Carl Zimmer

The Loom

Two stories in tomorrow’s New York Times

Monarch butterflies can travel thousands of miles on their annual migration across North America. (Credit: Jim in Monona, IA/Courtesy of Journey North)

monarch butterfly migration

Decades of observations show climate change is wiping out butterflies across the West. And in California, volunteers reported a “winter without monarchs.”

Western Butterfly Populations are Plummeting Thanks to Climate Change

On March 25, 2021, a family of six managed to survive in a closet of this house as it was torn apart by a tornado in Calhoun County Alabama. (Credit: National Weather Service Birmingham, Alabama via Facebook)

Tornado Damage in Alabama

From a loopy jet stream to climate change, an in-depth look at the factors that have shaped U.S. weather so far this year.

What's Up With 2021's Weather?

Since the 1950s, images and hand stencils like the ones shown here have been found in caves on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. (Credit: Naj Ativk/Shutterstock)



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Ancient humans began to draw symbols on caves at least 45,500 years ago, according to a surprising finding on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

What the Oldest Known Cave Painting Reveals About Early Humans (and What It Doesn't)

(Credit: Frank Fichtmueller/Shutterstock)

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Once critically endangered, Vancouver Island marmots are now teaching each other how to recover.

Marmots Are Teaching Their Captive-Bred Friends How to Live in the Wild

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The secret is all in the muscles. But if that’s true, why can’t the biggest, strong animals run the fastest? 

Who Are the Fastest Animals in the World — and Why?

A bluejay lands on a backyard deck. (Credit: Tony Quinn/Shutterstock)

bluejay - shutterstock

As the pandemic stretches on, there's renewed interest in connecting with nature. Experts share advice on finding some feathered friends.

Two stories in tomorrow’s New York Times

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