Behavior

In what must have been some of the most enjoyable experiments ever, scientists have studied nearly 50 dogs of all shapes and sizes to find a better way of assessing paw dominance – something we believe to be a predictor of behavioral issues.

Bumblebees may be smarter than we give them credit for, with a new study showing the fuzzy insects demonstrate the cognitive plasticity required to solve problems they've never encountered before to reach a goal.

For captive animals, engaging in natural behavior is a pillar of the animal welfare framework. But when it comes to sex, one important behavior has been largely ignored, and sometimes even punished: masturbation.

A disabled kea has invented a bizarre jousting technique that helped turn him into the undefeated alpha male of his circus. While parrots are known for their smarts, this level of individual benefit shows some real ingenuity and resourcefulness.

The ability of the shellear fish to climb waterfalls is well established. The behavior has now been documented for the first time, with photos and videos showing just how these adventurous fish defy their legless physiology.

One of the world’s most dangerous birds may carry signals invisible to the human eye. Scientists have found that the helmet-like casque atop a cassowary’s head fluoresces under UV light, revealing striking patterns that differ between species.

If you've wondered why you procrastinate with doing your taxes early or starting mundane jobs, it's not because you dislike them. New research has uncovered a specific pathway in the brain that slams the brakes on investing energy in these tasks.

When a behavioral ecologist gazed towards a group of emperor chichlids in Zambia recently, the fish seemed to be more alert and aggressive. That got him investigating whether they could really tell when they were being stared at.

It's that time of year – and my personal favorite corner of science to look back on – when we recap the many fascinating discoveries in the plant and animal kingdom in 2025. Orcas have again made news, but no luxury yachts were hurt in the process.

Blinking isn’t just about keeping eyes moist. New research suggests we blink less when listening becomes hard, with each pause reflecting increased focus. The findings hint that blinking may track how hard our brains are working to listen among noise.

In a groundbreaking new study, scientists took a closer look at how bumble bees respond to positive experiences inside the nest. They found positive attitudes are quite literally contagious, spreading between bees within seconds.

You won't find us endorsing aggression towards animals very often, however, scientists have discovered that raising your voice to seagulls – especially if you're male – will make them think twice about stealing your food. It's simply science.