Metropolitan Digital

Google


.

I study rat nests − here’s why rodents make great archivists

  • Written by Alexandria Mitchem Hansen, Ph.D. Candidate in Anthropology, Columbia University
I study rat nests − here’s why rodents make great archivistsOld rat nests can contain fabrics, papers, animal bones, plant remains and other materials that have been undisturbed for hundreds of years. Andyworks/E+ Collection via Getty Images

Rats and other rodents and pests can make great archivists.

That’s because they forage food and build dens, storing fabric, paper, animal bones, plant remains and...

Read more: I study rat nests − here’s why rodents make great archivists

More Articles ...

  1. As millions of Americans face a steep rise in health insurance costs, lawmakers continue a century-long battle over who should pay for health care
  2. RFK Jr. wants to scrutinize the vaccine schedule – but its safety record is already decades long
  3. Deception and lies from the White House to justify a war in Venezuela? We’ve seen this movie before in run-ups to wars in Vietnam and Iraq
  4. Miami’s new mayor faces a housing affordability crisis, city charter reform and a shrinking budget
  5. Understanding climate change in America: Skepticism, dogmatism and personal experience
  6. Rest is essential during the holidays, but it may mean getting active, not crashing on the couch
  7. With wolves absent from most of eastern North America, can coyotes replace them?
  8. What are gas stove manufacturers trying to hide? Warning labels
  9. Resolve to stop punching the clock: Why you might be able to change when and how long you work
  10. There’s little evidence tech is much help stopping school shootings