Abi Gazzard, International Union for the Conservation of Nature; Connor Panter, University of Nottingham, and Rosalind Kennerley, International Union for the Conservation of Nature
Rodents are the most numerous – and least studied – of all Earth’s mammals.
A hopping mouse from the arid desert of Australia (Notomys). Hopping mice have evolved highly efficient kidneys to deal with the low water environments of Australia’s deserts.
David Paul/Museums Victoria
Australia has more than 60 species of native rodents found nowhere else in the world. New research used museum specimens to find out how they got here.
With temperatures plunging, rodents have started seeking the warmth and food inside our houses. Here’s how to deal with them effectively and humanely – without accidentally catching native animals.
A new study shows that when free-ranging cats are more than a few blocks from forested areas in cities, such as parks, they’re more likely to prey on rats than on native wildlife.
Around 20% of patients may experience severe illness from the Lassa fever virus.
Kateryna Kon/ Shutterstock
The genome of hepatitis D doesn’t resemble any known virus, making its origin a mystery. But by mining virus sequences from genetic datasets, a new study may have found the answer.
Rats that can sniff out land mines are changing the perception of the military in Cambodia.
Darcie DeAngelo
Darcie DeAngelo, Binghamton University, State University of New York
Rats used in mine-clearing operations are changing the perception of the country’s military, which is viewed with suspicion after decades of civil war.
Are cats really to blame for the worldwide loss of biodiversity?
Dzurag/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Framing cats as responsible for declines in biodiversity is based on faulty scientific logic and fails to account for the real culprit – human activity.
Garbage in New York’s subway system offers easy meals for rats.
AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews
Climate change, globalization and concerns about rat poison soon could drive rat infestations to levels not seen in centuries. One way to curb them is getting humans to stop wasting food.
The Euler spiral has helped engineers for over 100 years – now we’re using it to understand biology.
Cities around the world appear to be harboring increasing numbers of rats, including this one: the inflatable ‘Scabby the Rat.’
robert cicchetti/Shutterstock.com
Cities often embark upon drastic and expensive eradication campaigns designed to rapidly rid the city of pests like rats. But are the surviving rats stronger or weaker than before?
Genetic analysis shows that urban rats prefer to stay near their relatives; however, some of them migrate. Knowing this could help with pest control efforts.
When a game of fetch can harm: leptospirosis can be transmitted to dogs (and humans) from stagnant water contaminated with rat urine.
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Leptospirosis is spread by rats and other rodents, potentially killing dogs and humans. But we can protect ourselves and our pets.
Rats are part of the urban ecosystem and an urban ecology approach to managing their populations may involve learning to share the city.
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