Behavior

If you’ve ever found room for dessert when you thought you were full, your gut bacteria might be to blame. Caltech scientists have shown that mice given antibiotics ate far more sugary snacks, hinting at a bacterial influence on overeating.

A study has utilized a new kind of computer modeling to investigate how pre-existing drugs could be repurposed to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among the findings was a discovery that an anti-diarrhea drug could improve ASD symptoms.

Even though the basking shark is the world's second-largest fish, much of its life has eluded observation. Now, however, researchers have determined that the usually solitary animals find mates by meeting up and circling around one another.

We’re all maybe a bit surly after a sleepless night, but a new study suggests our levels of day-to-day selfishness can be directly related to how well rested we are, and these findings could have implications on both individual and societal levels.

Although great white sharks have few natural enemies, orcas have been known to prey on them. A new study now shows that due to attacks by just two orcas, great whites are staying away from parts of South Africa.

Presented by the California Academy of Sciences, the BigPicture Competition annually delivers an incredible collection of nature photographs. This year’s shots span from a bizarre cactus bee mating ritual to a surreal glimpse at a sea star spawning.

The biology behind social behavior may be more complex than we thought. Researchers have used CRISPR to block a certain neurochemical signaling pathway in hamsters, and found that the animals’ social behaviors changed in unexpected ways.

Greater mouse-eared bats are preyed upon by owls, but the owls themselves likely avoid hornets, for fear of getting stung. New research suggests that the bats take advantage of this fact, by buzzing like hornets to keep owls at bay.

A study has found a link between increased generosity in old age and levels of a neurochemical called oxytocin. The research found older people with high levels of oxytocin were more likely to donate money to charity and be satisfied with their lives.

Ordinarily, when studying the behavior of animals, scientists have to watch many hours of video footage of the creatures going about their daily lives. That may soon no longer be necessary, however, thanks to a new critter-watching computer system.

One might think that certain animals are only able to navigate within the environment in which their species evolved. According to a new study, however, goldfish are quite capable of steering a land-based "car" toward a land-based target, in order to get a food pellet.

We've all seen sports spectators performing "the wave," where people stand up then sit back down to simulate a wave moving through the stadium. Well, schools of mollies have been found to perform a similar action, in order to keep from being eaten.