Snake Owners See Furry Bias in Invasive Species Proposal

By LESLIE KAUFMAN

Djamila Grossman for The New York Times

Mr. Stone’s animals, raised in captivity, pose no threat, he says.

The government is seeking to ban the importation and interstate transportation of nine species of foreign snakes, but reptile owners see flawed science.

SCIENTIST AT WORK BLOG

Rocks, Zircon Zapping and a Big Shrimp

By JOHN GOODGE

Geologists preparing to leave Antarctica look ahead to a year of geochemical analysis.

Mass Animal Deaths: An Environmental Whodunit

By JAMES GORMAN

After 5,000 birds died in Arkansas, the search was on for a villain — even if there was no villain.

POSSESSED

In His Own Image

By DAVID COLMAN

Exploring the mystery surrounding one’s identity includes looking at your reflection.

Scope and Pace of Gulf Cleanup Is Criticized

By CAMPBELL ROBERTSON

Louisiana officials sense indifference and inaction in the face of the environmental damage.

Local Intelligence | Sand Dollars

By HANK PELLISSIER

Ocean Beach in San Francisco is a great place to collect sand dollars. This guide explains when and how to find them and just what you’re getting when you do.

In Women’s Tears, a Chemical That Says, ‘Not Tonight, Dear’

By PAM BELLUCK

Researchers studying the effects of women’s emotional crying found it to dampen arousal in men.