News
Land animals evolved from ocean ancestors " new study unravels the genetics behind the transition
2+ week, 4+ day ago (513+ words) The transition from water to land is a question that still intrigues scientists. Those ancient organisms would have needed to adapt to several new challenges to life out of water. So, how did they do it? In a 2025 study, my…...
Dogs and cats carry invasive land flatworms from garden to garden
2+ mon, 2+ day ago (216+ words) Domestic dogs and cats can carry invasive flatworms (Platyhelminthes) attached to their fur. Unwittingly, this is how they contribute to the spread of these invasive alien species. Our work on the subject has just been published in the scientific journal…...
Embryo fossil found in South Africa is world's oldest proof that mammal ancestors laid eggs
3+ day, 10+ hour ago (762+ words) Between 280 and 200 million years ago, a group of animals evolved which would eventually give rise to mammals, including humans: the therapsids. They were first described more than 150 years ago, based on fossils from South Africa. Since then, many more fossils…...
It's OK to love all the bees (the honey bees, too)
4+ day, 6+ hour ago (1179+ words) North America's bee populations are in trouble, but don't blame the honey bees. While some people argue that an overabundance of managed honey bees " those raised to help pollinate crops and produce honey " is causing native bees to disappear, the…...
How does spider venom damage human cells? Researchers uncover the killer mechanism of recluse spider toxin
6+ day, 18+ hour ago (363+ words) Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona Matthew Cordes has received funding from the National Science Foundation and the Bio5 Institute. Spiders are among Earth's most resourceful predators, nabbing prey by any means necessary. Orb weavers spin webs for…...
How to eat an elephant: fossil find in Tanzania shows oldest signs of butchering these giant mammals
1+ week, 6+ hour ago (534+ words) Manuel Dom'nguez-Rodrigo does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Rice University provides funding as a…...
Want a dog-friendly workplace? Here's what you'll need to get right
1+ week, 18+ hour ago (788+ words) Dogs are increasingly appearing in Australian workplaces. From "take your dog to work" days to permanent pet-friendly offices, the trend is often framed as an easy win for staff morale. Evidence suggests having dogs at work can reduce stress and…...
Our modern vision evolved from an ancient one-eyed worm creature
1+ week, 4+ day ago (827+ words) Research Fellow in Neuroscience, University of Sussex Professor emeritus of Zoology, Lund University George Kafetzis receives funding from the European Research Council and the Leverhulme Trust. Dan Nilsson receives funding from The Swedish Research Council, and The EU Horizons program....
Insects in the tropics are already near their heat limits " climate change could push many beyond survival
1+ week, 5+ day ago (936+ words) Postdoctoral researcher at the University of W'rzburg, at the Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Julius Maximilian University of W'rzburg Insects make up to 90% of all animal species on the planet, and most of them can be found in…...
Jane Ward Tost was a trailblazer in natural sciences " until history forgot her
1+ week, 6+ day ago (978+ words) Jane Melville does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Museums Victoria provides funding as a…...