Starling murmurations form as daylight fades over their roosting sites. Shutterstock / Albert Beukhof Samuel Johnson, University of Oxford The word swarm often carries negative connotations – think biblical plagues of locusts or high streets full of last-minute shoppers during the Christmas rush. However, swarming is essential for the survival of many animal collectives. And […]

Who run the world? Cats! Grace Cary/Moment via Getty Images Jonathan Losos, Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go on safari in southern Africa. One of the greatest thrills was going out at night looking for predators on the prowl: lions, leopards, hyenas. […]