Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

  1. Animals

    Around the world, birds are in crisis

    Human activities around the world are threatening bird species. Numbers of even some of the most common species are starting to fall.

    By Alison Pearce Stevens
  2. Archaeology

    This prehistoric woman from Peru hunted big game

    Women in the Americas speared large prey as early as 9,000 years ago, new archaeological evidence suggests.

    By Bruce Bower
  3. Genetics

    Scientists Say: Evolution

    Evolution is how species change over time. Individuals in the group vary, and some will pass on their genes. Over time, the whole species changes.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  4. Animals

    Attack of the inner-cannibal mega-shark

    The outsized megalodon was a fierce terror that chewed its way across the oceans. It learned to kill even before it was born.

    By Carolyn Gramling
  5. Health & Medicine

    When physicians and veterinarians team up, all species benefit

    When doctors for people and those for animals share their expertise, they can discover new ways to take better medical care of all species.

    By Liz Devitt
  6. Plants

    Here’s how giant pumpkins get so big

    Cinderella took a ride in a pumpkin coach. Though real pumpkins do get big enough, here’s why their ride would be uncomfortable at best.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  7. Genetics

    Gene editing can alter body fat and may fight diabetes

    Researchers have long dreamed of using brown fat to fight obesity and diabetes. Work in animals shows they’re closing in on achieving that dream.

    By Silke Schmidt
  8. Space

    Surviving Mars missions will take planning and lots of innovation

    Astronauts that go to Mars will need protection from microgravity and radiation, plus mini-medical devices to diagnose problems and manage emergencies.

    By Maria Temming
  9. Health & Medicine

    Some Neandertal genes may up the risk of severe COVID-19

    Most of the affected people descend from communities in South Asia or live in Europe today.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  10. Health & Medicine

    Let’s learn about bones

    Bones hold us up and help us fight gravity with every step. They also make blood cells, hormones and more.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  11. Health & Medicine

    Trio wins 2020 Nobel for discovery of hepatitis C

    It took 50 years from discovery of hepatitis C to its cure. For their pivotal work in this area, three men will take home a 2020 Nobel Prize.

    By Tina Hesman Saey
  12. Archaeology

    See what these animal mummies are keeping under wraps

    A new method of 3-D scanning mummified animals reveals life and death details of a snake, a bird and a cat that lived in ancient Egypt.

    By Helen Thompson