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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"Enormous concern": New bird flu transmission paths confirmed
July 25, 2024Scientists are again on high alert, as whole genome sequencing of the H5N1 virus has revealed that it is capable of multidirectional infections across species. While human risk is low, it's a step forward for the pathogen in this biological arm's race. -
Metal mouth – Komodo dragons' teeth found to have a sharp iron coating
July 24, 2024As if Komodo dragons didn't seem ferocious enough already, scientists have now discovered that the reptiles tear through flesh using a coating of iron on their teeth. It is now believed that dinosaurs such as T. rex may have been similarly endowed. -
What does it mean when a chicken blushes? Now we know
July 24, 2024For the first time, researchers found that chickens fluff their facial feathers and blush in response to varied stimulation, likely as a way to reveal their inner emotional states. The link could help improve our stewardship of the birds. -
The world's first octopus-inspired superior sunscreen is on its way
July 24, 2024A pigment molecule in cephalopod skin has had its antioxidant and sun-protection properties harnessed, inspiring the first ultra-protective, skin-restorative and environmentally safe sunscreen of its kind. And it could revolutionize the skincare world. -
UN Predicts peak human population, as fertility rates plummet
July 23, 2024At the time of writing, there were an estimated 8,123,518,311 living humans on Earth – roughly the most there has ever been. But as fertility and birth rates continue to freefall, the numerical peak of humanity is quickly approaching. -
Male elephants harmonize like a barbershop quartet to say "let's go"
July 22, 2024A fascinating new insight into elephant communication has been uncovered, revealing that males will harmonize rumbles, from one to the next, to signal that it's time for everyone to move on. Researchers liken it to a barbershop quartet. -
Time flies: Our brains perceive time more like counters than clocks
July 22, 2024Time is relative – we’re all familiar with that feeling that time drags when we’re bored and flies when we’re busy. New analysis of brain activity patterns shows how our brains track time, and some intriguing insights into how cells handle it. -
New snake species reveals rare reptilian social behavior
July 21, 2024The discovery of a quartet of fossilized snakes, a never-before-seen species of boa that lived 38 million years ago, has provided scientists with a rare insight into reptilian social behavior and provided clues about the evolution of its modern ancestors. -
The life of Victoria the T-Rex, and what Jurassic Park got wrong
July 19, 2024How do we separate the movie myths of Tyrannosaurus rex from the actual animal? The Victoria the T-rex exhibition sets the record straight with recent discoveries about what T-rex looked and sounded like, how it sensed the world, and how it hunted. -
Ancient giant armadillo bones reveal oldest human life in America
July 17, 2024Well-preserved bones of a two-tonne glyptodont revealed cut marks indicative of stone tools, suggesting that human hunter-gatherers had settled in the Americas around 21,000 years ago – some 5,000 years before people were thought to have arrived. -
Our brains take naps while we're awake – and wake when we're asleep
July 17, 2024For the first time, scientists have found that a tiny region of our brain shuts down to take micro-naps while we're awake. These same areas 'flicker' awake while we're asleep. This could offer pivotal insights into diseases linked to sleep dysregulation. -
Seabirds are learning to use hurricanes for food and transport
July 11, 2024A daredevil seabird species has learnt to harness the insane power of hurricanes, seeking out storms over the ocean to 'ride' them for their own benefit. It's the first time this behavior has been observed, and now has scientists wondering if it's far more widespread in the avian world. -
Freeze-dried mammoth reveals most complete ancient genome in 3D
July 11, 2024Scientists have assembled the most complete woolly mammoth genome in 3D, thanks to an incredible “freeze-dried” specimen. With its DNA preserved in a glass-like state, chromosomes were found for the first time, and even gene expression patterns. -
Watch: World’s smallest chariot pulled along by single-celled algae
July 10, 2024From dog sleds to horse-drawn carts, animals have been pulling vehicles for thousands of years. Now, scientists in Tokyo have made what might be the smallest version ever, designing microscopic vehicles that can be pulled by single-celled algae. -
Watch: Lion siblings' death-defying record swim across croc-infested river
July 10, 2024Two lion siblings – one with only three legs – have set a daring new world record for long-distance swimming, paddling across a treacherous channel infested with crocodiles and hippos, on an epic life-or-death journey in search of female mates.
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