A miraculous meteorite falling from the heavens. A priceless gemstone with a deadly curse. And a chunk of sandstone considered so sacred that wars have been fought to protect it. Throughout history, many have insisted that simple stones can do everything from choosing a king to causing death. So, what is it about rocks and stones that inspires some people to worship them'

A dog that can detect cancer faster than doctors using sophisticated equipment. A horse that can read your mind. And birds that can sense disaster days before it happens. What gives animals these extraordinary powers' We like to think of ourselves as the peak of evolution--but what if we're wrong'