Latest articles by Olivia Ferrari
Killer Australian fungus can gobble up widespread, pesticide-resistant armyworm from the inside
Fall armyworms have spread throughout the world, destroying crops and evolving insecticide resistance. New research in Australia suggests fungi that attack the worms could be a promising pest control method.
Why is this giant desert turning green? Scientists may finally know the answer.
Many deserts face worsening droughts, but India's Thar Desert has become 38% greener in the past 20 years due to increased rainfall and expanding agriculture in the region, according to a new study.
Fish in the Mariana Trench all have the same, unique mutations
Deep-sea fish adapt to some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. New research analyzing their evolution finds the same mutation across fish species that have evolved on separate timelines — alongside human-made pollutants contaminating the deep sea.
'Woolly devil' flowers in Texas desert are the 1st new plant genus discovered in a US national park in almost 50 years
A newly discovered plant found by a national park volunteer in the Texas desert is a small, fuzzy flower that pokes up between rocks. With its limited range, this species could be threatened by climate change.
Reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone helped entire ecosystem thrive, 20-year study finds
A new study calculates the long-term effects of reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the 1990s, which ultimately helped willow shrubs that feed wildlife in stream habitats.
Dogs may have domesticated themselves because they really liked snacks, model suggests
Competing theories explain how dogs came to be domesticated from wolves. Now, a new study adds further support to the idea that they domesticated themselves.
'Contagious' peeing may have deep evolutionary roots, chimp study suggests
People often go to the bathroom in groups, and according to new research chimpanzees do the same, possibly to strengthen group social bonds.
'Big boy' spider becomes Australia's largest deadly funnel-web after surprise discovery
The Sydney funnel-web spider has extremely dangerous venom, but according to a new study this spider is actually three different species — one of which, the "Newcastle big boy," is much larger.
Do crabs feel pain?
A growing body of research suggests crabs, lobsters and other animals caught for seafood can feel pain. Scientists are pushing for legal protections to ensure they are treated humanely.
Why do iguanas fall from trees in Florida?
Florida's non-native green iguanas become paralyzed and drop from trees when temperatures dip. Climate change could bring this problem to new areas.
'Alien plant' fossil discovered near Utah ghost town doesn't belong to any known plant families, living or extinct
Fossilized plant remains discovered near a Utah ghost town have stumped scientists, who are unable to link them to any modern or extinct plants.
A third of Earth's species could become extinct by 2100 if climate change isn't curbed
An analysis of research on most known species around the world finds climate change puts many species at risk of extinction, and the risk increases with more global warming.
Smarter dogs have smaller brains, surprising study reveals
A study looking at the brain size of different breeds relative to their skulls reveals how humans have altered the species through artificial selection.
How is paper made from trees?
Plant-based paper has been used for thousands of years, but exactly how is it created from trees?
Female gibbons 'vogue' and dance like robots — and make sure they have an audience
Female gibbons appear to do robot dances for attention, scientists discover.
