Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

Health & Medicine

Early details emerge about the new U.K. coronavirus variant

The variant may spread more easily from person to person. That could make continuing to wear masks all the more important, experts say.

Animals

Scientists Say: Medullary bone

Medullary bone is a layer that forms inside bird and dinosaur bones. It’s a source of the calcium in eggshells.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.