Climate change is exposing animals to temperatures outside of their normal limits – a new study has found that insects have a particularly weak ability to adjust.
Extremes of the colour gradient of the Eastern San Antonio frog (Hyla orientalis). On the left, a specimen captured in Chernobyl inside the high contamination zone; on the right, a specimen captured outside the Exclusion Zone.
Germán Orizaola/Pablo Burraco
As early modern humans spread across the globe, their gut microbes genetically changed with them. Understanding the origins of gut microbes could improve understanding of their role in human health.
An artist’s impression of the Pantolambda bathmodonH Sharpe
Our ancient ancestors didn’t have clothes or houses – but that constant exposure to the sun helped their skin protect itself from the worst sun damage.
Axolotls are a model organism researchers use to study a variety of topics in biology.
Ruben Undheim/Flickr
Human embryos are far more likely to die than come to term, an evolutionary trait seen across species. Laws granting personhood at conception ignore built-in embryo loss, with potentially grave consequences.
The most controversial feature of the New Zealand flora is the plethora of small-leaved trees and shrubs with wiry interlaced branches. Can a synthesis of competing explanations solve this mystery?
Slime plays an essential role in the lives of snails, hagfish and people alike.
Adrienne Bresnahan/Moment via Getty Images
A vast array of species, including people, use slime for a variety of essential bodily functions. Studying the genetic ancestry of slime surprisingly showcases the role of repetitive DNA in evolution.
Hopefully, the pepperoni won’t get too jealous over its disc-shaped competitor’s moment in the sun.
Ryzhkov/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The pickle-obsessed can now order a pickle pizza with a side of pickle potato chips, wash it down with a pickle beer and have pickle ice cream for dessert.
Artwork in the Djourab desert, Chad, gives a taste of how our oldest ancestors got around.
Sabine Riffaut, Guillaume Daver, Franck Guy / Palevoprim / CNRS – Université de Poitiers / MPFT