Evolution

The cat parasite Toxoplasma gondii boosts curiosity in mice—which makes them more likely to be caught by cats, thus continuing the parasite’s life cycle. Karen Hopkin reports.

A fossil penguin wing found in Antarctica has broader implications for what dinosaurs looked like

A new study finds that music and some other human phenomena have altered at a pace comparable to that of animals such as Darwin’s finches

The remora clings to other fish—and appears to use an unusual sense of touch to do so. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

Ancient drought and unfortunate bathroom habits may have doomed some ice age sloths

Soil bacteria may have taken residence in early algal species, gifting the algae with the ability to withstand drier conditions on land. Annie Sneed reports.

Hunted areas of Gabon have fewer large mammals and a thicker forest understory—but they also have fewer termites. Jason G. Goldman reports.

The starfish relatives can recognize patterns using photoreceptors on their arms—and their color-changing abilities could have something to do with it. Christopher Intagliata reports.

Smell was certainly an important part of dinosaur life. What do we know about it?

Scientists observed two Atlantic puffins using sticks to scratch themselves—the first known instance of seabirds using tools. Christopher Intagliata reports. 

A Chinese court sent a strong signal by punishing He Jiankui and two colleagues

In South Africa archaeologists found the charred remains of a roasted root vegetable. Christopher Intagliata reports.