A high school building with the words 'San Pedro Pirates' surrounding an image of a pirate mascot on the building. Signs of construction surround the building

Fossils Under San Pedro High School Reveal a Pleistocene Beach in a Miocene Sea

Discover some of the last fossils and the lasting impact of the bone beds beneath San Pedro High School
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Bobwhite, a brown quail-like bird with small black and white accents, on the ground
Research and Collections

Scientists and Engineers Measure How Birds Send Heat into Space for the First Time

A new study from scientists at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, UCLA, Indiana University, and Cal State University, Dominguez Hills reveals the hidden reflectance of bird feathers through the prism of light, heat, and color
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Behind the Scenes: Uncovering L.A.'s Ice Age Past

Uncovering L.A.'s Ice Age Past

Take a dip into the science of the tar pits in this video, a rare look under the surface at the fossilized bones of Ice Age predators, from dire wolves to mighty mammoths.
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Fossil tree limb with a fossil bird on top of it framed by demolished wall
Research and Collections

Fossil Trees Help Grow Our Understanding of Ancient Climate

A new study reveals how ancient trees from La Brea Tar Pits helped warm the planet during the last ice age by coughing up CO2
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Bat Specimens from the Mammalogy Collection laid back to back with their specimen tags visible
Research and Collections

Digitized Mammals

How the new digitization project Ranges is unlocking the potential of NHM's Mammalogy Collection
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A fairy poppy bee on a dark orange background of a California poppy

The Fairy Poppy Bee's Dance of Fragility and Resilience

Discover one of the 1600 species of native California bees and the intimate portraits in conservation photographer Krystle Hickman's forthcoming book, The ABCs of California Native Bees 
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Labrujasuchus headshot
Naturalist

In Hot Water

As the ocean temperature continues to rise, how are the Pacific’s flora and fauna faring, adapting— or not—and how can people help?
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A bear appears to wave from the comfort of a backyard pool. Photo courtesy of Maria Jose Govea.
Naturalist

Sun’s Out, Bears Out!

We’re diving into the curious phenomenon of bears in pools with our bear experts and local observers to learn what to do when encountering a vibey bear in your backyard. 
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House Finch Collection Drawer

Wildfire Smoke in Bird Feathers

NHM researchers look at dirty feathers to understand the effects of wildfire smoke on birds
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Juniper seeds

Solving a Juniper Seed Mystery at La Brea Tar Pits

How identifying a mysterious fossil seed reveals Ice Age climate change
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