University of Maine researchers developed a new process to make HBL, a key ingredient in many medicines, from renewable glucose instead of petroleum. The approach not only lowers drug production costs but also reduces emissions.
The surprising way metabolism controls embryo growth
Metabolism does more than fuel embryos—it sets their developmental rhythm. EMBL researchers found that a sugar molecule, FBP, controls the pace of spine formation, suggesting metabolism may act as a biological pacemaker.
Stunning fossil from the Gobi Desert rewrites dinosaur history
A newly discovered fossil in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert has revealed the oldest and most complete pachycephalosaur ever found, offering a rare glimpse into the early evolution of these dome-headed dinosaurs. Named Zavacephale rinpoche, or “precious one,” this juvenile specimen dates back 108 million years, pushing the group’s fossil record back...
Hidden gene trick lets ants smell with super precision
Researchers uncovered how ants keep their powerful sense of smell clear: by using a genetic safeguard that silences surrounding receptor genes. This discovery not only solves a decades-old puzzle but also reveals how ants can rapidly evolve new olfactory abilities.
Strange new hybrid bird spotted in Texas backyard
In Texas, biologists have documented an extraordinary bird — the natural hybrid offspring of a green jay and a blue jay. Once separated by millions of years of evolution and distinct ranges, the two species were brought together as climate change expanded their territories. A backyard birder’s photo led to...
DNA from old ants reveals a hidden insect apocalypse in Fiji
Insects are essential for ecosystems, but mounting evidence suggests many populations are collapsing under modern pressures. A new study used cutting-edge genomic techniques on museum specimens to track centuries of ant biodiversity across Fiji. The results reveal that nearly 80% of native ants are in decline, with losses intensifying in...
Forgotten royal warship sunk 500 years ago reveals surprising secrets
From the wreck of the royal Danish-Norwegian flagship Gribshunden, archaeologists have uncovered a rare glimpse into the naval power of the late Middle Ages. This warship, lost in 1495, carried an arsenal of small guns designed for close-range combat, symbolizing the technological leap that allowed European nations to dominate the...
Egg-eating worms could be the secret to saving Chesapeake Bay’s blue crabs
Egg-eating worms living on Chesapeake Bay blue crabs may hold the key to smarter fishery management. Once thought to be a threat, these parasites actually serve as natural biomarkers that reveal when and how often female crabs reproduce. Researchers found the worms are surprisingly resilient to varying salinity levels, meaning...
Clownfish and Anemones Are Disappearing Because of Climate Change
The Red Sea, circled by desert landscapes, is home to marine life accustomed to the water’s bathtub-like temperatures—often reaching 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.
Mixing Tree Species Does Not Always Make Forests More Drought-Resilient
Increasing tree species diversity is widely suggested as a way to help forests withstand climate change – especially prolonged droughts.