Science We explained why woodpeckers hammer on metal — which struck a chord with listeners Many NPR listeners responded to a story explaining why some woodpeckers hammer on metal, including a man who said it solved a 35-year mystery for him. Megan Lim Linah Mohammad Sacha Pfeiffer
Science Nicknamed Caramelo, a rescued horse from the flooding in Brazil, becomes famous In Brazil, a seven-year-old horse who survived catastrophic floods in the south of the country has become a symbol of hope. Carrie Kahn
Science Fans donate to the sick animal that was the model for Donkey in 'Shrek' The loquacious donkey in the "Shrek" franchise is actually based on a real live animal, who is now 30 years old and racking up medical bills. Hosts
Animals Seattle crows, beloved and feared, may be playing us with their primate-sized brains Seattleites have a unique relationship with the crows that roam the city's neighborhoods and parks, but for the crows, is it all about the peanuts? Stephen Howie
Science Wild elephants may have names that other elephants use to call them Research on the rumbles of wild elephants suggest that these animals address each other with unique, name-like vocalizations. (Story aired on All Things Considered on June 10, 2024.) Nell Greenfieldboyce
Science A dog traveled nearly 4 miles to get help after its owner crashed into a ravine The man was traveling with his four dogs when he ran off a remote road into a ravine in Oregon. One dog returned to where the man was camping with family, alerting them that something was wrong. The Associated Press
Science Wild elephants may have names that other elephants use to call them Forget names like "Dumbo"—wild elephants appear to have their own unique names that other elephants use while talking to them in low rumbles. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Science Crows can count vocally like toddlers, research shows Crows can count... out loud! They do so similarly to human toddlers who are learning to tally things up. A neuroscientist trained birds to produce a number of calls in response to random visual cues. Ari Daniel
Science A fungus is turning cicadas into horny zombies — but don’t panic The fungus takes over cicadas’ lower halves and sex drives, fueling them to keep mating and spreading the disease in the process. That's why some scientists call them “flying salt shakers of death.” Rachel Treisman
Animals Horse sports are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. Can they be made safer? NPR's A Martínez speaks with event rider Jonathan Holling about safety concerns and measures in equestrian sports, which are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries for U.S. athletes. Olivia Hampton