A new study looks at one of the most prolific pathogens in human history — the plague.

NPR's Adrian Florido speaks with ecologist Justin Stewart about mapping the complex network of fungi connecting the Earth's plants.

Albania's government has given preliminary approval to plans for the luxury resort along a stretch of coastline, prompting daily protests and legal challenges by environmental groups.

One of the world's leading brain research centers is shifting away from fruit flies and toward a tiny, transparent fish. The goal: to understand how brains control the behavior of an animal or human.

One of the world's leading brain research labs is switching from fruit flies to a tiny, transparent fish. The goal is to observe an entire animal's brain at work.

A biologist recently discovered a new species of cave spider in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge. It's getting a name from the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.

Human bodies have a natural cooling system, but it can do only so much in high temperatures and humidity. Here's the science behind how heat kills. And how to protect yourself.

Foundation species like coral, oysters and big trees are critical to their ecosystems, providing food and shelter. A new study finds their influence continues after their death.

NPR's Short Wave team talks about how air pollution affects the brain, what ancient squirrel poop reveals about prehistoric fauna, and a whale graveyard on the ocean floor.

A study of more than 2,300 9- to 10-year-olds found that socioeconomic factors explained most differences in the preteens' brain development.