Evolution
Produce Woolly Mammoth Stem Cells, Says Creator of Dolly the Sheep
Sir Ian Wilmut proposes an alternative method as a possible means of creating a mammoth--or a hybrid. Such research could lead to major biological discoveries and advances
Evolutionary Biology1968 articles archived since 1845
Biology
Why We "Got Milk"
When a single genetic mutation first let ancient Europeans drink milk, it set the stage for a continental upheaval
The Sciences
Adam Rutherford's Creation Science (the Real Kind), Part 1
Science journalist, author and Nature editor Adam Rutherford talks about new book Creation: How Science Is Reinventing Life Itself, which looks at the science of the origin of life and at the emerging science of synthetic biology...
The Sciences
Men Need X Chromosome to Make More Men (and Women)
Genomic analysis of the human X chromosome shows that it evolved to have responsibilities in sperm production. Sophie Bushwick reports
Dinosaurs
Dinosaur-Killing Comet Didn't Wipe Out Freshwater Species
New research shows freshwater organisms fared better than others after the most recent extinction event
Biology
Big Social Group Makes Lemurs Cannier
Lemurs that live in large social groups have more street smarts than their comrades with smaller social circles, evidenced by their strategy for stealing food from people. Amy Kraft reports...
The Sciences
Marine Microbe Produces Unknown Antibiotic
A bacterial species at the California coast was found to produce anthracimycin, which showed activity against anthrax and MRSA in initial, nonhuman testing. Christopher Intagliata reports...
Biology
New Hypothesis Explains Why We Sleep
During sleep, the brain weakens the connections among nerve cells, apparently conserving energy and, paradoxically, aiding memory
Biology
Genomes of Giant Viruses Hint at "4th Domain" of Life
Just 7 percent of the viruses' genes match those in existing databases, a finding that confirms that viral diversity is still largely underexplored
The Sciences
The Surprising Origins of Evolutionary Complexity
Scientists are exploring how organisms can evolve elaborate structures without Darwinian selection
Biology
Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals Genomes of More Than 200 Unusual Microbes
The approach has unlocked a trove of microbial diversity, obtained from nine diverse environments on Earth, such as hydrothermal vents, a bioreactor and a gold mine
The Sciences
Fruit Flies Seek Mates Leggingly
Male fruit flies have taste receptors on their legs that, upon contact with a female's body, identify her as a mate-able member of the same species or just a good nonspecies friend. Karen Hopkin reports...
The Sciences
Zooniverse: Worm Watch Lab
One little worm can help scientists understand big genetic mysteries
The Sciences
How to Identify Grief in Animals
Many species mourn the passing of loved ones, but not every animal response to death qualifies as grief
Biology
When Animals Mourn
Mounting evidence from species as diverse as cats and dolphins indicates that humans are not the only species that grieves over the loss of loved ones
The Sciences
Penis Enlightenment: Bering Straight Talk
Jesse Bering discusses his 2012 book Why Is the Penis Shaped Like That? (And Other Reflections on Being Human)
The Sciences
How to Save Sharks off Cuba’s Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico [Slide Show]
Is it possible to create a sustainable fishery for sharks before the ocean's top predators are gone?
Biology
How to Save Sharks off Cuba’s Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico [Slide Show]
Is it possible to create a sustainable fishery for sharks before the ocean's top predators are gone?
Biology
Buddies Help Monkeys to Survive Tough Times
Barbary macaques with lots of friends are more likely to live through natural disasters than those who are less gregarious
Biology
Tiny Genomes May Offer Clues to First Plants and Animals
Symbiotic bacteria that dwell within insect cells are intricately intertwined with their hosts, prompting scientists to question when these bacteria stop being bona fide organisms and become part of the cell...
