Super-Sniffing Rat Sets a New World Record for Discovering Deadly Land Mines—and He’s Just Getting Started
Ronin, a 5-year-old African giant pouched rat, has found 109 land mines and 15 other unexploded ordnances in Cambodia
Biotech Company Creates ‘Woolly Mouse’ as a Step in Its Quest to Resurrect Woolly Mammoths Through Gene Editing
Colossal Biosciences leaders say the fluffy, golden-haired mice help validate their technique to “de-extinct” species, but outside scientists remain skeptical
Scientists Identify a Gene Linked to Spoken Language, and It Makes Lab Mice Squeak Differently
A new study suggests the unique human version of the NOVA1 protein developed after our ancestors split from Neanderthals on the evolutionary tree, and it might have given us a competitive edge over our relatives
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wants You to Eat These Giant, Invasive Rodents
As part of National Invasive Species Week, the agency is calling on Americans to “eat the invaders,” including swamp-dwelling nutria
Lab Mice Appear to Offer ‘First Aid’ Care to Their Unconscious Companions, Even Pulling on Their Tongues
A new study finds that mice will sniff, lick and pull the tongue of other mice that are under anesthesia, serving to open their airways
How Can the Brain Overcome Fear? New Study of Mice Offers Clues to PTSD and Anxiety Treatment
Researchers identified two brain areas in mice that helped the animals learn to suppress their instinctive fears of predators
See the First-Ever Photographs of the Elusive Mount Lyell Shrew, Finally Caught on Camera in California
A group of young researchers captured and photographed the animal on a three-day expedition to the Eastern Sierra Nevada
Squirrels Are Displaying ‘Widespread Carnivorous Behavior’ for the First Time in a California Park, New Study Finds
The familiar rodents, known for eating nuts and seeds, have been spotted hunting and decapitating voles in a gruesome dietary adaptation. Scientists say it might signal resiliency in face of future environmental pressures
How a Team of Gophers Restored Mount St. Helens After Its Catastrophic Eruption With Less Than a Day of Digging
After the volcanic eruption of 1980, scientists released the burrowing rodents for only a brief time, but their activities left a remarkably enduring impact, according to a new study
These Giant, Vest-Wearing Sniffer Rats Could Help Combat the Illegal Wildlife Trade, Scientists Say
Researchers trained African giant pouched rats to detect commonly smuggled items, including rhino horns and elephant tusks
A Runaway Capybara Is Evading Capture and ‘Living Her Best Life’ in England
The “beloved” rodent named Cinnamon was spotted this week with help from drones. She has been wandering and eating grass after escaping her zoo enclosure last Friday
This Old Experiment With Mice Led to Bleak Predictions for Humanity’s Future
From the 1950s to the 1970s, researcher John Calhoun gave rodents unlimited food and studied their behavior in overcrowded conditions
Two Rare Jurassic Skulls Could Help Unlock the Secrets of Mammals’ Evolutionary Success
Fossils reveal a prehistoric, mouse-like creature matured slower and lived longer than similar mammals of today
After Rats Were Eradicated From This Small Island, Seabirds Thrived
Tromelin Island became a safe place for birds once the invasive mammals were eliminated
A Modified Psychedelic Toad Toxin Reduces Signs of Depression and Anxiety in Mice, Study Suggests
Colorado River toads produce a psychoactive toxin that some have claimed has medical benefits. The new research suggests these benefits could be achieved without hallucinations
Medieval Squirrels and Humans May Have Spread Leprosy Back and Forth
Archaeologists uncovered evidence of leprosy in a medieval red squirrel in England, and DNA evidence revealed the strain was similar to what was circulating in humans at the time
Oregon Resident Catches Rare Case of Plague, Likely From Their Cat
The patient was treated during the earlier stages of disease, so the community faces little risk, according to health officials
Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries
Celebrate Winter in the Wild With 15 Photos of Animals Enjoying the Snow
These chilly but cute creatures will remind you what’s so wonderful about winter
Sniffing Women’s Tears May Reduce Aggression in Men, Study Finds
The findings, which may extend to all humans, suggest emotional tears might serve an evolutionary purpose
See the First-Ever Photographs of a Rare Giant Rat That Lives Only on One Pacific Island
The elusive and critically endangered Vangunu giant rats are at least twice the size of common rats
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