We asked a genetics expert whether woolly mammoths could be brought back from the dead
The idea of bringing an extinct creature back from the dead is a seemingly ludicrous one. After all, if there are no creatures of a particular species left to reproduce, how can humans possibly expect to play God and resurrect them? For generations this has been an idea reserved for sci-fi literature and CGI-laden blockbusters. … Continued
We asked some Neuroparasitologists about the tiny critters that turn animals into zombies
Mindless, wandering creatures whose only remaining purpose in life is to serve their parasitic hosts. No, not the terrifying subject of a new George A. Romero flick, but a genuine natural occurrence caused by fiendish little organisms that have evolved brain-controlling abilities in order to survive. Neuroparasitology is the scientific study of parasites that control … Continued
We asked an economist whether it’s a good idea to put a price on nature
If you’re anything like us, you occasionally feel dwarfed by the incomprehensible awesomeness of the natural world. Our planet contains some incredible environments, inhabited by thousands of perfectly-adapted species—with such wonders surrounding us, it might seem vulgar to think of nature as a commodity that humans can put a price tag on. Yet in … Continued
We asked a cryptozoologist whether mythical creatures could actually exist
Have you ever glimpsed a strange animal or unknown creature looking like it had jumped straight out of a book on mythology and folklore? Probably not, but some do—many of these people then report their sightings to Cryptozoology News. Michael Bachman is the founder of the website, a journalistic platform for those who have sighted a cryptid, defined by Wikipedia as ‘an … Continued
Urban birding: Expert David Lindo explains how and why to take up this 'sexy' pastime
David Lindo spends his days urging urbanites to open their minds and see their cities in a new way. When he’s not gazing at birds from the roof of a London skyscraper or trotting cities around the globe, the Urban Birder (as he’s also known) is reaching out to city dwellers through his writing, photography, … Continued
We asked a rainforest conservation expert about the solution to slash and burn farming
Slash and burn farming is a dangerous and unsustainable method of clearing trees to make room for agriculture. As witnessed in Indonesia recently, it can prove catastrophic for rainforest ecosystems containing some of the world’s most remarkable species. But it’s not just animals and plants that these destructive practices affect. Billions of tonnes of carbon … Continued