Biodiversity

"It's that time of the year again: Shark Week. The TV program is so long-running that if you're under 37, you've never known a life without it. In honor of this oft misunderstood critter, we revisit our conversation with shark scientist Melissa Christina Marquez. She explains just how important sharks are to keeping the oceans healthy, including their role in mitigating climate change. Plus, there may be some talk about shark poop."

"Lone star ticks don’t spread Lyme disease, but they can transmit other serious diseases and are linked to a mysterious meat allergy. And the threat is growing."

"These cats face a plethora of threats from shrinking habitat, diminishing prey, conflict with humans, poaching, and more. But a new report describes isolated success stories that show population declines can be reversed."

"Over the past 80 years, one of the most resilient and hearty owls has practically engulfed a continent. Not everyone is pleased."

"The Biden administration has reinstated controversial Trump-era rules allowing what critics say are “barbaric” hunting practices that target bears and wolves, including pups or cubs, on federal land in Alaska.

"Scientists hope a sediment-laying strategy can help preserve the marine highway while restoring marshlands."

"Emerald ash borer beetles have killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in the U.S. Now, researchers are nurturing ash that can withstand the insects, in the hope of producing resistant seeds that would ensure a future for trees that are a crucial part of Eastern forests."

"Pets were once dismissed as trivial scientific subjects. Today, companion animal science is hot."

"Dozens of countries have voiced their support for concluding in the next few weeks World Trade Organization negotiations on cutting harmful fishing subsidies that contribute to overfishing, two documents showed on Friday."

"Over 45,000 species are now threatened with extinction — 1,000 more than last year — according to an international conservation organization that blames pressures from climate change, invasive species and human activity such as illicit trade and infrastructural expansion."