Zoologists Are Still Working Out Who’s Biting Us Mosquitoes and other bloodsuckers play an important role. It's time we learned their names. By Riley Black January 8, 2026 In this story: insects, science, Gee Whiz
This Species of Pine Tree Is Working to Save Itself From Blister Rust Conservationists are helping support a tree known as “the water tower of the high mountain” By Zack Metcalfe January 2, 2026 In this story: climate change, science, forests, climate adaptation, conservation
Joy to the Worm In the tropics, a festive creature turns coral reefs into a year-round wonderland By Suki Gear December 25, 2025 In this story: holidays, science, animals, Wonder, Gee Whiz
Five Stories From 2025 Remind Us That Joy and Wonder Still Matter Tired of doomscrolling and bad news? Here are stories that will leave you feeling inspired, in awe, or just plain happy. By Sierra Staff December 29, 2025 In this story: Joy, Wonder, science
From Growl-Rumble-Whoops to Moan-Whines: Hawaiian Monk Seals Have a Vocal Repertoire Full of Surprises The endangered species is the only pinniped known to string together vocalizations with no break By Joe Spring December 15, 2025 In this story: science, Gee Whiz, animals, endangered species, conservation
We All Need a Home of Our Own. The Burrowing Owl Is No Different. A new effort is underway to restore this owl's population and habitat Text and photographs by Zack Metcalfe November 24, 2025 In this story: birds, conservation, animals, science
Shifting Shores Leave Spiders in a Sticky Situation on the Great Salt Lake Arachnids face increasing risk in a changing world Text and photographs by Riley Black November 21, 2025 In this story: climate change, insects, science, Gee Whiz
How to Survive Toxins Like Other Animals Do Critters have evolved a suite of clever strategies to keep out of harm’s way By Katarina Zimmer November 12, 2025 In this story: animals, Gee Whiz, science
This Ecologist Lost Her Grant for Studying Diversity—of Insects The federal trawling of grants for misaligned priorities has brought in bycatch By Hannah Richter October 28, 2025 In this story: insects, federal policy, Trump, wildlife, science
Kelp Forests Are Vanishing Along California’s Coast Here’s why, and what’s being done about it By Brandon Withrow October 24, 2025 In this story: science, oceans, marine ecosystems