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
National This 'venom manager' says rattlesnakes are misunderstood It's snake season in the American Southwest. And as snakes show up in yards and garages, Cale Morris of the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary teaches people how to keep snakes — and themselves — safe. Jordan-Marie Smith Christopher Intagliata Ailsa Chang
Science To escape hungry bats, these flying beetles create an ultrasound 'illusion' A study of tiger beetles has found a possible explanation for why they produce ultrasound noises right before an echolocating bat swoops in for the kill. Ari Daniel
Environment When sea otters lose their favorite foods, they can use tools to go after new ones Some otters rely on tools to bust open hard-shelled prey items like snails, and a new study suggests this tool use is helping them to survive as their favorite, easier-to-eat foods disappear. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Science Understanding elephant communication NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben speaks with biologist Vesta Eleuteri regarding a study she authored about elephant communication.
Animals Lessons from rattlesnake class in the American Southwest It's rattlesnake season in Arizona, where the number of bites has surged. And it turns out most of what you thought you knew about the reptiles isn't true. Alina Hartounian