WEIRD ANIMALS

Omnidirectional robot shoots out treats for home-alone pets

Rocki is remotely controlled over the internet, by pet owners viewing real-time video from the robot’s camera.  Rocki – By Ben Coxworth 2020 Dec 21 – Earlier this year, we heard about a pet-entertaining/treat-dispensing robot known as Pumpkii. Although its crowdfunding campaign was cancelled, …

 

Kangaroos can ask humans for help, new study shows

Researchers found that the kangaroos intentionally communicated with humans. – By Amy Woodyatt, CNN 2020 Dec 16 – It may sound a bit “Dr. Doolittle,” but it turns out kangaroos can communicate with humans. – Researchers found that kangaroos “intentionally” communicated with humans …

Should I kill spiders in my home?

An entomologist explains why not to. He comes in peace. Matt Bertone, CC BY-ND – Author Matt Berton, Extension Associate in Entomology, North Carolina State University 2018 May 16 – I know it may be hard to convince you, but let me try: Don’t …

Why do tigers have stripes?

A tiger’s vertical stripes help it blend in with trees and grasses in its homelands in Asia. Frédéric Soltan/Corbis via Getty Images – Author Andrew Cushing, Assistant Professor in Zoological Medicine, University of Tennessee 2020 Nov 23 – Curious Kids is a series …

Why This New Technology Inspired by Camel Fur Is Super Cool

A two-layered material that mimics the animals’ sweat glands and insulating fur chills surfaces 400 percent longer than traditional methods. Camels stay cool through a combination of sweat and insulating fur. (Balint Meggyesi / Getty Images) – By Corryn Wetzel SmithsonianMag.Com 2020 Nov …

The Reason Why Huskies Like to Talk

By Henry Steinman+ Some dog breeds rarely make a sound. Others never shut up. Huskies are most definitely in the second category. As anyone who’s ever met one will tell you, huskies like to talk. A lot. Sometimes they howl, sometimes they whine. …