When we think of bats, an unfavorable image often comes to mind. Whether it's the scary portrayal of them in vampire films and literature or a general fear of how their real-life counterparts might transmit viruses, bats have gotten a bad rap that's actually more fiction than fact. Take a look at how many common bat misconceptions came about and just how vital bats are to our everyday lives.
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Animals
- Many animals play dead—and not just to avoid getting eatenMany animals play dead—and not just to avoid getting eaten
- Groundbreaking effort launched to decode whale languageGroundbreaking effort launched to decode whale language
- This fish stuck in a disposable glove is a warning about the risks of COVID-19 litterThis fish stuck in a disposable glove is a warning about the risks of COVID-19 litter
- How scientists found 'Nemo,' Australia's newest dancing spiderHow scientists found 'Nemo,' Australia's newest dancing spider
Environment
- Americans want more renewable energy. Can ‘community choice’ help them get it?Americans want more renewable energy. Can ‘community choice’ help them get it?
- Offshore wind is poised to take off in the U.S.—but it won’t be easyOffshore wind is poised to take off in the U.S.—but it won’t be easy
- How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.How to breed a climate resilient sunflower? Look to its ancient cousins.
- How to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planetHow to stop discarded face masks from polluting the planet
- Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.Why was the ancient city of Cahokia abandoned? New clues rule out one theory.
History & Culture
- After 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who foughtAfter 60 years, Bay of Pigs disaster still haunts veterans who fought
- Archaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sightArchaeologists discover mysterious monument hidden in plain sight
- Stolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuriesStolen in 1792, the French Blue diamond's fate puzzled historians for centuries
- 'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt'Lost golden city of Luxor' discovered by archaeologists in Egypt
Science
- Europe says blood clots should be listed as a ‘very rare’ side effect of J&J vaccineEurope says blood clots should be listed as a ‘very rare’ side effect of J&J vaccine
- How virus variants get their confusing names—and how to make them betterHow virus variants get their confusing names—and how to make them better
- Billions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists reportBillions of T. rex likely roamed the Earth, paleontologists report
- NASA Mars helicopter makes history as first vehicle to fly on another planetNASA Mars helicopter makes history as first vehicle to fly on another planet
- NASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moonNASA selects SpaceX to put astronauts back on the moon
Travel
- Birds, bison, and bears—here’s how to see wildlife from your carBirds, bison, and bears—here’s how to see wildlife from your car
- She visited every country on Earth. Here’s what she learned.She visited every country on Earth. Here’s what she learned.
- What it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great LakeWhat it’s like to kayak the most dangerous Great Lake
- Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.Ecotourism could help the ‘Amazon of North America’ recover. Here’s how.
- Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem.
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Sylvia Earle and marine scientists work to protect our oceans’ ecosystem.