Bonobo apes aren't just grunting at each other - in fact, their complex 'language' mimics humans, scientists claimBonobos can combine vocal sounds to form phrases, challenging the belief that human language is unique.
Newly hatched hummingbird looks, acts like a toxic caterpillarHummingbird chicks use caterpillar-like behaviors and camouflage for predator avoidance, demonstrating advanced survival tactics.
A human gene makes mice squeak differently - did it contribute to language?NOVA1 gene variant enhances complex vocalizations in mice, hinting at its role in human cognitive abilities and language development.
Life's revolution: From the selfish gene to the collaborative cellSociety operates like an organism, driven by interactions among individuals, influenced by genetic determinants.The concept of sociobiology suggests that human behavior is inherently linked to genetic survival.
A major evolutionary enigma solved: How simple cells gave rise to complex onesResearch identifies how simple cells evolved into complex cells using a mathematical formula.
How Did the Iguanas Cross the Ocean? Now We May KnowFijian iguanas traveled over 5,000 miles from southwestern North America, revealing their extraordinary genetic link to desert iguanas.
Our Ears Share a Common Ancestry with Fish GillsEvolution repurposes ancient genes and structures for new functions, as seen in the development of mammalian ears from fish gills.
Fish gills and human ears share the same genetic blueprintHuman ears and zebrafish gills share a conserved genetic program for tissue development despite their structural differences.
A human gene makes mice squeak differently - did it contribute to language?NOVA1 gene variant enhances complex vocalizations in mice, hinting at its role in human cognitive abilities and language development.
Life's revolution: From the selfish gene to the collaborative cellSociety operates like an organism, driven by interactions among individuals, influenced by genetic determinants.The concept of sociobiology suggests that human behavior is inherently linked to genetic survival.
A major evolutionary enigma solved: How simple cells gave rise to complex onesResearch identifies how simple cells evolved into complex cells using a mathematical formula.
How Did the Iguanas Cross the Ocean? Now We May KnowFijian iguanas traveled over 5,000 miles from southwestern North America, revealing their extraordinary genetic link to desert iguanas.
Our Ears Share a Common Ancestry with Fish GillsEvolution repurposes ancient genes and structures for new functions, as seen in the development of mammalian ears from fish gills.
Fish gills and human ears share the same genetic blueprintHuman ears and zebrafish gills share a conserved genetic program for tissue development despite their structural differences.
Bonobos recognize the ignorance of others, a trait once thought to be unique to humansBonobos can recognize ignorance in others and cooperate to communicate this, showcasing cognitive abilities previously thought unique to humans.
Eating Family Style' May Have Set the Stage for Life as We Know ItStentors can cooperate in colonies, enhancing water flow to capture prey, showcasing complex behavior in unicellular organisms.
Pyotr Kropotkin (1842-1921)Kropotkin emphasized cooperation over competition as fundamental to evolution and societal harmony.
Evolution And Individuals - emptywheelCooperation was essential for the survival of early human ancestors, marking a significant evolutionary change from other primates.
Bonobos recognize the ignorance of others, a trait once thought to be unique to humansBonobos can recognize ignorance in others and cooperate to communicate this, showcasing cognitive abilities previously thought unique to humans.
Eating Family Style' May Have Set the Stage for Life as We Know ItStentors can cooperate in colonies, enhancing water flow to capture prey, showcasing complex behavior in unicellular organisms.
Pyotr Kropotkin (1842-1921)Kropotkin emphasized cooperation over competition as fundamental to evolution and societal harmony.
Evolution And Individuals - emptywheelCooperation was essential for the survival of early human ancestors, marking a significant evolutionary change from other primates.
The Objective Science of BeautyBeauty is grounded in objective patterns in nature influenced by evolution and mathematics.
Why We All Start as FishHuman embryonic development reveals evolutionary traits like gill slits and tails that connect us to our ancestors.The presence of these features highlights our biological history and connection to nature.
Which Came First, Color Vision or Colorful Things?Animals had color vision 500 million years ago, long before vibrant colors evolved.
AI simulates 500 million years of evolution to discover artificial fluorescent proteinAI can help uncover alternative evolutionary pathways that nature did not explore, potentially leading to new scientific advancements.
How did iguanas end up in Fiji? By raftFijian iguanas likely arrived via a rafting journey from the Americas, revealing insights into their evolution through genome mapping.
These Iguanas Got Carried Away and Ended Up in Fiji, 5,000 Miles From HomeFiji's iguanas may have originated from nonhuman vertebrate rafting across nearly 5,000 miles of ocean.The study sheds light on evolutionary adaptations allowing reptiles to traverse vast distances.
The Objective Science of BeautyBeauty is grounded in objective patterns in nature influenced by evolution and mathematics.
Why We All Start as FishHuman embryonic development reveals evolutionary traits like gill slits and tails that connect us to our ancestors.The presence of these features highlights our biological history and connection to nature.
Which Came First, Color Vision or Colorful Things?Animals had color vision 500 million years ago, long before vibrant colors evolved.
AI simulates 500 million years of evolution to discover artificial fluorescent proteinAI can help uncover alternative evolutionary pathways that nature did not explore, potentially leading to new scientific advancements.
How did iguanas end up in Fiji? By raftFijian iguanas likely arrived via a rafting journey from the Americas, revealing insights into their evolution through genome mapping.
These Iguanas Got Carried Away and Ended Up in Fiji, 5,000 Miles From HomeFiji's iguanas may have originated from nonhuman vertebrate rafting across nearly 5,000 miles of ocean.The study sheds light on evolutionary adaptations allowing reptiles to traverse vast distances.
Shocking origins of how the human anus evolved REVEALEDThe human anus evolved from a reproductive opening, illustrating a significant evolutionary development in the digestive system.
Style over substance? What birds' mating behaviours reveal about sexual selectionThe mating rituals of the black grouse reveal complex dynamics of sexual selection and the costs associated with male reproductive traits.
The Warrior Power of LaughterLaughter serves as a vital social mechanism promoting survival and well-being.
A Queens Bar Becomes a Beacon for Inspired Mexican American FoodHellbender restaurant in Queens has transformed from a cocktail bar into a full restaurant within 14 months, highlighting the evolution of its offerings.
Daily briefing: The 'dark side' of the Asilomar conferenceThe evolution of intelligent life may be more about favorable conditions than improbable events.The Asilomar conference's guidelines still influence recombinant DNA regulation today.
How Cisco, LangChain, and Galileo aim to contain 'a Cambrian explosion of AI agents'The rapid emergence of AI agents resembles the Cambrian explosion of complex life, raising concerns about managing their evolution.
AI and the Three Stages of Cognitive CollapseCognition may serve as a temporary scaffold in the evolution of intelligence.
Daily briefing: The 'dark side' of the Asilomar conferenceThe evolution of intelligent life may be more about favorable conditions than improbable events.The Asilomar conference's guidelines still influence recombinant DNA regulation today.
How Cisco, LangChain, and Galileo aim to contain 'a Cambrian explosion of AI agents'The rapid emergence of AI agents resembles the Cambrian explosion of complex life, raising concerns about managing their evolution.
AI and the Three Stages of Cognitive CollapseCognition may serve as a temporary scaffold in the evolution of intelligence.
Can Acting on Impulse Lead to Success?Impulsivity has evolutionary benefits, aiding survival and decision-making.It fosters creativity and social engagement but can lead to addiction and poor choices.
Is Mental Illness an Unintended Evolutionary Byproduct?Mental illness may represent unintended evolutionary byproducts rather than mere dysfunctions, suggesting a need for adaptive and strength-based interventions.
Sex on the Brain: In Memory of Don SymonsThe conversation between Symons and Dawkins sparked a significant exploration of human sexual nature differences in their respective works.
Primate Lessons: An Evolutionary Lens on School ShootingsAggression can stem from threat perception, often escalating into violent actions when fueled by feelings of humiliation and perceived injustices.
New Research Reveals the Science Behind 'The Ick'The ick is an involuntary repulsion towards romantic interests, stemming from evolutionary instincts related to mate selection.
Expressive Faces Make People More LikableFacial expressivity fosters social connections, increasing likability in interactions.
Can Acting on Impulse Lead to Success?Impulsivity has evolutionary benefits, aiding survival and decision-making.It fosters creativity and social engagement but can lead to addiction and poor choices.
Is Mental Illness an Unintended Evolutionary Byproduct?Mental illness may represent unintended evolutionary byproducts rather than mere dysfunctions, suggesting a need for adaptive and strength-based interventions.
Sex on the Brain: In Memory of Don SymonsThe conversation between Symons and Dawkins sparked a significant exploration of human sexual nature differences in their respective works.
Primate Lessons: An Evolutionary Lens on School ShootingsAggression can stem from threat perception, often escalating into violent actions when fueled by feelings of humiliation and perceived injustices.
New Research Reveals the Science Behind 'The Ick'The ick is an involuntary repulsion towards romantic interests, stemming from evolutionary instincts related to mate selection.
Expressive Faces Make People More LikableFacial expressivity fosters social connections, increasing likability in interactions.
We probably inherited our joints from... a fishSynovial joints in humans and jawed fish likely evolved from a common ancestor, enhancing mobility and stability.
Traumatic Brain Injuries in the Modern AgeThe human skull evolved to withstand external blows but not rapid acceleration and rotation, increasing vulnerability to TBIs.Modern technologies expose the brain to forces it did not evolve to handle, contributing to rising TBIs.
Iguanas probably floated to Fiji millions of years ago on record-breaking raft journey, scientists sayIguanas likely reached Fiji by floating on vegetation over a 5,000-mile ocean journey from North America.
Elisabeth Vrba obituary: palaeontologist who solved a problem that vexed DarwinElisabeth Vrba's work reshaped understanding of evolution, emphasizing sudden changes due to environmental events rather than slow adaptation.
Fossilized dinosaur cells that defied the ravages of time - 20 years since a key discoveryThe 2005 discovery of cells in dinosaur bones changed how scientists approach the search for ancient biomolecules.
Fossils of predator that gave rise to all mammals discoveredDiscovery of ancient gorgonopsian fossils reveals evolutionary links to mammals, indicating they were top predators influencing mammal ancestry.
Punk and Emo Fossils Are a Hot Topic in PaleontologyDr. Sutton's 3-D fossil reconstructions of mollusks reveal new insights about their evolutionary history, leading to the names Punk ferox and Emo vorticaudum.
Ferns' Backward' Evolution Reveals Life's Meandering PathEvolution is not a linear progression toward more complex organisms; it can involve reversals and diverse adaptations based on environmental pressures.
Plesiosaur Fossils Preserve Both Skin and Scales on Ancient Sea MonsterResearchers have discovered detailed soft tissue characteristics of plesiosaurs, revealing humanlike skin and fishy scales, changing our understanding of their evolution.
Elisabeth Vrba obituary: palaeontologist who solved a problem that vexed DarwinElisabeth Vrba's work reshaped understanding of evolution, emphasizing sudden changes due to environmental events rather than slow adaptation.
Fossilized dinosaur cells that defied the ravages of time - 20 years since a key discoveryThe 2005 discovery of cells in dinosaur bones changed how scientists approach the search for ancient biomolecules.
Fossils of predator that gave rise to all mammals discoveredDiscovery of ancient gorgonopsian fossils reveals evolutionary links to mammals, indicating they were top predators influencing mammal ancestry.
Punk and Emo Fossils Are a Hot Topic in PaleontologyDr. Sutton's 3-D fossil reconstructions of mollusks reveal new insights about their evolutionary history, leading to the names Punk ferox and Emo vorticaudum.
Ferns' Backward' Evolution Reveals Life's Meandering PathEvolution is not a linear progression toward more complex organisms; it can involve reversals and diverse adaptations based on environmental pressures.
Plesiosaur Fossils Preserve Both Skin and Scales on Ancient Sea MonsterResearchers have discovered detailed soft tissue characteristics of plesiosaurs, revealing humanlike skin and fishy scales, changing our understanding of their evolution.
The Evolution of Sex: Gender, Mating, and Social RelationsModern ideas about gender and sexuality are rooted in animal ancestors, revealing the diversity of sexual behaviors in nature.
Why We Love a Good MysteryOur fascination with mysteries arises from brain functions and evolutionary survival skills, driven by curiosity and problem-solving instincts.
Mammals, birds, and reptiles evolved complex brains through different pathsEvolutionary convergence shows that different species can develop similar traits like flight or brain functions independently.
Why We Love a Good MysteryOur fascination with mysteries arises from brain functions and evolutionary survival skills, driven by curiosity and problem-solving instincts.
Mammals, birds, and reptiles evolved complex brains through different pathsEvolutionary convergence shows that different species can develop similar traits like flight or brain functions independently.
New research shows bigger animals get more cancer, defying decades-old beliefRapid evolution in body size among some species leads to lower cancer prevalence, suggesting an evolutionary mechanism in cancer resistance.
Scientists Discover "Zombie" Fungus That Seizes Control of Spiders, Suggest It Be Used for Human MedicineA novel fungus infects spiders, causing zombie-like behavior and fascinating potential medical applications.
New research shows bigger animals get more cancer, defying decades-old beliefRapid evolution in body size among some species leads to lower cancer prevalence, suggesting an evolutionary mechanism in cancer resistance.
Scientists Discover "Zombie" Fungus That Seizes Control of Spiders, Suggest It Be Used for Human MedicineA novel fungus infects spiders, causing zombie-like behavior and fascinating potential medical applications.
Did the snowball Earth give complex life a boost?Radical environmental shifts influenced the evolution of life, with nutrient availability playing a crucial role between the Cryogenic period and the emergence of multicellular organisms.
DNA reveals secrets of Australia's elusive marsupial moleMarsupial moles faced a population decline around 70,000 years ago, potentially due to climate change effects.
Did the snowball Earth give complex life a boost?Radical environmental shifts influenced the evolution of life, with nutrient availability playing a crucial role between the Cryogenic period and the emergence of multicellular organisms.
DNA reveals secrets of Australia's elusive marsupial moleMarsupial moles faced a population decline around 70,000 years ago, potentially due to climate change effects.
Which Pests Shall Inherit The Earth? | DefectorRats, raccoons, and gulls may inherit the earth if humans become extinct, due to their intelligence and adaptability.
How a popular model of cosmic life and intelligence got it wrongIntelligence is rare in the universe according to the Hard Steps Model, but new critiques challenge this notion.
Which Pests Shall Inherit The Earth? | DefectorRats, raccoons, and gulls may inherit the earth if humans become extinct, due to their intelligence and adaptability.
How a popular model of cosmic life and intelligence got it wrongIntelligence is rare in the universe according to the Hard Steps Model, but new critiques challenge this notion.
Crab Memes Amplify Mistaken Ideas about EvolutionThe evolutionary process of carcinization shows how certain forms, like crabs, can evolve independently across different species.
The lab resurrecting ancient proteins to unlock life's secretsDr. Betül Kaçar emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating our perception of the past in relation to evolution and life.The past should be viewed as a continuous influence that shapes present and future life.
Luca is the progenitor of all life on Earth. But its genesis has implications far beyond our planetLuca, our earliest ancestor, indicates life on Earth began swiftly, suggesting the potential for abundant life elsewhere in the universe.
The lab resurrecting ancient proteins to unlock life's secretsDr. Betül Kaçar emphasizes the importance of re-evaluating our perception of the past in relation to evolution and life.The past should be viewed as a continuous influence that shapes present and future life.
Luca is the progenitor of all life on Earth. But its genesis has implications far beyond our planetLuca, our earliest ancestor, indicates life on Earth began swiftly, suggesting the potential for abundant life elsewhere in the universe.
Early Humans Thrived in RainforestsHomo sapiens evolved across Africa, not just in the East African savanna.
The London Underground mosquito: A WWII myth debunked by DNACulex pipiens form molestus, once thought exclusive to the London Underground, likely originated in the Middle East thousands of years ago.
Hinting at answer to a chicken-or-egg question on evolution - Harvard GazetteResearch may enlighten the evolution of oxygen production and consumption in photosynthesis and aerobic metabolism.
Plants' Photosynthetic Machinery Functions inside Hamster CellsResearchers successfully implanted algae-derived chloroplasts into hamster cells, allowing them to convert light into energy for at least two days.
Hinting at answer to a chicken-or-egg question on evolution - Harvard GazetteResearch may enlighten the evolution of oxygen production and consumption in photosynthesis and aerobic metabolism.
Plants' Photosynthetic Machinery Functions inside Hamster CellsResearchers successfully implanted algae-derived chloroplasts into hamster cells, allowing them to convert light into energy for at least two days.
What We Talk About When We Talk About AI (Part Two) - emptywheelAI reflects humanity's collective consciousness; understanding it requires recognizing our evolutionary influence.Our affection for AI emerges from natural human psychology, particularly the Mere Exposure Effect.
The Battle WithinAggression is a product of evolution and competition, shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors.
Scientist reveals the surprising reason why human penises are so bigHumans have relatively large penises compared to other primates due to evolutionary adaptations related to bipedalism.
How early human brains expanded over timeThe process of brain size increase in human evolution remains complex and varies by lineage and species.
Commitment and cooperation: a coevolutionary relationship | Aeon EssaysHuman cooperation is unique among great apes, often involving strangers and providing mutual benefits despite potential costs.
Scientist reveals the surprising reason why human penises are so bigHumans have relatively large penises compared to other primates due to evolutionary adaptations related to bipedalism.
How early human brains expanded over timeThe process of brain size increase in human evolution remains complex and varies by lineage and species.
Commitment and cooperation: a coevolutionary relationship | Aeon EssaysHuman cooperation is unique among great apes, often involving strangers and providing mutual benefits despite potential costs.
Why Do Wild Cats Have So Many Different Eye Colors?Wild cats exhibit a surprising diversity of eye colors, which researchers link to evolutionary changes in melanin levels.
Hell Yeah: This Maggot Has A Face On Its Butt | DefectorBlow fly larvae have evolved a 'termite mask' to live undetected among harvester termites, showcasing fascinating evolutionary adaptation.
Word Game: Dec. 14, 2024Nymphalid butterflies are defined by having useless front legs, showcasing significant evolutionary adaptations.
Hell Yeah: This Maggot Has A Face On Its Butt | DefectorBlow fly larvae have evolved a 'termite mask' to live undetected among harvester termites, showcasing fascinating evolutionary adaptation.
Word Game: Dec. 14, 2024Nymphalid butterflies are defined by having useless front legs, showcasing significant evolutionary adaptations.
How Much does a Dog's Breed Affect Its Health and Behavior?Humans have selectively bred dogs for specialized roles for over 10,000 years, evolving distinct breeds and shifting focus from utility to appearance.
The Antiquities' Review: Relics of Late Human Life in 12 ExhibitsMary Shelley's story exemplifies the fear of creation leading to our downfall, portrayed in Jordan Harrison's play as a study of humanity's evolution.
How flight helped bats become invincible to virusesBats possess unique immune adaptations enabling them to resist viral infections with minimal health impact.
Loneliness and Human NatureHuman nature is malleable, shaped by evolution, but loneliness is a fundamental aspect of being human that drives social connection.
7 Curiousssss Snake Facts for the Lunar New YearThe Year of the Snake emphasizes the ecological importance of snakes as symbols of wisdom and change.
Scientists Recreate the Conditions That Sparked Complex LifeResearchers successfully induced endosymbiosis in the lab for the first time, shedding light on this pivotal evolutionary process.
Scientists Finally Make Heads of Giant Stingray TailsManta rays and their relatives possess unusually long tails that may serve a sensory purpose, acting like antennae to detect danger.
Scientists Recreate the Conditions That Sparked Complex LifeResearchers successfully induced endosymbiosis in the lab for the first time, shedding light on this pivotal evolutionary process.
Scientists Finally Make Heads of Giant Stingray TailsManta rays and their relatives possess unusually long tails that may serve a sensory purpose, acting like antennae to detect danger.
Joints Are the Ultimate FlexJoints are crucial evolutionary adaptations that enable movement and flexibility, but their wear and tear reveal their hidden vulnerabilities over time.
Scientists have uncovered a 'simple' way to cure hair lossResearchers have identified a 'molecular switch' that regulates scalp hair growth, potentially leading to solutions for hair loss.
How Sentience Emerged From the Ancient Mists of EvolutionConsciousness evolved from basic sensing in organisms to complex sentience through neurobiological processes.
Scientists discover men are evolving twice as quickly as womenMen are evolving at double the rate of women due to better living conditions.
Life as we know it descended from a single cell. What do we know about LUCA?LUCA is the last universal common ancestor of all life on Earth, existing around 4.2 billion years ago.
Discover the Playful Drawings That Charles Darwin's Children Left on His ManuscriptsDarwin's personal experiences with his children's health influenced his scientific inquiries, especially concerning heredity and inbreeding.
10 Years Ago, Zendaya Wore A Dress With A Massive Slit To The GrammysZendaya's 2015 Grammys appearance marked a pivotal moment in her evolution as a fashion icon, showcasing her bold style and individuality.
We're Faster Than Our Ancestors: New Insight on the Evolution of Human RunningLucy, the 3.2-million-year-old fossil, offers new insights into the origins of running in humans.
Run, Lucy, Run! Human Ancestors Could Jog but Not Very Far or FastAustralopithecus afarensis had slower running speeds compared to modern humans, with unique muscular adaptations influencing locomotion.
We're Faster Than Our Ancestors: New Insight on the Evolution of Human RunningLucy, the 3.2-million-year-old fossil, offers new insights into the origins of running in humans.
Run, Lucy, Run! Human Ancestors Could Jog but Not Very Far or FastAustralopithecus afarensis had slower running speeds compared to modern humans, with unique muscular adaptations influencing locomotion.
Shrinking trees and tuskless elephants: the strange ways species are adapting to humansHuman activities are driving significant evolutionary changes in plants and animals.The peppered moth and mahogany trees illustrate adaptive responses to human influence.
Frogfish reveals how it evolved the "fishing rod" on its headThe specialization of the frogfish's illicium motor neurons is linked to its unique fishing behavior, reflecting evolutionary adaptations.
Does Morality Do Us Any Good?Our sense of right and wrong is shaped by evolution and society, challenging the authenticity of our moral beliefs.
Squirrels in California evolving in 'shocking' wayCalifornia ground squirrels have evolved to hunt and consume flesh, displaying unprecedented carnivorous behavior.
Diatom phytochromes integrate the underwater light spectrum to sense depthPhytochrome signaling systems are conserved across marine algae and land plants, indicating a significant evolutionary link.
The Egyptian fish that shows us why having a fever is very usefulFever behavior in Nile tilapia highlights an ancient survival strategy that activates immune functions during infections.
Nicholas McGranahan, researcher: If we don't consider the theory of evolution when it comes to cancer, we're bound to fail'Tumors evolve similarly to species, adapting and changing over time, which poses challenges for treatment and prognosis.
You can thank these ancient microbes for your immune systemHumans may owe an evolutionary debt to Asgard archaea, revealing insights into the origins of life.
Will humans ever speak wolf? A scientist unravels the complexities of animal chatterArik Kershenbaum's work illuminates animal communication, revealing insights into language evolution relevant to humans.