Deep inside a cave, scientists uncovered fossils from 16 species, including a newfound kākāpō ancestor that may have been able to fly. These remains reveal that New Zealand’s ecosystems were constantly disrupted by volcanic eruptions and rapid climate shifts. Long before humans, waves of extinction and replacement reshaped the islands’...
24 new deep-sea species found including a rare new branch of life
In a remarkable deep-sea breakthrough, researchers have discovered 24 new species of amphipods in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone—including a rare, entirely new superfamily. The findings reveal previously unknown branches of life and push the boundaries of how deep these creatures are known to live.
Scientists just discovered bees and hummingbirds are drinking alcohol
Flower nectar often contains small amounts of alcohol, meaning pollinators like hummingbirds are drinking it all day long. Despite consuming human-equivalent amounts, they show no signs of intoxication—suggesting a surprising evolutionary tolerance.
Honey bees dance better with an audience
Honey bees don’t just perform their famous waggle dance to share directions, they actually adjust how well they dance depending on who’s watching. Researchers found that when fewer bees pay attention, the dancer becomes less precise as it moves around trying to attract an audience. This means the dance is...
New Material Can Help Combat Water Shortages Where Water Is Needed Most
A newly developed plastic material of the same type as is used in baby diapers can collect clean and safe drinking water from the air.
Global Atlas Will Track Human and Climate Impact on River Systems
Rivers are critical resources that affect everything from watersheds to agriculture to energy.
Earthquake Scientists Reveal How Overplowing Weakens Soil at Experimental Farm
Plowing, or tilling, is an age-old agricultural practice that readies the soil for planting by turning over the top layer to expose fresh earth.
Scientists found a rhino in the Arctic and it changes everything
Scientists have uncovered a new species of rhinoceros in the Canadian High Arctic, revealing that rhinos once lived far farther north than expected. The fossil, dating back 23 million years, is unusually complete and has helped reshape ideas about how these animals migrated between continents. Evidence suggests rhinos crossed from...
Sperm whales caught headbutting each other on camera for the first time
Drone footage has revealed sperm whales headbutting each other—something scientists had only speculated about until now. Surprisingly, it’s younger whales doing it, not the giant males researchers expected. The behavior echoes old seafaring tales of whales smashing ships, once thought exaggerated. Now, scientists are eager to understand whether these clashes...
Research Provides Timely Views of Warming’s Impact on Alaska Glaciers
Alaska’s glaciers respond to climate change by melting for three additional weeks with every 1 degree Celsius increase in the average summer temperature, data from satellite-mounted radars show.