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The Two-Way
For London Zoo Patrons, It's A Case Of Once Bitten, Twice Shy
June 8, 2013 Squirrel monkeys in a "walk-through" enclosure bit more than a dozen visitors over a year-long period, according to a report.
The Salt
Monkeys Also Want To Eat Like The Locals
April 25, 2013 When monkeys move to a new place, they want to eat what the locals are eating, a new study finds. It's among the first to see strong social behaviors in eating among wild animals.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
When Humans Mourn: The Mozart Requiem And A Matter Of Scale
April 25, 2013 A performance of Mozart's Requiem has commentator Barbara J. King thinking about the ways humans grieve. Of all species on Earth, we alone mourn across time and space for people we have never met.
Shots - Health News
A Tale Of Mice And Medical Research, Wiped Out By A Superstorm
April 25, 2013 When Superstorm Sandy flooded lower Manhattan last year, thousands of lab animals drowned and many scientists lost months or even years of work. The specialty animals can be very difficult to replace, but researchers say the loss of animal life is emotionally devastating and difficult to get over.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
When Animals Mourn: Seeing That Grief Is Not Uniquely Human
April 11, 2013 When animals die, their close relatives and friends may be plunged into mourning. Commentator Barbara J. King writes about animal grief in her new book, citing examples seen in animals large and small. She finds solace in the knowledge that humans are not the only animals who feel loss.
The Two-Way
In The Name Of Science, Head-Bobbing Sea Lion Keeps The Beat
April 2, 2013 The research team at the University of California at Santa Cruz's Pinniped Cognition and Sensory Systems Laboratory says Ronan is the first nonhuman mammal to show evidence of beat keeping, something previously seen mostly in parrots and cockatoos.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
Want To Help Animals? No Vegan Extremism Required
March 28, 2013 Vegans' refrigerators are empty of meat, dairy and eggs. But what if there are animal products in their medicine cabinets? Commentator Barbara J. King considers how far vegans have to go to really make a difference for animals.
The Two-Way
Indonesian Zoo Breeds Rare Komodo Dragons
March 18, 2013 Seven baby Komodo dragons emerged from their shells at a zoo in Indonesia's East Java province.
The Two-Way
Underwater Hunger Artist: Giant Isopod Fasts For 4 Years
February 25, 2013 From Japan comes news of a giant isopod that knows all there is to know about the hunger game. How else to explain the fasting behavior of the animal that, his minders say, hasn't eaten in more than 1,500 days? The male giant isopod, known simply as No. 1, last ate on Jan. 2, 2009 — or, to put it in perspective, 18 days before President Obama began his first term.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
When We Hunt, Do We Murder?
February 7, 2013 Are humans natural hunters? Can animal advocates and people who kill animals for sport comprehend anything of each others' perspectives? Commentator Barbara J. King considers hunting in the United States today.
The Two-Way
Oh, Mama! World's 'Oldest' Bird Has Another Chick
February 6, 2013 Wisdom, a Laysan albatross who nests at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the North Pacific Ocean, is thought to be at least 62 years old. She's raised an estimated 30 to 35 chicks over the years and flown at least 2 million miles, scientists say.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
Why Do Engineers Put Faces On Their Robots?
January 18, 2013 The fact is: we find it easy to attribute mind to what looks and acts like a human being and we find it almost impossible to attribute mind to what does not.
The Salt
Yes, Virginia, Crabs Likely Feel Pain, But They're Still Delicious
January 17, 2013 Prawns will rub themselves when dabbed with acid. And hermit crabs show stress-related behavior after getting shocked out of their shells. Now scientists find that British shore crabs can learn to avoid an electric shock — a key sign that crustaceans really do experience pain.
The Two-Way
27 Animals In 'Hobbit' Movie Died At Farm Where They Were Housed
November 19, 2012 Three horses and two dozen smaller animals reportedly died. Wranglers say there were sink holes and other "death traps" on the property. The movie production company later paid for improvements at the farm. Director Peter Jackson's movie premieres later this month.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
After Sandy: The Most Highly Evolved Compassion Of All
November 1, 2012 In the wake of the terrible damage caused by superstorm Sandy, commentator Barbara J. King reflects on the animal rescues underway and asks if we can tap these selfless impulses to create a greater, sustained good.