Tagged With Science

Close-up portrait of a Pug with a wrinkled face, gazing intently at the camera with partially closed eyes

Why Do Dogs Blink? An Investigation of Canine Blinking

24 April 2024

While the third eyelid is one reason that dogs don't blink as much as people, the frequency of blinking has also been associated with other things, such as the size of an animal and its social behavior.

Close-up portrait of a small, brightly colored red-eyed tree frog looking directly at the camera with a quizzical expression

Do Frogs Have Emotions? The Science of Frog Happiness

22 April 2024

The case for frog happiness, positive emotional responses, and the moral considerations of frog consciousness.

Golden retriever sitting in a grassy field, tilting its head upwards with a curious expression

Can Dogs Look Up? What to Know About Dog Vision and Neck Mobility

22 April 2024

Dogs can't look up very well because of their specific anatomy and vision, which are designed to prioritize other things.

Pug tenderly licking the tip of its owner's nose as they embrace on a plush armchair

Why Does My Dog Lick My Nose? Unveiling Affectionate Behavior

20 April 2024

Evolutionary and communication reasons for why dogs lick their owners' noses, as well as when this behavior might signal a problem.

Corgi with a foxy face and stumpy legs burying a rawhide chew toy in the dirt of a backyard

Why Do Dogs Hide Their Treats? Evolutionary Reasons Behind Caching

20 April 2024

Dogs bury bones as an instinctual behavior passed down from wolves to cache, or store, food and claim a space as their own.

Close-up photograph of a rat's strong, muscular hind legs as it prepares to jump

The Incredible Leaping Ability of Rats: How High Can Rats Jump?

20 April 2024

Rats can jump between 3-5 feet thanks to some special anatomical features, and younger rats tend to be able to jump farther.

Maine Coon cat with a thick, fluffy coat lounging on a windowsill in sunlight

Why Do Cats Smell Good? The Science of the Cat Smell

19 April 2024

Cats smell different from other animals and even from each other because of their pheromones, skin lipids, licking, and overall health. Regular grooming and medical care can help keep a cat's smell in check.

Burmese cat intently sniffing the air in a doctor's office or hospital room

Can Cats Smell Cancer? Exploring Their Remarkable Detection Abilities

19 April 2024

Cats' strong olfactory system could be used to smell out cancer, but it's harder to train them than it is to train other non-animal-based methods.

Pitbull owner kneeling and making eye contact with their medium-sized Pitbull during training, showcasing the dog's attentive and obedient gaze

How Smart Are Pitbulls? New Studies Answer This Question

17 April 2024

Pitbulls are often seen as smart, ranking equally with some of the most well-liked breeds, and their stigma of aggression can be managed with the right attention.

Veterinarian holding a clipboard and discussing a Labrador retriever's bloodwork with its owner, while the neutered dog sits obediently at their feet.

The Neutering Effect: How Long Until Testosterone Drops in Dogs?

13 April 2024

The amount of testosterone in a male dog's body drops by 50% within one to two weeks after neutering, but it can take up to six weeks for it to be completely gone.

Pot-bellied pig sniffing and inspecting a fresh pile of its own feces in a clean, well-lit barn interior

Why Do Pigs Eat Their Own Poop? A Scientific Exploration

12 April 2024

Why pigs engage in coprophagy, or the consumption of feces, and what this behavior can tell us about pig health and happiness.

A brown and tan Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake swimming smoothly across a lake, its paddle-like tail propelling it forward

Do Snakes Swim? The Science of Their Aquatic Skills

10 April 2024

Snakes have a number of amazing adaptations that help them live and hunt in the water, including paddle-shaped tails and special ways of sensing their surroundings.