protection to wolves. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/30/wolves-wyoming.html Wyoming tries to ease concerns that it is not offering enough protection for wolves in the state. Wyoming Attempts to Broaden Protection for Wolves By Bob Moen, Associated Press animals 20081030091500 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:15:00 EST AP Photo/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | New research suggests salmon fare equally well on dammed and undammed rivers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/29/salmon-dam.html New research comparing salmon populations on dammed and undammed rivers suggests the dams don't harm the fish. Dams Appear to Have No Impact on Salmon Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20081029093000 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST Jeff T. Green/Getty Images | Analysis of bear bones found in France reveal an ancestor dating back 1.6 million years. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/28/bear-ancestor.html Bear bones found in a cave in southern France reveal an ursine ancestor that lived 1.6 million years ago. Polar, Brown Bear Ancestor ID'd From Cave Bones AFP animals 20081028134500 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:45:00 EST Getty Images | Three of the four amphibian species native to Yellowstone are declining. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/27/amphibians-yellowstone.html Three of the four amphibian species native to Yellowstone are experiencing dangerous declines due to climate change, say researchers. Yellowstone Amphibians Declining Under Climate Change Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20081027173000 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST Photo by Sarah McMenamin, 2007 | Seven missing Puget Sound orcas could represent the biggest decline in a decade. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/27/missing-orcas.html Seven missing Puget Sound orcas could represent the biggest decline in a decade. Orcas Missing From Puget Sound Thought Dead Phuong Lee, Associated Press animals 20081027130000 Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST Getty Images | High deer populations may actually support larger populations of smaller creatures. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/24/deer-ecosystem.html Reducing the number of deer may unexpectedly reduce the number of reptiles, amphibians and insects in that area, new research suggests. High Deer Populations May Benefit Crawly Critters Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20081024094500 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:45:00 EST AP Photo/Gerry Broome | A cockatoo species feared extinct has been "rediscovered" with a handful of sightings. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/23/extinct-cockatoo.html A cockatoo species feared extinct has been "rediscovered" with a handful of sightings. 'Extinct' Cockatoo Rediscovered in Indonesia AFP animals 20081023090030 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:00:30 EST Getty Images | A new $15 million hospital for military dogs opened this week in Texas. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/22/military-dog-hospital.html A new $15 million hospital for military dogs opened this week to treat and train our four-legged fighters. Military Dogs Get New Vet Hospital Michelle Roberts, Associated Press animals 20081022101500 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:15:00 EST AP Photo/Eric Gay | The athletic bar-tailed godwit breaks the record for the world's longest non-stop bird flight. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/22/godwit-bird-flight.html The athletic bar-tailed godwit breaks the record for the world's longest non-stop bird flight. Bird Sets Flight Record With 7,257-Mile Marathon Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081022091500 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:15:00 EST Robert Gill, Jr. | Scientists prove moles are the reason why the technique of worm grunting works. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/20/worm-grunting.html For centuries people have know how to drive worms to the surface, and now scientists know why the technique works -- worms' fear of moles. Worm Grunting Mystery Solved Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20081020091500 Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:15:00 EST Getty Images | Putin's black Lab tested out Russia's new satellite-guided navigation system. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/17/putin-dog-satellite.html Vladimir Putin's black Labrador, Koni, tested out Russia's new satellite-guided navigation system by wearing a special collar. Putin's Dog Gets Satellite-Guided Tracking Collar Associated Press animals 20081017130000 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Alexei Druzhini | Scientists identify the 31,700-year-old remains of what could be the oldest known dog. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/17/paleolithic-dog-skull.html Scientists identify the 31,700-year-old remains of what could be the world's oldest known dog from a cave in Belgium. World's First Known Dog Ate Big Game Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081017113000 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST Matthew D. Potenski/Getty Images | After playing a computer game, monkeys were able to revive paralyzed muscles. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/15/monkey-brain-paralysis.html After playing a computer game, monkeys were able to control brain cells and revive paralyzed muscles. Monkeys Overcome Paralysis With Brain Signals Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press animals 20081015140000 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST Getty Images | Most lab mice are males, but males and females can react differently to treatment. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/15/lab-mice-gender.html Most lab mice are males, but new research shows males and females respond differently when it comes to experiments to relieve anxiety. In Lab Mice, Gender Can Change Results Anna Salleh, ABC Science Online animals 20081015104500 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:45:00 EST Getty Images | Antarctica's Adelie penguins have some special evolutionary abilities, say scientists. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/14/antarctica-penguin-dna.html Adelie penguins have been surviving extreme climate change in Antarctica for hundreds of thousands of years. Penguin DNA Suggests Special Climate Coping Anna Salleh, ABC Science Online animals 20081014093030 Tue, 14 Oct 2008 09:30:30 EST Getty Images | A newly mapped genome of the giant panda confirms it is a subspecies of bear. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/13/panda-genome.html A newly mapped genome of the giant panda confirms the animal is a subspecies of bear and not related to the raccoon. Scientists Map Giant Panda Genome AFP animals 20081013124500 Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST AP Photo/Ng Han Guan | Tropical species may be even more threatened by warming than polar animals. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/10/tropics-climate-change.html Tropical species may be even more threatened by global warming than animals in the polar regions. Tropical Species Also Threatened by Climate Change Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20081010143000 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EST Gunnar Brehm | A female shark becomes pregnant without a male in a second documented case. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/10/virgin-birth-shark.html For the second time ever documented, a female shark has become pregnant without a male, providing further evidence of the phenomenon. Second 'Virgin Birth' Documented in Shark Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081010091500 Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:15:00 EST Matthew D. Potenski | The underwater cacophony made by large ships is killing whales, say scientists. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/09/acoustic-pollution-whale.html The underwater cacophony made by large ships is killing whales, say scientists. 'Acoustic Smog' Threatening Whales AFP animals 20081009153030 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:30:30 EST Getty Images | It may not be such a dog-eat-dog world after all, suggests a new study. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/09/puppies-play.html It may not be such a dog-eat-dog world after all, suggests a new study. In Puppy Play, It's Ladies First Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081009093000 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST Getty Images | Deep in the Southern Ocean, scientists count 274 new species of fish, corals and more. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/08/new-marine-species.html Deep in the Southern Ocean, scientists count 274 new species of fish, corals, mollusks and more. Hundreds of New Marine Species Found AFP animals 20081008103030 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:30:30 EST Getty Images | A new fossil of a proto-turtle shows that the shell was once armored skin. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/08/turtle-shell.html A newly discovered fossil of a proto-turtle shows that the shell was once armored skin. How the Turtle Got Its Shell Michael Reilly, Disocvery News animals 20081008093030 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:30:30 EST Getty Images | Horse mothers offer more health-promoting horseplay to their male young. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/08/horseplay-mothers.html Horse mothers appear to offer more health-promoting horseplay to their male young than to their fillies. Healthy Horse Moms Play More With Sons Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20081008093000 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST Getty Images | After washing up on Brazilian shores, hundreds of penguins get an emergency airlift. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/07/penguin-airlift.html After mysteriously washing up on Brazil's shores, hundreds of penguins get an emergency airlift. Penguins Ride Air Force Jet to South Atlantic Tales Azzoni, Associated Press animals 20081007110030 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:00:30 EST Getty Images | A new audio clearinghouse features "ambient soundscapes" from the American West. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/06/wildlife-soundscape.html A Web-based audio clearinghouse will feature "ambient soundscapes" from wild places across the American West. Nature 'Soundscapes' Recorded for Posterity Mike Stark, Associated Press animals 20081006163030 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:30:30 EST Getty Images | Scientists estimate a quarter of the world's mammals are threatened with extinction. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/06/endangered-mammals.html A team of scientists estimate a quarter of the world's mammals are threatened with extinction and half are in decline. One in Four Mammals at Risk Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20081006113000 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST IUCN || As Alaska's sea otter population plummets, local bald eagles are thriving. But why? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/10/03/sea-otter-eagle.html As Alaska's sea otter population plummets, local bald eagles are thriving. But why? Otter Decline a Mixed Blessing for Bald Eagles Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20081003110030 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:30 EST Getty Images | Elephants make low rumbles that can be heard by other elephants far away. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/30/elephant-communication.html Elephants make low-frequency rumbles that can be heard by other elephants located far away, research shows. Elephants 'Phone' Friends With Rumbles Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080930111500 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:15:00 EST Katherine Leighty/Disney's Animal Kingdom| Researchers find what's behind the sled dog's supreme athleticism. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/25/iditarod-dog-endurance.html Iditarod-racing dogs are among the planet's greatest athletes and now researchers find what's behind the animal's supreme athleticism. Iditarod Dog Athletic Supremacy Explained Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080925091500 Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:15:00 EST Brendan McKiernan/Michael Davis | Rocky Mountain pine beetles are doing more than killing of large swaths of forest. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/24/mountain-pine-beetle.html The effects of mountain pine beetles in the Rocky Mountains go beyond the killing of large swaths of forest. Beetle Epidemic May Affect Weather, Air Quality Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080924131530 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:15:30 EST Getty Images | New fossils of the first land animals suggest there was quite a rush to get ashore. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/24/cambrian-fossils-life.html Newly discovered fossil tracks of the planet's first land animals suggest there was quite a rush to get ashore. But why? Fossils Tell of Mass Exodus From Sea to Land Michael Reilly, Discovery News animals 20080924093030 Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:30:30 EST Getty Images | The paper wasp social scene is more like ours than you might think. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/22/social-paper-wasp.html The paper wasp social scene -- at least among females -- is more like ours than you might think. The Secret Life of a (Very) Social Wasp Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080922120000 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST Getty Images | A rare turtle discovered by Steve Irwin is starving to death in Australia's rivers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/19/steve-irwin-turtle.html A rare turtle discovered by "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin is now starving to death in Australia's rivers, warn conservation experts. Croc Hunter's 'Bum-Breathing' Turtle Faces Extinction Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080919094030 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:40:30 EST Jason Schaffer | Paleontologists hope to piece together a full crocodile fossil from North Dakota. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/18/crocodile-fossil.html Ancient crocodiles roamed what is now North Dakota and paleotologists believe they may uncover a full fossil skeleton. Ancient Crocodile Bones Could Yield Complete Skeleton Associated Press animals 20080918110000 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST North Dakota Geological Survey | During full moons, a marine bird is much more active than on dimmer nights. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/18/full-moon-birds.html New research shows that during full moons, a marine bird flies longer and is much more active than on dimmer nights. Full Moon Energizes Birds Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080918091500 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:15:00 EST Takashi Yamamoto | The first-ever population count for kangaroo rats will be taken from outer space. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/18/kangaroo-rat-space.html The first-ever population count for kangaroo rats, an environmental bellwether species, will be taken from outer space. Kangaroo Rats Get Space-Based Census Tracie Cone, Associated Press animals 20080918090800 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:08:00 EST AP Photo/James Cook University, Robert Puschendorf | Analysis of mitochondrial DNA from 61 iguanas reveals a new species. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/17/iguana-fiji-dna.html Analysis of mitochondrial DNA from 61 iguanas reveals a new species of the reptile. New Iguana Species Revealed Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20080917110000 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST Peter S. Harlow | Fluorescent fish that glow red in the deep ocean are shaking some long-held tenets. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/16/day-glo-fish.html Fluorescent fish that glow red in the deep ocean are shaking some long-held tenets. 'Day-Glo' Fish Shine Red Light Marlowe Hood, AFP animals 20080916131530 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:15:30 EST Getty Images | A ban on bushmeat hunting ignores the nutritional needs of local people, says a new report. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/16/bushmeat-hunting-africa.html Animal species may be threatened by hunting, but an all-out ban on bushmeat hunting ignores the nutritional needs of local people. Bushmeat Ban Not the Answer Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080916091500 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:15:00 EST Beth Wald/Aurora/Getty Images | Using hi-tech methods, scientists determine the ingredients of brown recluse venom. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/15/brown-recluse-spider.html Using hi-tech molecular analysis, scientists figure out the ingredient list of brown recluse venom. Spider Venom Recipe Could Be Key to Antidote Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080915154530 Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:45:30 EST Frank Schroeder | Bees are thriving along roadsides that are covered with native plant species. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/12/bee-native-plants.html Bees are thriving along roadsides that are covered with native plant species, research shows. Roadsides Helping Bees Thrive Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080912120000 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST Getty Images | A dino-era "salamander on steroids" had extra teeth on the roof of its mouth. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/12/antarctica-amphibian.html A dino-era Antarctic amphibian with extra teeth on the roof of its mouth is called a "salamander on steroids." Toothy 'Crocamander' Was Top Triassic Predator Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080912092030 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:20:30 EST Christian Sidor | A small frog, not seen since 1991, is found again in Australia's tropical north. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/11/rare-frog-australia.html A 1.5-inch-long frog, not seen since 1991, is found again in Australia's tropical north. Tiny Frog, Believed Extinct, Found in Australia Kristen Gelineau, Associated Press animals 20080911121500 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:15:00 EST AP Photo/James Cook University, Robert Puschendorf | Nearly 40 percent of freshwater fish species in North America are in jeopardy. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/11/fish-species-endangered.html Nearly 40 percent of freshwater fish species in North America are in jeopardy, according to the most detailed evaluation of the conservation status of freshwater fishes in the last 20 years. North American Fish Under Threat Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080911104530 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:45:30 EST Getty Images | The okapi, so rare it was once believed a myth, has been seen in the wild for the first time. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/11/okapi-africa-unicorn.html The okapi, so rare it was once believed to be a myth, has been photographed in the wild for the first time. Africa's 'Unicorn' Caught on Camera AFP animals 20080911090030 Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:00:30 EST AFP/Zoological Society Of London | Tardigrades, tiny segmented creatures, show they can survive the extreme environs of space. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/10/tardigrade-space.html Tardigrades, tiny segmented creatures, show they can survive the extreme environs of space. Tiny Critters Survive Space (With No Spacesuit) Irene Klotz, Discovery News animals 20080910172300 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:23:00 EST DCL | Leaf cutter ants carry much less than they're capable of, but it's for the greater good. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/10/ants-colony-efficiency.html Leaf cutter ants carry much less than they're capable of, research finds, but their small burdens turn out to be the perfect size for ants processing the leaves. Ants Slack Off for Colony's Greater Good Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20080910140000 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EST Getty Images | See how the Web is subbing for Mother Nature in the world of captive animal breeding. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/09/animal-zoo-mating.html See how the Web is subbing for Mother Nature in the not-so wild world of captive animal breeding. Zoo Animals Try Online Dating Katrina A. Goggins, Associated Press animals 20080909160030 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:00:30 EST AP Photo | Tardigrades, tiny segmented creatures, show they can survive the extremes of space. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/09/tardigrade-space.html Tardigrades, tiny segmented creatures, show they can survive the extreme environs of space. Tiny Critters Survive Space (With No Spacesuit) Irene Klotz, Discovery News animals 20080909120000 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST Getty Images | Some sweet-sounding bird songs may carry a sinister message. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/04/bird-song-duet.html Some sweet-sounding bird songs may carry a sinister message, according to a new study on Costa Rican wrens. Songbirds Duel With Duets Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080904120030 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:30 EST Dale Morris | A DNA study finds the world's last-known mammoths were American-born. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/04/woolly-mammoth-arctic.html An extensive DNA study finds the world's last-known mammoths originated in North America, even though the Ice Age giants died out in Siberia. American Woolly Mammoths Pushed Out Siberian Kin Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080904120000 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST Getty Images | To impress competitors, anole lizards start each day with a vigorous exercise routine. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/09/02/jamaica-lizard-exercise.html To impress their competitors, Jamaican anole lizards begin and end each day with a vigorous exercise routine. Jamaican Lizards Work Out at Dusk and Dawn Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080902103030 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:30:30 EST Terry Ord | Young orange clownfish find their anemone homes with a keen sense of smell. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/29/nemo-clownfish-smell.html Young orange clownfish find their anemone homes with a keen sense of smell. Nemo Sniffs His Way Home Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080829114530 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:45:30 EST Getty Images | Baby bugs come up with creative, aggressive ways to get their parent's attention. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/29/insects-parents.html Larvae and other baby bugs come up with creative, aggressive ways to get their parent's attention. Baby Bugs Bully Parents for Food, Protection Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080829110000 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST Flore Mas | Cells transformed inside a diabetic mouse become successful insulin-producers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/27/cell-mouse-diabetes.html Cells transformed inside a diabetic mouse become successful insulin-producers. Living Cells Reprogrammed to Make Insulin Malcom Ritter, Associated Press animals 20080827153030 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:30:30 EST Getty Images | Capuchin monkeys show they almost always opt to share with friends and family. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/26/monkeys-share-family.html Capuchin monkeys show they almost always prefer to share with friends and family -- but not with strangers. Monkeys Reward Friends, Family Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20080826100000 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:00:00 EST Getty | Cows seems to have an inner compass that orients them north-south. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/26/cows-compass-north.html Cows seems to have an inner compass that orients them in the north-south direction, concludes new research. Cows Use Inner Compass to Point North-South Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20080826090000 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST Getty | Wind turbines kill bats without striking them by causing a sudden drop in air pressure. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/25/wind-turbine-bats.html The mystery behind how wind turbines kill bats without striking them is solved: it's death by air pressure drop. Wind Turbines Kill Bats Without Impact Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080825120000 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:00:00 EST Getty Images | A colossal squid caught off Antarctica led a lethargic life, research shows. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/21/colossal-squid-blob.html A colossal squid caught in Antarctic waters led a lethargic life, suggests new research. Colossal Squid Was Docile Blob, Not T-Rex of Sea AFP animals 20080821123030 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:30:30 EST AP Photo/Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa | Populations of a diminutive porpoise in the Gulf of California have dwindled to 150. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/21/porpoise-endangered.html Populations of a diminutive porpoise in the Gulf of California have dwindled to 150 or fewer. Mexico Invests to Save Endangered Porpoise Dan Keane, Associated Press animals 20080821110000 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST Getty Images | As birds shift in response to warming, their food sources adjust at different rates. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/20/birds-warming-wildlife.html As birds shift in response to global warming, many may be at risk as their food sources adjust at different rates. Birds Thrown Off by Global Warming Marlowe Hood, AFP animals 20080820093000 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EST Getty Images | After the boldest Bigfoot hoax ever, a frozen "body" turns out to be a rubber costume. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/20/bigfoot-rubber-suit.html After the boldest Bigfoot hoax ever, a frozen "body" turns out to be a rubber costume. Thawed Bigfoot 'Body' Just a Rubber Suit Juanita Cousins, Associated Press animals 20080820090030 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 09:00:30 EST AP Photo | A baby humpback whale that confused a yacht for its mother is unlikely to survive. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/19/baby-whale-yacht.html A baby humpback whale that confused a yacht for its actual mother is unlikely to survive. Imperiled Baby Whale Returns to 'Mama' Yachts AFP animals 20080819093000 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EST AP Photo/Channel Nine | A confused humpback whale calf attempts to suckle the side of a yacht. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/18/humpback-whale-calf.html A lost and confused humpback whale calf loses its mother and attempts to suckle the side of a yacht. Lost Humpback Whale Calf Bonds With Yacht Associated Press animals 20080818140000 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST Getty Images | Cats and dogs can get along, so long as the cat has full run of the house first. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/18/cat-dog-pets.html Cats and dogs can get along, so long as the cat has full run of the house first. In Multi-Pet Homes, Cats Are Top Dogs Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080818120030 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:00:30 EST Getty | Two Georgia men say they have found Bigfoot and have his DNA, as others cry hoax. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/15/bigfoot-sasquatch-hoax.html Two Georgia men say they have found Bigfoot and have his DNA, as others cry hoax. Bigfoot DNA Dubbed Scam, Believers Undaunted Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080815163030 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:30:30 EST www.searchingforbigfoot.com | Investigation Discovery interviews the person who claims to have seen Bigfoot's body. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/15/big-foot-discovery.html Investigation Discovery's David Lohr interviews the person who claims to have seen Bigfoot's body. INTERVIEW: Bigfoot Body Allegedly Found By <a href="http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/" target="_blank">David Lohr</a>, Investigation Discovery animals 20080815133000 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:30:00 EST www.searchingforbigfoot.com | A polar bear jawbone found in the stomach of a Greenland shark is raising eyebrows. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/15/polar-bear-shark.html A polar bear jawbone found in the stomach of a Greenland shark is raising eyebrows. In Shark Vs. Polar Bear Smackdown, Shark Wins Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080815114500 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EST DCL/Getty | Populations of an invasive snail could overwhelm Lake Michigan's ecosystem. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/15/invasive-snail-lake.html Scientists worry that populations of an invasive snail could overwhelm Lake Michigan's ecosystem. Invasive Snail Multiplying in Lake Michigan David Mercer, Associated Press animals 20080815111500 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:15:00 EST U.S.G.S. FISC - Center for Aquatic Resource Studies | The invasive red lionfish is wreaking ecological havoc in delicate Caribbean waters. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/13/red-lionfish-caribbean.html The invasive red lionfish is wreaking ecological havoc in delicate Caribbean waters. Venomous Lionfish Prowls Fragile Caribbean Waters David McFadden, Associated Press animals 20080813163030 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:30:30 EST AFP | Close examination of octopuses suggest they have a mix of arms and legs. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/13/octopus-arms.html Close examination of octopuses suggest they have a mix of arms and legs, not just arms. Octopuses Don't Have Eight Legs Robin Millard, AFP animals 20080813140000 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST Getty Images | Oil prospectors in South America find the first fossils of an extinct scimitar cat there. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/12/saber-tooth-cat.html Oil prospectors in South America find the first fossils of an extinct scimitar cat there. Saber-Toothed Cat Unearthed in Venezuela AFP animals 20080812100030 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:30 EST Getty Images | Once hunted nearly to extinction, the humpback whale is making a striking comeback. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/12/humpback-whale.html Once hunted nearly to extinction, the humpback whale is making a striking comeback. Humpback Whales on Road to Recovery Bradley S. Klapper, Associated Press animals 20080812091530 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:15:30 EST AFP | It's no coincidence that Tasmania's giant kangaroo died out shortly after people arrived. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/12/tasmania-giant-mammals.html It's no coincidence that Tasmania's giant kangaroo died out shortly after people arrived, say scientists. Some Prehistoric Giants Killed by People, Not Climate Madeleine Coorey, AFP animals 20080812083030 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:30:30 EST AFP | Scientists block aging in the liver of mice by stopping the build-up of proteins. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/11/aging-cells.html Scientists manage to block the aging process in the liver of mice by stopping the build-up of harmful proteins. Aging Process Halted in Mouse Liver ABC Science Online/AFP animals 20080811104500 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:45:00 EST Getty Images | Miners stumble upon the skeleton of a 2.5 million-year-old mastodon in Romania. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/08/mastodon-skeleton.html Miners stumble upon the skeleton of a 2.5 million-year-old mastodon in Romania. Intact Mastodon Skeleton Unearthed in Romania Associated Press animals 20080808141530 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:15:30 EST AP Photo | Bee behavior may hold the secret to catching serial killers, say researchers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/08/bee-seriel-killer.html Bees hold the secret to catching serial killers, say researchers who claim the two can behave in similar ways. Bees, Fish Analyzed to Understand Serial Killers Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20080808140000 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EST Getty | A deep sea mystery is solved: sea turtles dive to depths to scout out prey. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/08/sea-turtles-depths.html Scientists solve a deep sea mystery and find that sea turtles dive to depths to scout out prey. Sea Turtles Dive to Depths for Reconnaissance AFP animals 20080808090000 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST Getty Images | Female guppies swim in predator-laden waters to avoid pursuing males. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/07/guppies-female-harassment.html Research shows that wild female guppies prefer swimming in predator-laden waters than hanging around pursuing males. Female Guppies Risk Death to Avoid Males on the Make AFP animals 20080807143000 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST Getty Images | As bears in Romania become less timid, there are deadly consequences. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/06/bears-romania-wildlife.html As bears in Romania become less timid among people, there are deadly consequences. Romanian Bears Making More Trips Into Town Ben McConville, Associated Press animals 20080806150000 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST AP Photo/Octavian Tibar/Flacara | New Zealand researchers move a colossal squid -- and make some discoveries. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/06/colossal-squid-move.html New Zealand researchers rip open a museum-preserved colossal squid, stitch it and move it -- and make some discoveries along the way. Colossal Squid Ripped, Stitched, Hoisted and Moved Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080806103000 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa | An American woman paid $50,000 to have her pet pitbull, Booger, cloned. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/05/cloned-dog-pet.html An American woman paid $50,000 to have her pet pitbull, Booger, cloned by a Korean company. Pet Pitbull Cloned in Commercial First Hyung-Jin Kim, Associated Press animals 20080805134500 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:45:00 EST AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon | A count of western lowland gorillas suggests their numbers may be higher than thought. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/05/gorillas-congo.html A recent count of sleeping nests of western lowland gorillas suggests their population may be stronger than previously thought. Suprising Number of Gorillas Counted in Congo Ben McConville, Associated Press animals 20080805103000 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST Getty Images | Antarctica's now-barren valleys were once teeming with life, new fossils show. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/04/antarctica-fossils.html Antarctica's now-barren valleys were once teeming with life, new fossils show. Moss, Insect Fossils Evince Once-Living Antarctica Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20080804180030 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:00:30 EST AP Photo/PNAS, A Lewis | Pelicans are an emerging menace to commercial fish in Idaho, say anglers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/04/pelican-trout.html The American white pelican is an emerging menace to certain commercial fish in Idaho, say angry anglers. Pelican Vs. Trout: Who Wins in Idaho? John Miller, Associated Press animals 20080804104530 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:45:30 EST Getty Images | A snake as thin as spaghetti that can rest on a U.S. quarter may be the world's smallest. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/08/04/snake-smallest-barbados.html A snake as thin as a strand of spaghetti noodle that can rest comfortably on a U.S. quarter may well be the world's smallest. Spaghetti-Thin Snake Is World's Smallest Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080804093000 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:30:00 EST Blair Hedges, Penn State | The fading glory of the world's great migrations is an environmental tragedy, say scientists. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/31/migration-animals.html The fading glory of the world's great migrations is a tragedy for people and the environment, argue conservation experts. Great Migrations Deserve Protection, Say Experts Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080731093030 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:30:30 EST Getty Images | The foul taste of blue shark meat may be the declining species' saving grace, report researchers. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/30/blue-shark-fish.html The foul taste of blue shark meat may be the declining species' saving grace, report researchers. Blue Sharks Beat the Odds, by Tasting Bad Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080730120030 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:00:30 EST Getty Images | Epaulette sharks reduce their electrical activity to survive oxygen deprivation. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/29/shark-oxygen-deprivation.html Epaulette sharks reduce their electrical activity to save energy and survive certain levels of oxygen deprivation. Shark Avoids Suffocation by Turning Off Electricity Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080729134500 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:45:00 EST Getty Images | The cement that binds the skeletons of reef structures is lost under climate change. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/29/coral-reefs-glue.html It's not just coral skeletons that are under threat from a more acidic ocean, it's also the cement that binds the skeletons and reef structures. Coral Reef 'Glue' May Not Stick Under Climate Change Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080729091500 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:15:00 EST T. B. Smith | Tree shrews can apparently drink anyone under the table, find researchers . http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/28/tree-shrew-beer.html Tree shrews can apparently drink anyone under the table, find researchers who observed the small animals imbibing a beer-like brew nightly. Tree Shrew Lives on Nature-Brewed Beer Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080728170000 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST Annette Zitzmann | An ancient African fish could be the model for light, bomb-proof body armor. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/28/dinosaur-eel.html An ancient West African fish could be the model for light, bomb-proof body armor. 'Dinosaur Eel' Inspires Body Armor of Future AFP animals 20080728104530 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:45:30 EST Getty | Whale sharks have been so exploited that they are shrinking in size, according to a new study. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/25/whale-shark-size.html Whale sharks, the world's largest fish, have been so exploited by humans during the past decade that they are shrinking in size, according to a new study. Is the World's Largest Shark Shrinking? Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080725120030 Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:00:30 EST Getty Images | Beluga whales are a "bellwether species" for Russia's melting Arctic. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/24/beluga-whale-arctic.html Beluga whales are a "bellwether species" for Russia's melting Arctic, say scientists. Whale Playground Sheds Light on Melting Arctic Conor Humphries, AFP animals 20080724103030 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:30:30 EST Getty Images | Chicks of Australian cuckoos are found to be masters of deception. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/22/cuckoo-chicks-call.html Chicks of Australian cuckoos are found to be masters of deception with the ability to change their calls to mimic their host parents. Cuckoo Chicks Change Calls to Mimic Host Stephen Pincock, ABC Science Online animals 20080722103000 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST Getty Images | A frog can tune its ears to different sound frequencies, like the tuner on a radio. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/22/ultrasonic-frog-hearing.html A frog that lives near noisy springs can tune its ears to different sound frequencies, like the tuner on a radio. Frog's Ears Can Switch Frequencies Like Radios Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080722093000 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST Courtesy of Albert S. Feng, University of Illinois | A federal judge restores endangered species protections for Rockies gray wolves. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/21/gray-wolf-endangered.html A federal judge restores endangered species protections for Rockies gray wolves. Gray Wolves Returned to Endangered List Matthew Brown, Associated Press animals 20080721163030 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:30:30 EST Getty Images | No-take marine reserves protect coral by controlling invasive starfish. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/21/starfish-fishing-ban.html No-take marine reserves protect coral indirectly by controlling invasive starfish, research shows. Coral-Wrecking Starfish Curbed by Fishing Regs Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080721120030 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:00:30 EST AP Photo | Hundreds of penguins are found dead on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/18/dead-baby-penguins.html More than 400 young penguins are found dead on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Dead Baby Penguins Wash Ashore by the Hundreds Michael Astor, Associated Press animals 20080718200030 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:00:30 EST Getty Images | The human voice box bears a relic from our very vocal primate past. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/18/ape-vocal-sac.html The human voice box bears a relic from our primate past, which once allowed our ancestors to shout far and wide. Vestigial Vocal Organ Muffles Human Speech Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080718104530 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:45:30 EST Getty Images | The Asian citrus psyllid can destroy entire groves of citrus trees. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/18/citrus-pest.html The Asian citrus psyllid can destroy entire groves of citrus trees and so far there is no weapon against it. Tiny Bug Threatens to Take Down U.S. Citrus Crops Traci Cone, Associated Press animals 20080718093000 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST Douglas L. Caldwell, University of Florida | Some species might be better off after a climate-induced move, say scientists. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/17/threatened species.html Some threatened species might be better off in other locations in light of climate change, say scientists. Moving Species to Save Them: Pros and Cons Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20080717163030 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:30:30 EST Getty Images | To attract mates, male toadfish make up for their homeliness with a song. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/17/toadfish-sex-song.html To attract mates, male toadfish make up for their homeliness with a song. Singing for Sex: Even Toadfish Do It Randolph E. Schmid, Associated Press animals 20080717153030 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:30:30 EST Margaret A. Marchaterre, Cornell University | Males and females -- among crickets at least -- have different dietary needs. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/17/male-female-diet.html Males and females have different dietary needs for optimal reproductive fitness, suggests a new study on Australian crickets. Sexes May Need Different Dinners Dani Cooper, ABC Science Online animals 20080717103030 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:30:30 EST Getty Images | A tiny new insect appearing in a museum's garden has stumped experts. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/15/mystery-bug-england.html A small, red and black insect appearing in the garden of London's Natural History Museum has completely stumped experts. Mystery Bug Invader Stumps Museum Experts Meera Selva, Associated Press animals 20080715100000 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST Natural History Museum in London | A disease is causing Tasmanian devils to have sex more often and at earlier ages. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/15/tasmanian-devil-cancer.html A disease is prompting Tasmanian devils to have sex more often and at much earlier ages. Cancer Causing Tasmanian Devils to Breed Younger Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080715090000 Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST ANOEK DE GROOT/AFP/Getty Images | Families tend to shrink as conditions become safer, but they face extinction risk. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/11/family-size-survival.html Family size among all animals tends to shrink as conditions become secure, but smaller families also face extinction risk. Smaller Families Face Higher Extinction Risk Darren Osborne, ABC Science Online animals 20080711141500 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:15:00 EST Getty | Engineers translate the efficiency of whale fins into manmade innovations. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/11/wind-turbine-whale.html Engineers translate the efficiency of whale and dolphin fins into manmade innovations. Whales, Dolphins Inspire Wind Turbine Tech Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080711110000 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST Getty/Frank Fish | Two flatfish fossils found in museum drawers help answer an evolutionary puzzle. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/10/flatfish-evolution.html A student finds two flatfish fossils in old museum drawers that help answer a long-held evolutionary puzzle. Bug-Eyed Flatfish Evolution Revealed AFP animals 20080710111500 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:15:00 EST Getty | Dramatic shifts in the food web are happening on the Antarctic Peninsula. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/10/antarctica-species.html Dramatic shifts in the food web are happening on the Antarctic Peninsula, where the climate is warming faster than anywhere else on Earth. At Antarctic Peninsula, Fast Change Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080710103000 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST Bill Frasier/Jim McClintock/ Margaret Amsler | Birds are shifting the frequencies of their songs to compete with urban noise. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/10/bird-city-noise.html Birds are shifting the frequencies of their songs to compete with urban noise, research confirms. Birds Struggle to Tweet Over Traffic Din Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080710093000 Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST Herman Berkhoudt/Philip Greenspun | A zookeeper's house cat has taken in a baby red panda and is nursing the cub. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/09/cat-panda-adopt.html A zookeeper's house cat has taken in a baby red panda and is nursing the cub with her other kittens. House Cat Adopts Panda Cub Associated Press animals 20080709143000 Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST AP Photo/ Artis Zoo | Spotted hyenas use groans when communicating with their young. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/07/hyena-groans.html Spotted hyenas may be known for their laughs, but researchers find the carnivores use groans when communicating with their young. Hyenas Baby Talk With Groans Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080707110000 Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST Getty | Madagascar hopes promoting ecotourism may help save wildlife. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/03/madagascar-tourism.html Officials in Madagascar hope promoting ecotourism may help save the region's panoply of wildlife. Madagascar Hopes Tourism Saves 'Noah's Ark' Gregoire Pourtier, AFP animals 20080703150000 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST Getty Images | Are dwindling penguins the tuxedo-clad version of the canary in the coal mine? http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/01/penguin-ocean.html Are dwindling penguins the tuxedo-clad version of the canary in the coal mine? Penguin Woes Signal Trouble at Sea Seth Borenstein, Associated Press animals 20080701090030 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:00:30 EST Getty Images | A newly discovered chameleon spends most of its year-long life in its egg. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/30/chameleon-lifespan.html A newly discovered chameleon lives less than a year, spending most of that time cradled in its egg. Chameleon Lives Fast, Dies Young Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080630170030 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:00:30 EST Kristopher Karsten | Navy sonar testing will continue but with steps to try and protect whales. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/27/whales-navy-sonar.html Navy sonar testing will continue but a plan includes some provisions to try and prevent damaging whales. Navy Sonar Tests to Go on With Steps to Protect Whales Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press animals 20080627093000 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST AP Photo/Reed Saxon | A five-year study of bird evolution will re-write the textbooks, say scientists. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/26/bird-evolution.html A five-year study of bird evolution will re-write the textbooks, say scientists. Bird Family Tree Gets Re-Write AFP animals 20080626193030 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:30:30 EST Getty Images | How friendly is your dog? Researchers rank common breeds on a scale from sweet to snippy. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/26/dog-aggression.html How friendly is your dog? Researchers rank common breeds on a scale from sweet to snippy. Dog Breeds Rated for Feistiness Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080626093030 Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:30:30 EST Getty | Scientists unearth what may be the most primitive four-legged creature. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/25/fossil-four-legs.html A newly unearthed skull represents what scientists believe to be the most primitive four-legged creature in Earth's history. Earliest Four-Legged Fossil Found Seth Borenstein, Associated Press animals 20080625150030 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:00:30 EST Philip Renne and Per Ahlberg | When bird populations are diverse, West Nile Virus infections goes down. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/25/biodiversity-west-nile.html When bird populations are diverse, the numbers of West Nile Virus infections in humans goes down, new research finds. More Bird Species Means Fewer West Nile Cases Jessica Marshall, Discovery News animals 20080625093000 Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST Getty Images | Birders are still trying to confirm a 2004 sighting of the ivory-billed woodpecker. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/24/ivory-billed-woodpecker.html Birders have been scouring Arkansas woods to confirm a 2004 sighting of the ivory-billed woodpecker. Search Goes on for Elusive Woodpecker Peggy Harris, Associated Press animals 20080624103000 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST Getty Images | Chimpanzees and orangutans both show they plan for future meals. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/20/apes-plan-intelligence.html Planning for the future has traditionally been viewed as a strictly human skill, but research shows chimpanzees and orangutans both make future plans. Apes Plan for the Future Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News animals 20080620100000 Thu, 20 Jun 2008 10:00:00 EST Mathias Osvath | Scientists are working to develop genetically modified mosquitoes to fight malaria. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/19/mosquito-malaria-genes.html Scientists are working to develop genetically modified mosquitoes that are resistant to malaria to combat the disease. Mutant Mosquitoes May Combat Malaria Maria Cheng, Associated Press animals 20080619120000 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST Getty Images | To psych out their rivals, female chimps often keep quiet while mating. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/18/female-chimp-mating.html To psych out their rivals, female chimps often keep quiet while mating. Female Chimps Keep Sex Lives Secret AFP animals 20080618093030 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:30:30 EST AP Photo/Mel White | Polar bears are spotted roaming far outside their normal Arctic territory. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/17/polar-bear-iceland.html Polar bears are spotted roaming far outside their normal Arctic territory. Roaming Polar Bears Spotted in Iceland AFP animals 20080617153030 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:30:30 EST AP Photo/John McConnico | Newly developed robots swim like fish and can communicate with each other. http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/17/robot-fish-robofish.html New robots swim like fish and can communicate with each other and will soon be deployed to study animals and environmental pollutants. 'Talking' Robofish to Swim in Puget Sound Eric Bland, Discovery News animals 20080617133000 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST