Biology
From the smallest microbe to the largest dinosaurs and from the tiniest spore to the biggest giant sequoia, biological research continues to uncover weird and wonderful secrets.
Latest News
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Monstrous prehistoric salmon had "tusks like a warthog"
April 25, 2024If a giant prehistoric salmon isn't scary enough for you, how about one with warthog-like tusks? According to a new study, Oncorhynchus rastrosus possessed just such appendages – even though the fish likely fed on tiny plankton. -
Self-assembling synthetic cells act like living cells with extra abilities
April 24, 2024Using DNA and proteins, scientists have created new synthetic cells that act like living cells. These cells can be reprogrammed to perform multiple functions, opening the door to new synthetic biology tech that goes beyond nature’s abilities. -
AI-designed gene editing tools successfully modify human DNA
April 24, 2024Medically, AI is helping us with everything from identifying abnormal heart rhythms before they happen to spotting skin cancer. But do we really need it to get involved with our genome? Protein-design company Profluent believes we do. -
World's largest marine reptile gives blue whale a run for its money
April 22, 2024A newly described species of marine reptile could be the largest to ever swim the world’s oceans. The “giant fish lizard” lived more than 200 million years ago, and may give the blue whale a run for its money, size-wise. -
Two lifeforms merge in once-in-a-billion-years evolutionary event
April 18, 2024Scientists have discovered that a once-in-a-billion-years evolutionary event is underway, as two lifeforms have merged into one organism that boasts abilities its peers would envy. Last time this happened, Earth got plants. -
The surprising reason we blink so much more than we need to
April 16, 2024Blinking keeps our eyes moist – but we actually blink way more often than we need to if that was the only reason. Scientists have now found that the involuntary action plays a bigger role than we thought, helping us process visual information. -
Freaky 'Leptanilla voldemort' ant earns its name in the darkness
April 15, 2024A new ant has been named after the creepiest of all Harry Potter villains, Lord Voldemort. Like the lord, the ant is pale, slender and lives in the dark – unlike Mr. Voldemort, however, the ant did not give Harry his lightning-bolt forehead scar. -
First known fractal molecule is a natural mathematical marvel
April 15, 2024Fractals are a fascinating type of pattern for mathematics nerds, with their repeating, artificial-looking structures. Now, scientists have discovered the first known fractal protein – and it seems to be an evolutionary accident. -
Birds sing in their sleep – and now we can decipher their dreams
April 14, 2024Researchers have tracked muscle contractions in a bird's vocal tract, and reconstructed the song it was silently singing in its sleep. The resulting audio is a very specific call, allowing the team to figure out what the bird's dream was about. -
Gallery: 50 new marine species found, including this unimpressed sea toad
April 11, 2024An underwater expedition off the coast of Chile has discovered 160 species not known to live in the region, at least 50 of which are new to science. The information will inform marine protection strategies for important regions in international waters. -
Tardigrade proteins upgrade damage resistance of human cells
April 01, 2024Tardigrades are famously tough little critters, and good for them – but what’s in it for us? A new study has found that tardigrade proteins can protect human cells from damage, potentially leading to new anti-aging therapies or tissue storage tech. -
Freaky-looking new longhaired beetle owns its fungal flair
March 21, 2024Would you want to eat this beetle? Probably not, as it appears to be covered in fungus. That "fungus" is actually hair, however, which the recently discovered insect may use to put off would-be predators. -
Middle-age obesity linked to shape-shifting brain neurons
March 13, 2024A change in shape to a particular structure of neurons was found to have a significant impact on obesity in rats. Researchers believe the finding will translate to humans and could help us fight our own middle-aged bulges one day. -
Resurrecting the mammoth: Elephant breakthrough gets us a step closer
March 12, 2024We’re edging closer to seeing a live mammoth for the first time. Colossal Biosciences, a company dedicated to the controversial-but-unquestionably-cool goal of resurrecting extinct species, has made a breakthrough in creating elephant stem cells. -
Video: 3D images of over 13,000 museum specimens now free to everyone
March 10, 2024The openVertebrate project is a significant milestone for natural history museums, researchers, educators, students, and the public, creating the first digital library to offer free access to stunning 3D images of over 13,000 vertebrates.
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