A wax figure of Charles Darwin, whose theories about species have influenced science for centuries.
Jose Manuel Ribeiro/Reuters
Humans have an innate interest and ability in naming biologically meaningful entities, or species. Taxonomy, then, vies for the title of world’s “oldest profession”.
Velvet worm.
Andras Kezzei
Were legs a quirk of genetic mutation rather than an evolutionary inevitability?
Understanding what makes a great leader depends upon the measure of success, which in commercial sport is brutally unambiguous.
AAP/Julian Smith
The goal of identifying leadership attributes that translate into team success remains as elusive in sport as it does in other spheres of human endeavour.
NOAA Photo Library/Flickr
New research suggests the “primordial soup” theory can’t explain how living cells evolved to harness energy.
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Scientists have uncovered the genetics that explain the snake’s impressive length – and used the science to create extra-long mice.
We need to actively build a mother culture grounded in safety and acceptance.
en.antresalt.com/Shutterstock
An environment rife with shame is a fertile breeding ground for conflict: pitting mother against mother.
But I asked for green highlights!
Edwin Butter / shutterstock
There must be some evolutionary force acting to maintain this visual ‘defect’.
There’s nothing that everyone wants in a partner. But there are characteristics most men or women find attractive.
Leo Hidalgo/Flickr
We know a lot about why people choose different brands of dishwashing detergent. But when it comes to the processes behind choosing a romantic partner, science knows surprisingly little.
There’s a battle for resources going on in there.
Christian Glatz
Embryos greedily want more resources than their fair share. New research investigates how early in evolution their hormonal tactics arose.
Computers can be our prediction machines.
Data image via www.shutterstock.com.
Scientists of all kinds turn to computer models to investigate questions they can’t get at any other way. Here’s how models work and why we can trust them.
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Your attitudes to risk – from extreme sports to school rugby – are hardwired into you.
Susan Schmitz / shutterstock
We’ve bred them into all shapes and sizes, but dogs haven’t been around for long enough to have evolved beyond Canis familiaris.
The superbug MRSA (green) interacts with a human white cell.
NIAID/Flickr
The evolutionary history of antibiotic resistance suggests it may be impossible to develop resistance-proof antibiotics so what are our other options?
Just heard the news? Relax, it doesn’t mean you fancy your mum.
Monkey Business Images
Science explains why people pick partners who look like their parents – without involving Freud.
Skull of a man with multiple lesions on the side, probably caused by a club.
Image by Marta Mirazon Lahr, enhanced by Fabio Lahr
Why hunter gatherers weren’t as peaceful as you may think.
A very different nativity scene.
Frank/Flickr
You might be surprised to hear that virgin births are possible - just not in humans. By the reason why remains an evolutionary mystery.
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Sexual competition has made sperm the most diverse - and fascinating - cells in the animal kingdom.
Robert H Howington/Flickr
Cats share some important genes associated with herbivores – this might explain their particular eating habits.
No, I said I love YOU more.
sunphlo/Flickr
Humans as well as zebra finches go through hurdles to find their perfect partner – and this may better ensure the survival of any offspring.
Sometimes the audience can be a font of illuminating questions.
hackNY.org/Flickr
I sometimes forget that people can feel embarrassed listening to me talk about my research on sperm. But often those same people can also be a source of amazement and inspiration.