Dead Zones Choke Marine Life If you've read this issue's article on jellyfish, then you know certain populations are thriving. Unfortunately, some other aquatic creatures aren't so lucky thanks to a reported 415 (and counting) dead zones in water bodies around the globe. These oxygen-deficient areas are wreaking havoc on a variety of marine life. What's choking the water bodies and their residents? Researchers suggest it's a combination of lots of stuff, including pollution. The good news is, the damage doesn't have to be permanent.

Magpie in the Mirror When you look in a mirror, what do you see? You see yourself, of course, because you're able to recognize your own reflection. Some other mammals have this skill, too – chimps, dolphins, elephants and orangutans have also shown they know their own mug in the mirror. And now, scientists have discovered, so do magpies. What's so special about that? They're the first non-mammal to exhibit this type of self-awareness.

$6,000 Lawn-chair Ride Like many of us, Kent Couch enjoys taking in the sights of nature. Instead of hopping on a bike or in the family sedan and going for a joy ride, he grabs some helium tanks, his lawn chair and 150 or so giant balloons. Couch recently completed his third successful lawn-chair trip – this time covering more than 225 miles. If you're wondering how he gets down, his trusty Red Ryder BB gun does the trick. Careful Kent, you might shoot your eye out.