Two lifeforms merge in once-in-a-billion-years evolutionary event

Scientists have caught a once-in-a-billion-years evolutionary event in progress, as two lifeforms have merged into one organism that boasts abilities its peers would envy. Last time this happened, Earth got plants.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, Sci… Continue reading Two lifeforms merge in once-in-a-billion-years evolutionary event

First known fractal molecule is a natural mathematical marvel

Fractals are a fascinating type of pattern for mathematics nerds, with their repeating, artificial-looking structures. Now, scientists have discovered the first known fractal protein – and it seems to be an evolutionary accident.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading First known fractal molecule is a natural mathematical marvel

Sulfuric acid clouds of Venus can’t dissolve life, new experiments find

Venus may be a hellscape by our standards, but there’s a chance that some forms of life could evolve there. A new MIT study has now found that the building blocks of life are surprisingly stable in highly concentrated sulfuric acid – which Venus’ cloud… Continue reading Sulfuric acid clouds of Venus can’t dissolve life, new experiments find

Strange trees in world’s oldest forest ripped themselves apart to grow

An artist's impression of a forest full of Calamophyton trees

Scientists have uncovered the oldest fossilized forest, dating back 390 million years to a time when life was just getting a foothold on land. The ancient forest was made up of the first trees to ever grow on Earth – bizarre “prototype” trees that had to rip their skeletons apart in order to grow.

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You can now view Charles Darwin’s entire personal library collection

For the very first time, the entire contents of the eclectic personal library of naturalist Charles Darwin has been published online, and a massive 9,300 entries come with links to the works, making them freely available to read.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading You can now view Charles Darwin’s entire personal library collection

Robot dinosaurs let loose to demonstrate hunting techniques

Scientists have long puzzled over why some dinosaurs had feathers and wings long before they evolved the ability of flight. Experiments with a robot dinosaur may now have revealed the answer – they used them for hunting.Continue ReadingCategory: Scienc… Continue reading Robot dinosaurs let loose to demonstrate hunting techniques

Tiny ‘false’ scorpion catches scorpion taxi to new neighborhood

Researchers have captured a pseudoscorpion hitching a ride on a true scorpion, and it’s the first time this interspecific rideshare has been observed anywhere in the world.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, ScienceTags: Hebrew University of Jerusalem, … Continue reading Tiny ‘false’ scorpion catches scorpion taxi to new neighborhood

Easy artificial evolution makes for solar-powered yeast

Scientists have given yeast a brand new ability – gaining energy from light. The technique was remarkably easy, the team says, and could not only help us understand evolution but make better beer and biofuel.Continue ReadingCategory: Biology, ScienceTa… Continue reading Easy artificial evolution makes for solar-powered yeast