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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Mutant newts regrow normal limbs in place of defective ones
March 07, 2024It might sound like something out of the X-men but it came from a lab in California: mutant newts that grew perfect limbs after defective appendages were cut off. The findings help science get one step closer to understanding how regeneration works. -
Radiation-proof Chernobyl worms offer answers about cancer
March 07, 2024Studying a species of microscopic worms exposed to high radiation from the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, researchers couldn’t find signs of genetic damage caused by the exposure. The findings are set to forge a path towards a better understanding of cancer. -
Beekeepers can now check hives without upsetting the residents
March 06, 2024Checking on bee health is normally an invasive process that risks harming the colony, particularly the queen. Now, researchers have found that a new method, when combined with sound recording, can let beekeepers see just how healthy their honey-makers are. -
Video: Orca makes first-known solo attack on a great white shark
March 04, 2024For the first time ever, a lone orca has been observed killing and eating a great white shark. Although orcas were already known to hunt great whites in packs or pairs, one had never been seen going solo before. The finding suggests the emergence of a new hunting strategy. -
I SAID, HALF-INCH FISH COMMUNICATES AT 140 DECIBELS!!!
February 27, 2024A tiny, newly-discovered minnow has measured louder than gunshots, jet engines or most competition-grade car stereos on the decibel scale – which raises the question: how on Earth was it not discovered earlier? It hasn't exactly been discreet. -
Yo, cuz! Jawless sea creatures share brain development with us
February 22, 2024The formation of part of the human brain that regulates vital functions is triggered in an identical way in the sea lamprey, a new study has found. The discovery suggests that we’re related to these primitive creatures. -
Frog sprouts mushroom, stumps the science world
February 15, 2024A healthy frog has been spotted with a mushroom growing out its side, the first time such a growth on live animal tissue has been seen. Not surprisingly, it stunned scientists (and had us wondering if this is how a real-life The Last of Us begins). -
Hunter-gatherers were violently wiped off the map by farmers, DNA reveals
February 12, 2024Upending existing theories, there was no peaceful transition of power from hunter-gathers to the first farmers. New DNA analysis reveals that instead it was a deadly takeover – one that completely wiped out the hunter-gathers within a few generations. -
Clownfish can count – but only to bully enemies away from anemones
February 07, 2024Despite how cute 2001's Finding Nemo's clownfish was, these colorful animals have a dark side. Scientists have found that they will 'count' another clownfish's white stripes, and will viciously attack any visitor that happens to look just like them. -
Time cell discovery reveals the bizarre way the nose powers actions
February 06, 2024We've all heard "to follow one's nose" when it comes to trusting your gut. Now, scientists have found that the brain does exactly this, when previously unknown decision-making time cells fire up and evoke a rapid physical response to certain smells. -
Completely new type of "biological entity" discovered in our bodies
February 06, 2024Our bodies are home to trillions of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and a whole host of others. Now, Stanford scientists have discovered an entirely new class of biological entities inside us, which they’ve ominously named “Obelisks.” -
In Aussie first, 'Speckles’ the dolphin shows off extremely rare skin
February 05, 2024Scientists have had a career-making moment, capturing on film a dolphin with such a rare skin condition that only five other recorded examples exist. The dramatic black-and-white look, or piebaldism, has never been seen on a dolphin in Australian waters. -
Synthetic microbes gang up to safely smash weeds and fuel wheat growth
February 05, 2024Herbicides were once touted as ‘miracle’ chemicals, but their days may be numbered as researchers work on targeted SynComs, microbial sharp-shooters that can take out weed infestations, enrich soil and, importantly, are safe for us and the environment. -
Using a cell-phone vibrator, team builds a $7 tumor-creation device
February 01, 2024In the hunt for cancer cures, researchers work with structures known as tumor spheroids. A new method of producing these structures has emerged using simple parts, which could lead to the cheap, reliable generation of these valuable research tools. -
Unique fern sucks nutrients from the soil using dead "zombie leaves"
January 29, 2024Ordinarily, once a fern's leaf fronds have died, the plant has no further use for them. Such is not the case with the Cyathea rojasiana fern, though – a scientist has discovered that its dead fronds become "zombie leaves" which suck nutrients from the soil.
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