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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Who you callin' bird-brained? Pigeons learn the same way AI models do
October 27, 2023Despite studies showing pigeons are smart, they are perhaps more widely perceived as unintelligent 'rats with wings.' But now, scientists have demonstrated how these efficient learners solve problems just like artificial intelligence does. -
Evidence of menopause in wild chimps upends ideas around human evolution
October 26, 2023A new study is shaking up the world of evolutionary biology by offering some of the first evidence of menopause in a wild, non-human primate population. The findings complicate pre-existing ideas around the evolutionary function of menopause. -
Bird takes on typhoon for an insane 700-mile sky-high ride of his life
October 25, 2023When a bold male seabird threw caution to the wind to 'ride' a typhoon, it was the start of an 11-hour, 712-mile journey, taking him 15,000-ft higher and three times faster than usual. The bird survived and didn't lose any points off his flying licence. -
In a first, memory shown to have two distinct past and future paths
October 23, 2023For the first time, scientists have identified how the region of our brain that powers memory is made up of two very different sets of neurons: one that deals with previous associations, and one that is predictive, actively shaping future behaviors. -
Devastating bird flu officially reaches Antarctica for the first time
October 23, 2023It was only a matter of time, but highly pathogenic avian influence (HPAI) has officially found its way to Antarctica, after dead migratory brown skuas on Bird Island returned positive test results. This leaves just Oceania free of the deadly virus. -
Longevity gene in golden retrievers related to human cancer gene
October 19, 2023Researchers have identified a gene in golden retrievers associated with long life that’s related to a gene that causes cancer cells to grow quickly in humans. The discovery has the potential to help our furry besties and us. -
Snake's worst day captured in very rare sighting of unusual animal behavior
October 19, 2023While we all know it's a dog-eat-dog world, so to speak, an Australian snake species has taken the suggestion of cannibalism very literally and has been captured consuming a smaller, and very unlucky, version of itself. -
Naturally occurring anti-aging compound enhances fertility in older mice
October 16, 2023Researchers have found that a naturally occurring compound enhances fertility in older female mice by reversing age-related reproductive cell decline . The discovery could one day aid in developing treatments to improve human fertility. -
Thousands of Fanzor DNA cutters that may outperform CRISPR identified
October 15, 2023Following on from the discovery of programmable DNA-cutting enzymes Fanzors, scientists have identified more than 3,600 Fanzors in a broad set of species. It presents a massive opportunity in the development of new medicines, gene therapy and biotech. -
Fat Bear Week has crowned a huge new champion of chonk
October 11, 2023A new heavyweight hero has emerged from the waters of Brooks River to claim the title of summer fatty, conquering some sizeable competition among the bears of Alaska's Katmai National Park. For them, big is not just beautiful but crucial for survival. -
Croak it: Female frogs fake death to avoid sex with unappealing males
October 10, 2023During the European frog's 'explosive breeding' sessions, it's not uncommon to see multiple males pile on a single female. Now, they're fighting back, performing some Oscar-worthy acting to convince their pushy mates that the coupling is a dead end. -
New taste: Sweet, salty, bitter, sour, umami and … ammonium chloride?
October 05, 2023Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which our taste buds detect ammonium chloride, exemplified by the distinct taste of salty licorice. They say the discovery provides evidence for the existence of a sixth basic taste. -
We see what was on the trilobite menu nearly half a billion years ago
September 27, 2023Some 465 million years ago this marine scavenger was caught unawares by a mud current that would bury it alive. It had spent its last hours feasting on a large range of seafood, and now, thanks to the latest imaging tech, its last meal has been revealed. -
Look out, L'Oréal: Whales play with seaweed to exfoliate their skin
September 27, 2023Play is a vital part of animal behavior, helping to form social structures and bonds, develop cognitive function and enhance physical abilities. Now, it's believed whale play with seaweed to scrub off dead skin cells and parasites as they migrate. -
'Emotional' worms offer clues to how genetics may drive our own feelings
September 26, 2023Delivering electric shocks to 1mm-long roundworms may sound rather meanspirited, but scientists have used this stimuli to uncover some curious behaviors of C. elegans that could further our understanding of human emotional mechanisms.
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