Researchers take a look at bat communication. Zoologists map the lives of animals. And environmentalists grow concerned that the new U.S. administration will leave global warming unchecked. It's Earthy Thursday, our segment about science and Earth-related news. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!

Only humans "talk" as far as we know/understand it, using grammar and symbolic vocabulary. But many other animals can also communicate in surprisingly sophisticated ways. Recently researchers took a look at bats and what they had to say. Apparently they like to argue.

When we talk about global warming and corporations it's often with the understanding that the oil industry has a vested industry in obscuring the science. But not all companies stand to gain from continuing things as they are. Some want to help reverse global warming... for a profit.

Most of what animals do goes on when we're not watching. So increasing the efficacy of animal surveillance is an important part of zoology. At National Geographic, Greg Miller describes how scientists are trying to map out the lives of animals we can't afford to watch 24/7 using normal means.

There were many who took part in the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. And as Donald Trump threatens to revive the project there may be many more. Environmentalist website Grist interviews one young woman who took part about the demonstrators' methods, goals, and future.

Most of the concerns surrounding the new Donald Trump government involve his ultranationalist posturing or racist rhetoric. But those concerned about global warming are worried too: so far, Donald Trump has trivialized or even outright denied the issue's importance. Could that change? Scientific American investigates.