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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Sexy mice help scientists uncover the drivers behind male libido
September 04, 2023Believe it or not, male sexual desire actually begins in the brain. Scientists have found the neural circuit that triggers mating behaviors and the ensuing pleasure and reward feedback in mice. They hope it can lead to new drugs to treat dysfunction. -
Small snake's egg-swallowing prowess puts pythons to shame
August 28, 2023Burmese pythons are famously known for being capable of swallowing pigs whole, but you have to keep in mind, the snakes themselves are pretty darn big. When it comes to snake-to-prey-size ratio, however, nothing beats the Gans' egg-eater. -
Naked mole-rat's 'longevity' gene extends lifespan and health of mice
August 23, 2023They weigh about an ounce, spend their lives underground and are unlikely to be shortlisted for any cute animal calendars, but the fascinating naked mole-rat continues to offer clues that it holds the key to anti-aging under its pale, wrinkly skin. -
After a long search, scientists finally find out what's in his genes
August 23, 2023In what might be a surprise for some, the male sex chromosome is far more complex than its female counterpart. This is why it’s taken scientists so long to work out exactly what makes a male a male. Now, they've completed the elusive Y chromosome map. -
Glitter proves far from fabulous for growth of key aquatic organisms
August 22, 2023A study has found that glitter negatively affects the growth of cyanobacteria, an important player in aquatic ecosystems and a key component of marine food webs, highlighting the importance of reining in the use of this stealthy microplastic. -
Polar bears can now be identified by DNA left in their paw prints
August 20, 2023With grim predictions that all polar bears may be wiped out by the end of the century, it’s vital scientists find a way to better monitor the beasts to see if conservation efforts are having any impact. So they decided to 'fingerprint' them using DNA. -
Mice sleep 6 hours less via brain cell tweak, feel alert next day
August 17, 2023Normally, staying up for extended time periods leads to the need for extra sleep. But researchers have just found that activating astrocyte cells in mice caused the rodents to stay awake for six hours longer than usual, with no noticeable sleep debt. -
Dinosaur 'Coliseum’ reveals prehistoric pedestrian pathway
August 15, 2023Scientists have found a massive area the size of 1.5 football fields, now dubbed "The Coliseum," which was once a popular thoroughfare to water for multiple species of prehistoric beasts over many generations some 70 million years ago. -
Maize crops shown to improve wheat yields, by boosting soil microbes
August 11, 2023Farmers have long known that it's a good idea to rotate crops. A Swiss study now indicates that wheat yields are boosted when those crops are planted in fields previously used to grow maize, which altered the soil's microbiome. -
Study shows how predatory fish hide behind other fish to sneak up on prey
August 10, 2023As coral reefs become increasingly decimated, predatory fish have fewer places to hide when stalking prey. A new study now suggests they're adapting, by using other fish as mobile hunting blinds. -
Newly discovered skulls suggest prehistoric reptile fed like a whale
August 09, 2023Dinosaur fans will already be familiar with the ichthyosaurus, a prehistoric marine reptile that resembled a dolphin in appearance. Well it now seems that one of its close relatives, named Hupehsuchus, fed much like a modern-day baleen whale. -
Anti-aging benefits for old mice that surgically share blood with young
August 08, 2023In a glimpse of what could become a future Black Mirror episode, scientists have hooked the circulatory systems of old mice to young mice, and found that it slows the aging process in the older animals and increases their lifespan by up to 10%. -
This plant may be a surprise hero in our fight against fungal pathogens
August 08, 2023While water lilies are perhaps most famous for starring in impressionist artist Claude Monet’s work, they may also have a molecular secret weapon that could help in our fight against deadly fungal infections, which are becoming increasingly worse. -
Fabulous 500-million-year-old annelid named after Dune's epic sandworms
August 03, 2023A new genus and species of ancient sea worm with an impressive set of star-shaped chaetae has been identified, after its fossil first puzzled paleontologists. Thanks to its alien-worm-like appearance, scientists found a fittingly sci-fi name for it. -
Colossal new species may be largest animal that ever existed
August 02, 2023The blue whale has long been considered the largest animal to have ever existed, even dwarfing the biggest known dinosaurs. But now a new species threatens to steal the crown, and upends what we thought we knew about whale evolution.
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