Dolphins make smile-like expressions during play

Bottlenose dolphins use an open-mouth facial expression when playing with each other, resembling what humans might perceive as a “smile.”

Sea robins use their legs to taste the seafloor

Northern sea robins have 3 leg-like fin extensions, in front of each pectoral fin, with sensory organs that can taste the seafloor to detect buried prey.

GOES-19 first light images show stunning view of Earth

The GOES-19 satellite achieved 1st light and is now in beta mode. This Earth-observing satellite is already sending back stunning views of our home planet.

Lifeform of the week: Axolotls, the key to eternal youth?

The axolotl is a spectacular, forever-young amphibian. It never loses its tadpole tail and can regenerate not only its limbs or tail, but also its organs!

An uncommonly strong atmospheric river in Pacific Northwest

A powerful atmospheric river swept through the Gulf of Alaska in September 2024. The storm made landfall as Category 5, the highest tier on the scale.

Octopuses punch unruly fish on group hunts

Scientists studying hours of footage of octopuses and fish hunting together found that octopuses punch the uncooperative fish and are the leaders of the hunt.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4

Hurricane Helene hit Florida as a category 4 storm near Perry. The storm surge has washed away homes and winds have caused power outages. More here.

Light pollution affects fish even into the next generation

A new study showed fish exposed to light pollution at night exhibited anxiety-like behavior, and the lighting even affected the next generation of fish.

Will you see colors in aurora? Or do you need a camera?

If you live below 50 degrees N. latitude, any aurora visible is likely to be low on your horizon, and you're less likely to see vivid colors.

Is there a threat of landslides where you live? See the map

A new map from the USGS shows which areas of the United States are susceptible to the threat of landslides. See the map and read more about landslides.