Earth & Environment
Scientists discover the youngest armored dinosaur ever found
For more than two decades, a small dinosaur from China has left scientists scratching their heads.
Known as Liaoningosaurus paradoxus, this strange fossil looked like...
Hot, humid weather may increase risk of kidney failure
People living in Australia's hot and humid northern regions are more likely to suffer from kidney failure than those living in cooler and less...
This brainless animal folds itself like origami, study finds
How does a living thing fold itself into complex shapes without a brain, nerves, or muscles?
A new study of one of Earth’s simplest animals...
Scientists discover 125,000-year-old elephant tracks in southeastern Spain
For the first time, scientists have uncovered fossilized footprints of large land animals preserved in ancient coastal sand dunes in the Spanish region of...
Not just cold and conflict: Roman troops at Hadrian’s Wall battled parasites
Nearly 2,000 years ago, Roman soldiers stationed on the edge of the empire faced more than cold winds, enemy raids, and homesickness.
New research shows...
Ancient “living rocks” absorb carbon day and night in South Africa
Along the coast of South Africa, strange rocky formations quietly grow in places where life seems unlikely to survive.
These structures, known as microbialites, look...
Why brown bears in central Italy are smaller and calmer than anywhere else
Living close to humans doesn’t just change landscapes—it can also change animals themselves.
A new genetic study shows that brown bears living near villages in...
Scientists turn mussel shell waste into a sustainable abrasive for jeans
A surprising new study suggests that discarded mussel shells—usually thrown away as food waste—could help make the fashion industry more sustainable.
Researchers from the University...
Rain, dust, and ‘badass’ microbes: How life takes hold on new lava
When a volcano erupts, it looks like the ultimate destroyer. Red-hot lava pours across the land, burning everything in its path and leaving behind...
How used coffee grounds can remove toxic metals
Millions of people start their day with a cup of coffee, but few think about what happens to the used coffee grounds afterward.
Most of...
The first alien civilization we encounter will be extremely loud
For decades, science fiction writers have tried their best to prepare us for eventual contact with aliens. Their efforts are dominated by several recurrent...
How cranberries can be a Christmas cracker for health this festive season
From festive sauces to brightly coloured juices, cranberries have long been part of our diets. Beyond their tart flavour and seasonal appeal, these red...
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Casual sex spots have negative impact on beach dunes, shows study
Casual sexual encounters on holidays make for lifelong memories, but the imprint left behind can be less desirable.
Sex tourism is a big drawcard for...
Why are big storms bringing so much more rain?
For three hurricane seasons in a row, storms with record-breaking rainfall have caused catastrophic flooding in the southern United States: Harvey in 2017, Florence...
When did the first animals appear on Earth?
Understanding when the first animals arrived on Earth is a bit like trying to find a small needle in a huge, ancient haystack.
Scientists have...
Was the Moon captured?
The general consensus is that Theia crashed into Earth billions of years ago and led to the formation of the Moon.
The story doesn’t end...
Most dog breeds are highly inbred, shows study
Dog breeds are often recognized for distinctive traits — the short legs of a dachshund, wrinkled face of a pug, spotted coat of a...
Gazing at your dog can connect your brains, research suggests
It might sound far-fetched, but recent research suggests that dogs' and humans' brains synchronize when they look at each other.
This research, conducted by researchers...
Dogs could smell cancer in blood
In a new study, researchers found that dogs can accurately sniff out cancer in blood samples.
This finding may help develop new methods for effective...
US national parks have extremely early spring due to climate change
Many US national parks are already at the extreme warm end of their historical temperature distributions.
Because of rapidly warming conditions, people need to enhance...