A new species of groundsnake, Lielaphis slashi, has been discovered in New Guinea and named after Slash from Guns N' Roses. The snake's unique characteristics and genetic makeup set it apart from other similar species.
Researchers analyzed ancient burial records to understand why some societies practiced residential burials and how this practice changed over time. They found that residential burials were more common in older societies than expected, suggesting that cultural practices can shift significantly over centuries.
A new study confirms the existence of Manis aurita, a previously unrecognized Asian pangolin species, expanding biologists' understanding of pangolin diversity. The discovery provides crucial scientific basis for combating illegal poaching and protecting critically endangered animals.
Researchers discover fossilized baby early tetrapods, which skipped the tadpole metamorphosis previously thought. This finding upends scientists' understanding of how animals conquered the land, suggesting that early tetrapods were more like fish and birds than modern amphibians.
Researchers have found a new species of dinosaur, Jian changmaensis, which is believed to be the missing predator that hunted early birds. The dinosaur had long feathers on its front and back limbs, giving it four 'wings' that may have been used for gliding.
A new fossil species, Plumadraco, has been found with the longest tail feathers ever recorded on a fossil bird. The analysis suggests that the bird's tail feathers were used for attracting mates, and the color of the feathers was probably dark brown or black.
A newly-discovered blue octopus from the Galapagos Islands has been identified as Microeledone galapagensis, and its unique features were revealed through micro CT scans. The species is the first new octopus species led by curator emerita Janet Voight in her four-decade career.
The discovery of complex stone tools at the Lingjing archaeological site in China suggests that ancient humans were capable of advanced technological thinking and creativity. The tools, crafted by Homo juluensis, show a high level of organization and planning, indicating a deep understanding of stone properties and fracture mechanics.
Researchers use ancient DNA and burial practices to show that family ties can be more than just blood-related. This challenges traditional views of kinship, highlighting the importance of cultural and anthropological perspectives in understanding family dynamics.
A tiny clump of moss played a crucial role in proving a crime had taken place at Burr Oak Cemetery in Illinois. The moss's age was determined to be only a year or two old, bolstering the case against the cemetery employees, who were ultimately convicted in 2015.
The discovery of Tanyka's fossilized jawbone provides insights into the evolution of tetrapods. With its twisted jaw and sideways-facing teeth, Tanyka is a living fossil from an ancient lineage that thought had gone extinct.
Scientists discovered a 307-million-year-old fossil of an early land vertebrate that evolved to eat plants, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of herbivory. The 'tyrant digger' had tough teeth on its roof and probably ate smaller animals along with vegetation.
The earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx, had unique mouth features such as oral papillae, tongue bones, and bill-tip organs. These structures suggest that early birds evolved specialized ways to find and digest food efficiently, which is key to flight. The discovery provides new criteria for identifying dinosaur fossils as birds.
Researchers found that the green-flowered Aeschynanthus acuminatus evolved on the mainland, not in Taiwan, and adapted to shorter-beaked birds. This contradicts the Grant-Stebbins model of plant evolution, which predicted the species would evolve in Taiwan with new pollinators.
Researchers discovered fossilized bee nests in a Dominican Republic cave, containing pollen and matching modern bee nest structures. The nests, dated to around 20,000 years ago, were likely built by solitary bee species using saliva-dirt mixtures.
A tiny fossil bird named Chromeornis funkyi has been discovered with a massive cluster of stones in its throat, suggesting it likely choked to death. The unusual find provides new insights into the evolution of dinosaurs and birds, revealing that this species may have died due to regurgitation of swallowed rocks.
A team of researchers compiled cases where mosses and their relatives helped solve crimes, showcasing the importance of botanical evidence. The study found that mosses can be used to confirm details of crime locations, with examples dating back to 1929.
A study found that most rodents have thumbnails instead of claws, which helps explain how they thrived in various environments. This discovery suggests that thumbnails provide more manual dexterity than long, sharp claws, enabling rodents to exploit high-energy resources like nuts.
Researchers found that chipmunks' skulls became larger but teeth shorter due to increased human food availability. Voles' auditory bullae decreased in size possibly to dampen environmental noise. These changes demonstrate the profound impact of humans on wildlife and their environment.
Researchers have made new discoveries about the ancient bird Archaeopteryx, including its ability to fly and its evolutionary history. The Chicago specimen, a well-preserved fossil found in Germany, provides insights into the species' cranial kinesis and soft tissues, challenging previous assumptions about its behavior.
Researchers found that inequality is widespread but not inevitable, with varying levels of economic disparity across time and space. The study used house size distributions as a metric for wealth inequality, revealing patterns and trends that cross-cut time and space.
Researchers analyzed ancient stone tools found in the Robberg caves, revealing specific methods of core reduction that indicate shared ideas among prehistoric people. The study suggests that these ancient humans were more connected than previously thought, with similar tool-making techniques found across different regions.
Researchers compared feathers and bodies of flightless birds and their flying relatives, finding that some features change relatively quickly. The study sheds light on evolution of complex traits that lose original function, and could help reveal which fossil birds were flightless.
The Field Museum has digitized over a quarter-million specimens and records thanks to its Collections Club, a community science program. This effort provides valuable data for researchers worldwide, with over 3,800 volunteers contributing more than 13,500 hours.
A fossil therapsid was found in Mallorca with a skull hole for the jaw muscle and structures that evolved into mammals' middle ear bones. The discovery changes scientists' understanding of when therapsids evolved and tells us about where we come from.
A team of researchers discovered fossil amphibians preserved in cylindrical burrows in Wyoming, providing insights into their adaptation to extreme seasonal conditions. The ancient creatures, about a foot long, had underdeveloped arms and likely used their heads to dig burrows during the dry season.
A new study reveals that a type of lichen, Lepraria, has genes for sexual reproduction, defying decades of scientific assumption. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into the mysterious reproductive habits of these unique organisms.
Scientists discovered two new species of predatory birds in the Hell Creek Formation, which lived alongside dinosaurs like T. rex 68 million years ago. The fossils indicate that these birds could have hunted small mammals and baby dinosaurs using their powerful foot bones.
Scientists developed VenomCap to analyze venom genes in snakes, shedding light on snake evolution and developing effective treatments for deadly snake bites. The technique enables quicker analysis of thousands of venom-making genes, paving the way for improved antivenom development and global public health.
A new study finds that the ancient bird Longipteryx ate fruits, contrary to previous hypotheses that it feasted on fish or insects. The discovery was made by analyzing fossilized seeds in the bird's stomach, which suggest a mixed diet including fruits and possibly insects when they were not available.
Researchers found that even tiny city gardens with native milkweed species attracted monarchs and caterpillars. Older, established milkweed plants were more likely to support eggs, while a variety of blooming plants provided nectar for adult monarchs.
Researchers used a family tree of 9,409 bird species to explore the spread of color across the globe. They found that iridescence originated outside of the tropics and in most cases arose 415 times across the bird tree of life, suggesting the common ancestor of all modern birds likely had iridescent feathers too.
A newly discovered fossil, Gaiasia jennyae, reveals a giant salamander-like creature that was a top predator in the ice age before dinosaurs. The creature's unique features, including its toilet seat-shaped head and interlocking jaws, suggest it was an ambush predator.
Scientists discovered nine new species of fossil grapes in Colombia, Panama, and Peru, spanning from 60 to 19 million years old. The oldest fossils found in the Western Hemisphere support a connection between the grape family's evolutionary journey and the mass extinction event.
A new study reveals that what was once known as the nine-banded armadillo is actually four distinct species, including one new species found in northeastern South America. The classification change affects armadillos in Mexico and the US states, with some now being called the Mexican long-nosed armadillo.
A new species of fossil bird, named Imparavis attenboroughi, has been discovered in northeastern China and is the first of its kind to evolve toothlessness. The bird's unique wing bones suggest it may have had strong wing beats and could have foraged on both trees and ground.
Scientists discovered a common trait among flying birds, including the number of primary feathers, to determine their evolutionary history. The finding provides clues about dinosaur flight and may inform debates on its origins.
Researchers found a new species of fanged frog on Sulawesi Island, with males guarding eggs on leaves to keep them moist. The tiny frogs weigh about the same as a dime and have barely visible fangs, challenging previous assumptions about their reproductive behavior.
A new study has identified specific genes associated with diet and brain structure in kingfishers, which are capable of diving at high speeds. The findings suggest that these birds have evolved unique traits to protect their brains from concussive forces.
Researchers used ancient lunar crystals brought back from the Moon to determine its minimum possible age, pushing back its formation by 40 million years to at least 4.46 billion years old. The discovery sheds light on the Moon's role in stabilizing Earth's rotation and tidal patterns.
The newly discovered 'Margaritaville' snails, named after Jimmy Buffett's famous song, are bright yellow and have a key trait that helps them survive on coral reefs. Their brightly colored heads may serve as a warning to predators, while their mucus web traps plankton and detritus for sustenance.
A new study found that mammals and their relatives that survived challenging times made it because they had newer, more novel characteristics. These findings challenge the conventional wisdom of mammal evolution, suggesting that having new traits can be key to succeeding in the aftermath of a catastrophe.
Two species of hairworms are missing genes responsible for producing cilia, a feature present in all other known animals. This loss likely occurred early in the evolution of the group and may impact their parasitic behavior, but its exact effects remain unclear.
Researchers studying ancient bird fossils discovered that molting, the process of shedding and regrowing feathers, was more complex than previously thought. The discovery sheds light on how ancient birds, including those that survived the mass extinction event, developed this crucial survival strategy.
New research reveals that over 300 weevil species have intertwined relationships with specific plants, pollinating and relying on them for food and breeding sites. This unique interaction highlights the importance of weevils as unsung heroes in maintaining ecosystems and products like peanut butter and Nutella.
A new fossil discovery shows that a tiger-sized, saber-toothed creature called Inostrancevia migrated 7,000 miles to occupy a vacant ecosystem before going extinct. The arrival of this top predator indicates its vulnerability and serves as an analogue for modern apex predators facing extinction due to human activities.
A new study reveals that ants followed flowering plants as they left ancient forests, driving the evolution of thousands of ant species. The researchers used fossils, DNA, and habitat data to show how plants' spread influenced ants' habitats and behavior.
A study of bird poop reveals a unique relationship between birds and their microbiomes, which differ from those found in mammals. The researchers found that the types of bacteria present in the birds' gut microbiomes change over short time periods, rather than being tied to specific host species.
Researchers analyzed ancient Wari pottery to understand how the empire spread its aesthetic. They found that potters across the empire created their own ceramics, decorated in traditional Wari style, with distinct chemical signatures from different regions. This bottom-up approach highlights local agency and economies' importance.
Archaeologists found that potters across the Wari empire used the same black pigment, suggesting imperial control. The shift to manganese-based recipes implies 'quality control' and symbolic meaning behind the color black.