The harsh desert environment is known for its scorching temperatures and scarcity of water, making it a challenging place for most creatures to thrive. However, amidst this seemingly inhospitable landscape, the kangaroo rat stands out as a remarkable example of nature's ingenious adaptations. These small rodents have not only managed to survive but thrive in the desert with virtually no drinking water. The secret to their survival lies in their unique physiological features, particularly their kidneys' specialized structure.

Generally, the majority of water reabsorption in the kidneys occurs in the loop of Henle (see illustration). This structure is responsible for the reabsorption of water and essential ions from the urine back into the bl ...

Dozens of stones up to 300 kg in weight are traveling for hundreds of metres across a dried lake in America. But no one's ever seen them do it. So, what's making these Death Valley 'sailing stones' move?

You probably wouldn't associate Canada with having any deserts, since the country is typically attributed with winters that are long and harsh. However, that's not entirely true if you visit the southern region of Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada, known as the Okanagan Desert. In this area, summer temperatures regularly exceed 38˚C (100 °F), and portions of the area receive roughly 250 to 300 mm (10 to 12 inches) of rain per year – compare that to Vancouver, which receives approximately 1120 mm (43 inches) of rain per year.

While some areas in British Columbia experience hotter summer temperatures and are at least as arid, the South Okanagan area is home to several species of plants and animals that are not found elsewhere in Canada. For e ...