Two adult cicadas size each other up on a wooden railing. Credit: rbmiles/iStockphoto
Life

Here comes Swarmageddon!

This spring and summer, trillions of cicadas will emerge in the eastern United States

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Can you spot the cuttlefish? A common European cuttlefish camouflages itself on the seafloor. Credit: Justine Allen
Life

Blending in

Engineers take a lesson from nature’s masters of disguise

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Life

Infectious animals

Critters spread many germs that can sicken each other — and even kill people

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When eaten by caterpillars, some plants can emit chemicals that signal the help of special wasps. Once called, a wasp lays its egg inside a caterpillar. Credit: Ted Turlings
Life

A plant enemy’s enemy

Plants use chemicals to recruit help in fighting off pests

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Mantis shrimp are related to crabs and lobsters. They come in a gorgeous array of colors. Credit: Roy Caldwell
Life

This shrimp packs a punch

Researchers learn a lot from mantis shrimp, colorful marine creatures that possess deadly weapons and complex vision

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