How childhood and elderhood make us human
A growing body of research suggests that these life stages—which last far longer in humans than in any other animal—are responsible for the remarkable success of our species.
Bonobo moms play matchmaker for their sons
An adult male bonobo who lives with his mother is three times more likely to become a father than one who’s gone his own way.
Of baby birds and their grandparents
So far, grandparent care has been observed in only one bird species: the Seychelles Warbler, which inhabits five small islands in the Indian Ocean.
The year in grandparents
In 2018, I wrote about a caravan of grandparents who stormed the Texas-Mexico border to protest Trump’s treatment of migrant children, Gabriel García Márquez’s memories of his grandmother, and many other topics.
When your grandma is Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Clara Spera recently graduated from law school. Her inspiration was her grandmother, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Do grandparents wake up early to keep their families safe?
New research suggests that our ancestors stayed safe at night thanks to the divergent sleep habits of the young and the old.
The grandmas Trump has banned
A new Instagram feed celebrates the Muslim grandparents in the Middle East and Africa who are now banned from visiting their grandkids in the United States.
Does how often you see your grandkids affect how long you live?
In the first study of its kind, a team of scientists has found that grandparents who provide regular care for their grandchildren have an edge on survival over those who don’t.
Whales need grandmas, too
Female orcas who’ve undergone menopause play a critical role in helping their extended families find food, particularly during times of scarcity, scientists have learned.
The year in grandparents
In 2015, I wrote 75 stories, some of which were more popular than others. Here are the 10 that got the most clicks. Happy reading and happy New Year!
In elephant families, Grandma is boss
A family of elephants is led by its eldest female, who’s often a grandma many times over. And the older she is, the better, scientists have learned.
Hunt, teach, love: What grandparents do in the rainforest
Grandparents have been going to bat for their grandkids for hundreds of thousands of years, a new study of South American foragers suggests.
Could grandmothers make the difference between life and death?
Maybe women outlive their fertility to ensure that their grandchildren thrive.