The fungus takes over cicadas’ lower halves and sex drives, fueling them to keep mating and spreading the disease in the process. That's why some scientists call them “flying salt shakers of death.”
NPR's A Martínez speaks with event rider Jonathan Holling about safety concerns and measures in equestrian sports, which are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries for U.S. athletes.
Researchers say the creatures pose little threat to humans but they are concerned about the growing prevalence of invasive species — a problem made worse by global trade and climate change.
The incident is being investigated, though the woman's current condition is unknown. The National Park Service advises visitors to stay at least 25 to 100 yards away from wild animals.
The companies behind the now-closed Virginia facility pleaded guilty to violating the Animal Welfare Act and Clean Water Act. Animal rights groups applaud the development and say there's more to do.
Charlotte the ray was touted as a case of asexual reproduction. Her aquarium now says she's actually sick with a rare disease — not pregnant. "This is a very weird story," an expert tells NPR.
A silky shark named Genie traveled from the Galapagos Islands out to the open ocean and back – over 17,000 miles – over the course of a year and a half. That's an average of 31 miles per day, making Genie's journey the longest recorded migration for a silky shark.
Marine scientist Pelayo Salinas de León and his team named Genie in honor of the late marine biologist Eugenie Clark – also known as "The Shark Lady." She devoted her life to the study of sharks and to improving their reputation.
Have another story you want us to cover? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
National Zoo officials say D.C. will get two new adolescent pandas by the end of the year. The last bears departed in November, bound for China on a FedEx cargo plane, with no agreement in place to secure a new pair.
Georgia beaches beckon not only locals and tourists, but also nesting shorebirds and seabirds and migrating species beefing up for long flights to the Arctic.
BARK Air says it built its experience "dog first," offering perks like puppucchinos and pheromone blankets. It's flying between New York and LA or London and plans to add more routes soon.
While mauling a hiker on Signal Mountain, the grizzly bit into the man's can of bear repellent and fled. The Massachusetts man, who'd pretended to be dead while he was being bitten, made it to safety.
The Michigan dairy worker had mild eye symptoms from the infection and has recovered, health officials said. The worker had been in contact with cows presumed to be infected.