Horseshoe crab blood is vital for testing intravenous drugs, but new synthetic alternatives could mean pharma won't bleed this unique species dry
Horseshoe crabs play a unique role in medicine, but they’re also ecologically important in their home waters along the Atlantic coast. Can regulators balance the needs of humans and nature?
Oct. 12, 2023 • ~10 min
Scientists are using machine learning to forecast bird migration and identify birds in flight by their calls
Machine learning may not seem to have much connection with wildlife, but it’s starting to play a central role in bird conservation.
March 23, 2023 • ~9 min
As bird flu continues to spread in the US and worldwide, what's the risk that it could start a human pandemic? 4 questions answered
Avian influenza viruses have evolved to infect birds, but the current H5N1 outbreak is also infecting a wide range of mammals. This suggests that it could mutate into forms that threaten humans.
March 16, 2023 • ~9 min
Russia’s aggression threatens efforts to protect nature beyond Ukraine
Russia has vast natural resources and is involved in many conservation efforts. Its diplomatic isolation as a result of the war in Ukraine is making it harder to protect many wild species and places.
Feb. 21, 2023 • ~10 min
Human actions created the Salton Sea, California's largest lake – here's how to save it from collapse, protecting wild birds and human health
Fifty years ago, the Salton Sea was a draw for boaters and fishermen; today it’s an ecological time bomb. Two water experts who served on a state review panel describe its proposed rescue plan.
Jan. 10, 2023 • ~10 min
Bird flu has made a comeback, driving up prices for holiday turkeys
Hunters are warned to take precautions handling wild birds, and the virus can spill over to non-avian species, so no one should approach wild animals that are appear ill.
Nov. 14, 2022 • ~10 min
What is a wetland? An ecologist explains
The US Supreme Court opens its 2022-2023 term with a case that could greatly reduce federal protection for wetlands. Here is what makes these ecosystems valuable.
Sept. 30, 2022 • ~5 min
Birds migrate along ancient routes – here are the latest high-tech tools scientists are using to study their amazing journeys
Satellite telemetry, tiny geolocation tags and passive acoustic recording are providing new insights into bird migration and vital data for conservation.
Sept. 2, 2022 • ~10 min
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