A scientist has discovered that cuttlefish, which are marine animals related to the squid and octopus, are surprisingly smart. The scientist measured the self-control of the tentacled creatures by seeing how long they could wait for a treat. Her research was informed by a previous study involving children that found that self-control and intelligence are connected. Listen to learn more about the landmark “marshmallow experiment” and how it was adapted for cuttlefish.
Story Length: 3:38
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February 24, 2021
1:48
Bats and humans may look very different, but it turns out they have something surprising in common. A bat researcher discovered that mommy bats change their voices when they talk to their babies, just like human mothers often do. For both species, this special tone is a way to help the young learn language. Listen to hear recordings of adult and baby bats vocalizing, and learn more about how mother bats teach their pups to communicate.
Read MoreJanuary 27, 2021
3:38
Beavers love to build dams – even inside houses. That’s what an animal rehabilitation worker discovered when she agreed to raise an abandoned baby beaver in her home. “Beave” gathers shoes and other household objects for his dam and displays other typical baby beaver behaviors, like whining for his dinner. Millions of fans watch his antics on TikTok. Listen to hear more about a popular rescued beaver and learn why living with others, even humans, is important for his health.
Read MoreJanuary 13, 2021
2:46
Dogs and humans have long had a special relationship. Part of the reason they get along so well is that dogs can understand human language, at least some of it. But why can’t they learn more? To find out, researchers played words for dogs and observed how their brains responded. Listen to learn what scientists discovered about how dogs learn words and why it’s unlikely they will ever be able to understand Shakespeare.
Read MoreSeptember 30, 2020
2:29
Are bees smarter than some people think? Scientists studying bee behavior noticed the insects taking tiny bites out of plant leaves. It turns out that this surprising behavior actually helps bees, though not immediately. Listen to learn how biting leaves benefits bees, and hear about another interesting trick bees use to get a good meal.
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