Science writer Carl Zimmer grew up loving monster movies, but he never guessed a real monster would show up in his own backyard.
Read MoreJim O'Grady: You, me, and the monkey
Jim O'Grady's attempts to woo his housemate are stymied by the monkey she's training to help quadriplegics.
Read MoreDeborah Blum: A taste of nature
At age 7, Deborah Blum starts a mystery when she interrupts her parent's dinner party. So their guest, famed biologist E.O. Wilson, investigates.
Read MoreDarcy Burke: The mountain lion book
Darcy Burke's mother gave her a book on mountain lions, and it had the effect that every science writer wishes their book will have. Kind of.
Read MoreColin Jerolmack: How a sociologist became The Pigeon Guy
Colin Jerolmack was floundering in grad school until he found deep insights into human nature... from pigeons.
Read MoreRobin Abrahams: A rabbit's personality
A neighbor's gift of two baby rabbits leads Robin Abrahams to a new view of, and fascination with, personality.
Read MoreAri Daniel Shapiro: Narwhal tagging in the arctic
As a grad student, Ari Daniel Shapiro has to tag some narwhals to collect data. The problem: it's in the arctic, the devices have never been tested, and if he fails he'll never be able to do research again.
Read MoreBrooke Borel: My dog's heart
A science writer is challenged when her dog comes down with a case of heartworm -- and then the medication goes wrong.
Read MoreChristine Gentry: Four lessons from my dad
Christine Gentry's rural, Vietnam vet father rarely talked about important issues, but a series of remarkable moments with animals and nature teach her four lessons she'll never forget.
Read MoreDiane Kelly: Confronting death on the road
After turning to a unique field of study -- erections -- Diane Kelly turns to an even more unique source for her research material -- roadkill.
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