Apr 6th, 2007 · Of all mammals, dogs have the greatest size diversity within their species. A large dog can be 80 times heavier than a small dog. A new study identifies a gene that may be responsible for these enormous size differences.
Feb 23rd, 2007 · Chimpanzees in West Africa are making spears out of sticks and using the tool to attack small mammals. The chimpanzees are the first animals, other than humans, to create and use tools.
Dec 6th, 2006 · Earlier this year, scientists went into a dark barn in New Jersey, trapped some bats, and stuck them next a magnetic coil. Then, they tagged the flying mammals with a tiny electronic tag, and freed them -- 20 miles from their home roost. The researchers then watched to see if the bats could find their way home. The goal: to see if bats can use invisible magnetic fields to navigate in the dark. NPR's John Nielsen has the answer.
Nov 18th, 2006 · You think you know what a mammal is, right? Sure, but you might be suprised to learn that the dictionary definition you learned in school may not be all it's cracked up to be. Just as astronomers struggle to define a planet, biologists are trying to decide what makes a mammal a mammal.
Jul 10th, 2006 · The Federal government recently auctioned off thousands of acres of new leases for oil and gas drilling in northwest Colorado. The area is considered crucial habitat for the endangered black-footed ferret. State and federal wildlife officials consider the ferrets to be one of North America's most endangered mammals. From Aspen Public Radio, Kirk Siegler reports.
Jul 5th, 2006 · Ten years ago, the world's first cloned mammal was born. Dolly the sheep proved that it was possible to take a cell from a specific adult animal, and then use that cell to make a genetic copy of that adult animal. Dolly also suggested that, someday, it might be possible to clone humans.
Jun 26th, 2006 · The National Marine Fisheries Service is proposing a speed limit for ships entering ports along the eastern seaboard. The goal is to save right whales from being struck and killed. Shipping companies say there is no proof that slowing their vessels will help the endangered mammals.
Apr 23rd, 2006 · The Bering Sea may be ice-free in 50 years. If that happens, what happens to its walrus population? Alaska Public Radio's Annie Feidt reports that U.S. and Russian scientists are gathering data to help protect the marine mammals.