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.
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All-seeing skin, detachable butts and zombies: Animal oddities of 2023
December 25, 2023The animal kingdom has no shortage of weird and wonderful surprises, and this year biologists gave us some real treats to talk about. From microscopic bacteria to huge cetaceans, here are the most bizarre animal stories we covered in 2023. -
Giant pandas have their own 'Facebook' to chat to other bears
December 19, 2023Scientists have discovered that the giant panda, long considered a bit of a loner, has a surprisingly active social life, communicating with friends and family in a way that's akin to sharing status updates on Facebook. -
In a first, study finds apes recognize pals they haven't seen in decades
December 18, 2023In what may put some of us to shame, apes instantly recognize family and friends that they haven’t seen in more than two decades, which is the longest ‘social memory’ in a non-human animal ever documented. -
Australia has an incredible Christmas beetle, but it's gone AWOL
December 12, 2023As Australian as kangaroos, the Christmas beetle holds a special place in hearts Down Under. But December sightings of these majestic creatures have become as rare as seeing Santa. Scientists are now asking the nation to help them find out what's going on. -
Recently photographed bird of both sexes is half-blue, half-green
December 12, 2023The female Green Honeycreeper bird is appropriately enough colored green, whereas the male is blue. So, what happens when a Honeycreeper is half of each sex? Well, as recently taken photos show us, the bird is blue on the right and green on the left. -
Fancy a tardigrade emoji? Biologists call for this and more to be added
December 11, 2023The eggplant emoji may be more famous in the digital world than in real life, but it's not the case for most organisms. Biologists have made the case for 'animal underdogs' to have better emoji presence to aid real-life conservation and biodiversity. -
Amazing fossil find reveals young dinosaurs only wanted the drumsticks
December 10, 2023Still prized at the dinner table today, it appears the drumstick was just as popular with tyrannosaur kids 75 million years ago. A fascinating find in a dinosaur's stomach offers clues as to why these giant predators became the most successful on Earth. -
World's oldest disease-causing fungus found, named after Beatrix Potter
December 07, 2023A fungus that attacked plants 407 million years ago has been unearthed among fossils at the Natural History Museum, making it the oldest of its kind to have ever been found. What's more, its new name celebrates one very famous fungi aficionado. -
Electric eel’s zap can transfer genes to nearby animals, study finds
December 06, 2023A study has found that an electric eel’s discharge is strong enough to transfer genetic material from the environment into the cells of nearby animals. The finding suggests that electric eels could affect genetic modification in nature. -
Mouse passes mirror test, joining elite club of 'self-aware' animals
December 05, 2023In a feat only a few non-human animals have accomplished so far, a common dark-furred mouse has passed what’s known as the mirror self-recognition test. Backed by supporting genetic cues, this suggests mice can actually recognize themselves. -
New dolphin super power discovered
December 01, 2023Already armed with an impressive sonar system, new research reveals that dolphins have an extra ability that evolves as they mature in the area where their baby whiskers once were. The super sense may help them navigate and find hidden food sources. -
Algorithm identifies 188 new CRISPR gene-editing systems
November 26, 2023CRISPR systems are powerful tools for genetic engineering, but they have their limitations. Now, scientists have discovered almost 200 new CRISPR systems in bacteria, and found that some can edit human cells even more precisely than existing ones. -
Sugar and fat "tug of war" can derail your diet before you know it
November 26, 2023If you overindulge in sugary treats, the good news is that your sweet tooth will be silenced. The bad news, though, is that this triggers a hormonal call out for fatty foods. And even worse news, too much fat will then switch sugar cravings back on. -
Food taste found to rein in eating within seconds, before gut stretch
November 23, 2023Research has found that signals linked to how food tastes are sent to our brains almost immediately to slow our eating pace, with the well-known stretch signals from the gut coming later, providing greater insights into how the body controls appetite. -
This sea worm's butt detaches from its body to swim off in search of love
November 22, 2023What has eyes, antennae, swimming bristles, a genes stash and a feel for autonomy? The rear end of the bizarre Japanese green syllid worm. Scientists now know how the end of the animal detaches and swims off to find a similar tail of the opposite sex.
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