News Archive Search
Are you a ferocious T. rex — or just chicken?
Research strongly suggests that dinosaurs, including the ferocious T. rex, evolved into birds. And we are probably a bit of both.
Research strongly suggests that dinosaurs, including the ferocious T. rex, evolved into birds. And we are probably a bit of both.
Do attractive women want it all? 
Although many researchers have believed women choose partners based on the kind of relationship they are seeking, a new study from The University of Texas at Austin reveals women’s preferences can be influenced by their own attractiveness.
Although many researchers have believed women choose partners based on the kind of relationship they are seeking, a new study from The University of Texas at Austin reveals women’s preferences can be influenced by their own attractiveness.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 20, 2008, 3:13pm
Rating: | Views: 1174 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 20, 2008, 3:13pm
Rating: | Views: 1174 | Comments: 0
Earth's earliest animal ecosystem was complex and included sexual reproduction
Two paleontologists studying ancient fossils they excavated in the South Australian outback argue that Earth’s ecosystem has been complex for hundreds of millions of years – at least since around 565 million years ago, which is included in a period in Earth’s history called the Neoproterozoic era.
Two paleontologists studying ancient fossils they excavated in the South Australian outback argue that Earth’s ecosystem has been complex for hundreds of millions of years – at least since around 565 million years ago, which is included in a period in Earth’s history called the Neoproterozoic era.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 20, 2008, 1:55pm
Rating: | Views: 1158 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 20, 2008, 1:55pm
Rating: | Views: 1158 | Comments: 0
Mantis shrimp vision reveals new way that animals can see
Mantis shrimp can see the world in a way that had never been observed in any animal before, researchers report in the March 20th Current Biology, a Cell Press publication. The discovery—which marks the fourth type of visual system—suggests that the ability to perceive circular polarized light may lend mantis shrimp a secret mode of communication.
Mantis shrimp can see the world in a way that had never been observed in any animal before, researchers report in the March 20th Current Biology, a Cell Press publication. The discovery—which marks the fourth type of visual system—suggests that the ability to perceive circular polarized light may lend mantis shrimp a secret mode of communication.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 20, 2008, 11:38am
Rating: | Views: 1207 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 20, 2008, 11:38am
Rating: | Views: 1207 | Comments: 0
Tuatara, the fastest evolving animal
New DNA research has questioned previous notions about the evolution of the tuatara
New DNA research has questioned previous notions about the evolution of the tuatara
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 20, 2008, 11:22am
Rating: | Views: 1185 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 20, 2008, 11:22am
Rating: | Views: 1185 | Comments: 0
Ancient lemur's little finger poses mystery
Analysis of the first hand bones belonging to an ancient lemur has revealed a mysterious joint structure that has scientists puzzled.
Analysis of the first hand bones belonging to an ancient lemur has revealed a mysterious joint structure that has scientists puzzled.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008, 4:25pm
Rating: | Views: 1126 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008, 4:25pm
Rating: | Views: 1126 | Comments: 0
The song doesn't remain the same in fragmented bird populations
The song of passerine birds is a conspicuous and exaggerated display shaped by sexual selection in the context of male-male competition or mate attraction. At the level of the individual, song is considered an indicator of male ‘quality’.
The song of passerine birds is a conspicuous and exaggerated display shaped by sexual selection in the context of male-male competition or mate attraction. At the level of the individual, song is considered an indicator of male ‘quality’.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008, 9:47am
Rating: | Views: 1134 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008, 9:47am
Rating: | Views: 1134 | Comments: 0
Gene's 'selective signature' aids detection of natural selection in microbial evolution
Scientists at MIT have come up with a mathematical approach for analyzing a protein simultaneously in a set of ecologically distinct species to identify occurrences of natural selection in an organism’s evolution.
Scientists at MIT have come up with a mathematical approach for analyzing a protein simultaneously in a set of ecologically distinct species to identify occurrences of natural selection in an organism’s evolution.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008, 1:18pm
Rating: | Views: 1107 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008, 1:18pm
Rating: | Views: 1107 | Comments: 0
Culture, Not Skulls, Gave Humans Edge Over Neanderthals
Human skulls did not provide an advantage over Neanderthal skulls.
Human skulls did not provide an advantage over Neanderthal skulls.
Evolution
Source: LiveScience
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008, 9:31am
Rating: | Views: 1436 | Comments: 0
Source: LiveScience
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008, 9:31am
Rating: | Views: 1436 | Comments: 0
Loss of egg yolk genes in mammals and the origin of lactation and placentation
If you are reading this, you did not start your life by hatching from an egg. This is one of the many traits that you share with our mammalian relatives.
If you are reading this, you did not start your life by hatching from an egg. This is one of the many traits that you share with our mammalian relatives.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008, 9:30am
Rating: | Views: 1099 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 18, 2008, 9:30am
Rating: | Views: 1099 | Comments: 0
First 'rule' of evolution suggests that life is destined to become more complex
Scientists have revealed what may well be the first pervasive ‘rule’ of evolution.
Scientists have revealed what may well be the first pervasive ‘rule’ of evolution.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Mar 17, 2008, 5:12pm
Rating: | Views: 1110 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Mar 17, 2008, 5:12pm
Rating: | Views: 1110 | Comments: 0
Like sweets? You're more like a fruit fly than you think...
Similarities highlight environment's role in shaping evolution of taste preferences
Similarities highlight environment's role in shaping evolution of taste preferences
Genetics
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Mar 17, 2008, 12:53pm
Rating: | Views: 1235 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Mar 17, 2008, 12:53pm
Rating: | Views: 1235 | Comments: 0
Sand dollar larvae use cloning to 'make change,' confound predators
Nature is full of examples of creatures that try to look as big as possible in an effort to scare away potential predators. But to avoid being eaten alive the larvae of sand dollars appear to have a different strategy, in a way exchanging a dollar for a couple of dimes.
Nature is full of examples of creatures that try to look as big as possible in an effort to scare away potential predators. But to avoid being eaten alive the larvae of sand dollars appear to have a different strategy, in a way exchanging a dollar for a couple of dimes.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 13, 2008, 1:39pm
Rating: | Views: 1124 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 13, 2008, 1:39pm
Rating: | Views: 1124 | Comments: 0
Finding the best foot forward
Why a lizard makes it across sand when geckos have more trouble.
Why a lizard makes it across sand when geckos have more trouble.
Evolution
Source: Nature
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 13, 2008, 8:41am
Rating: | Views: 1203 | Comments: 0
Source: Nature
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 13, 2008, 8:41am
Rating: | Views: 1203 | Comments: 0
Bird brains suggest how vocal learning evolved
Though they perch far apart on the avian family tree, birds with the ability to learn songs use similar brain structures to sing their tunes. Neurobiologists at Duke University Medical Center now have an explanation for this puzzling likeness.
Though they perch far apart on the avian family tree, birds with the ability to learn songs use similar brain structures to sing their tunes. Neurobiologists at Duke University Medical Center now have an explanation for this puzzling likeness.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008, 8:36am
Rating: | Views: 1329 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008, 8:36am
Rating: | Views: 1329 | Comments: 0
Which came first, social dominance or big brains? Wasps may tell
There’s new evidence supporting the idea that bigger brains are better. A study of a tropical wasp suggests that the brainpower required to be dominant drives brain capacity.
There’s new evidence supporting the idea that bigger brains are better. A study of a tropical wasp suggests that the brainpower required to be dominant drives brain capacity.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008, 8:35am
Rating: | Views: 1141 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008, 8:35am
Rating: | Views: 1141 | Comments: 0
Female katydids prefer mates 'cool' in winter and 'hot' in summer
MU study determines flexible mating calls may contribute to ecological success of species
MU study determines flexible mating calls may contribute to ecological success of species
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008, 8:35am
Rating: | Views: 1101 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 12, 2008, 8:35am
Rating: | Views: 1101 | Comments: 0
Cooperation between figs, wasps and parasites proves 3 is not always a crowd
This week in the online open-access journal PLoS Biology, scientists Simon Segar, James Cook, Derek Dunn, and colleagues at the University of Reading have found that during mutualism, a cooperative relationship between two different species, a third parasitic species may help to keep the relationship stable.
This week in the online open-access journal PLoS Biology, scientists Simon Segar, James Cook, Derek Dunn, and colleagues at the University of Reading have found that during mutualism, a cooperative relationship between two different species, a third parasitic species may help to keep the relationship stable.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008, 8:43am
Rating: | Views: 1120 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008, 8:43am
Rating: | Views: 1120 | Comments: 0
Snakes vault past toxic newts in evolutionary arms race
Snakes don't eat fugu, the seafood delicacy prepared from blowfish meat and famed for its poisonous potential. However, should a common garter snake wander into a sushi restaurant, it could fearlessly order a fugu dinner.
Snakes don't eat fugu, the seafood delicacy prepared from blowfish meat and famed for its poisonous potential. However, should a common garter snake wander into a sushi restaurant, it could fearlessly order a fugu dinner.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008, 8:43am
Rating: | Views: 1175 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008, 8:43am
Rating: | Views: 1175 | Comments: 0
Domestication of the donkey
An international group of researchers has found evidence for the earliest transport use of the donkey and the early phases of donkey domestication, suggesting the process of domestication may have been slower and less linear than previously thought.
An international group of researchers has found evidence for the earliest transport use of the donkey and the early phases of donkey domestication, suggesting the process of domestication may have been slower and less linear than previously thought.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008, 8:42am
Rating: | Views: 1179 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008, 8:42am
Rating: | Views: 1179 | Comments: 0
Micronesian Islands colonized by small-bodied humans
Since the reporting of the so-called “hobbit” fossil from the island of Flores in Indonesia, debate has raged as to whether these remains are of modern humans (Homo sapiens), reduced, for some reason, in stature, or whether they represent a new species, Homo floresiensis.
Since the reporting of the so-called “hobbit” fossil from the island of Flores in Indonesia, debate has raged as to whether these remains are of modern humans (Homo sapiens), reduced, for some reason, in stature, or whether they represent a new species, Homo floresiensis.
Evolution
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Mar 10, 2008, 4:47pm
Rating: | Views: 1172 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Mar 10, 2008, 4:47pm
Rating: | Views: 1172 | Comments: 0
Brown-led study rearranges some branches on animal tree of life
A study led by Brown University biologist Casey Dunn uses new genomics tools to answer old questions about animal evolution. The study is the most comprehensive animal phylogenomic research project to date, involving 40 million base pairs of new DNA data taken from 29 animal species.
A study led by Brown University biologist Casey Dunn uses new genomics tools to answer old questions about animal evolution. The study is the most comprehensive animal phylogenomic research project to date, involving 40 million base pairs of new DNA data taken from 29 animal species.
Genetics
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 06, 2008, 8:14am
Rating: | Views: 1152 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Mar 06, 2008, 8:14am
Rating: | Views: 1152 | Comments: 0
Mars and Venus are surprisingly similar
Using two ESA spacecraft, planetary scientists are watching the atmospheres of Mars and Venus being stripped away into space. The simultaneous observations by Mars Express and Venus Express give scientists the data they need to investigate the evolution of the two planets’ atmospheres.
Using two ESA spacecraft, planetary scientists are watching the atmospheres of Mars and Venus being stripped away into space. The simultaneous observations by Mars Express and Venus Express give scientists the data they need to investigate the evolution of the two planets’ atmospheres.
Space
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008, 10:54am
Rating: | Views: 1175 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008, 10:54am
Rating: | Views: 1175 | Comments: 0
Tiny pieces of 'deep time' brought to the surface
New discovery of 'old growth' crystals provides new record of planetary evolution
New discovery of 'old growth' crystals provides new record of planetary evolution
Geology
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Mar 03, 2008, 11:13am
Rating: | Views: 1227 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Monday, Mar 03, 2008, 11:13am
Rating: | Views: 1227 | Comments: 0
For Frog-Licking Scientist, the Tongue Says it All
Poisonous frogs don't deter biologist Valerie Clark, who often licks them as part of her research on the evolution of the amphibians' toxic defenses.
Poisonous frogs don't deter biologist Valerie Clark, who often licks them as part of her research on the evolution of the amphibians' toxic defenses.
Evolution
Source: National Geographic
Posted on: Saturday, Mar 01, 2008, 10:41am
Rating: | Views: 1375 | Comments: 0
Source: National Geographic
Posted on: Saturday, Mar 01, 2008, 10:41am
Rating: | Views: 1375 | Comments: 0
The evolution of aversion: Why even children are fearful of snakes
Some of the oldest tales and wisest mythology allude to the snake as a mischievous seducer, dangerous foe or powerful iconoclast; however, the legend surrounding this proverbial predator may not be based solely on fantasy. As scientists from the University of Virginia recently discovered, the common fear of snakes is most likely intrinsic.
Some of the oldest tales and wisest mythology allude to the snake as a mischievous seducer, dangerous foe or powerful iconoclast; however, the legend surrounding this proverbial predator may not be based solely on fantasy. As scientists from the University of Virginia recently discovered, the common fear of snakes is most likely intrinsic.
Psychology
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Feb 28, 2008, 8:24am
Rating: | Views: 1124 | Comments: 0
Source: EurekAlert
Posted on: Thursday, Feb 28, 2008, 8:24am
Rating: | Views: 1124 | Comments: 0
Killer of male moths is identified
Researchers suspect virus selectively targets males.
Researchers suspect virus selectively targets males.
Evolution
Source: Nature
Posted on: Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008, 8:51am
Rating: | Views: 1181 | Comments: 0
Source: Nature
Posted on: Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008, 8:51am
Rating: | Views: 1181 | Comments: 0
Genetic Diversity Allows Pathogens to Go Where Other Pathogens Have Gone Before
The ability of some pathogens to “superinfect” animals that were already infected is the driving force behind greater genetic diversity in those pathogens, according to work by scientists at Washington State University. Their results shed light on the evolution of some of the most debilitating pathogens of humans and animals, including those that cause malaria, sleeping sickness and syphilis.
The ability of some pathogens to “superinfect” animals that were already infected is the driving force behind greater genetic diversity in those pathogens, according to work by scientists at Washington State University. Their results shed light on the evolution of some of the most debilitating pathogens of humans and animals, including those that cause malaria, sleeping sickness and syphilis.
Epidemiology
Source: Newswise
Posted on: Monday, Feb 25, 2008, 10:09am
Rating: | Views: 1158 | Comments: 0
Source: Newswise
Posted on: Monday, Feb 25, 2008, 10:09am
Rating: | Views: 1158 | Comments: 0
Shocking Evolution Into Action
The heat shock protein HSP90 can mask genetic changes in a species until the organism is stressed. In the mustard plant Arabidopsis thaliana, these potential changes may affect most inherited traits, including those that will affect survival, fitness and reproduction. Only when the organism is stressed are these traits exhibited.
The heat shock protein HSP90 can mask genetic changes in a species until the organism is stressed. In the mustard plant Arabidopsis thaliana, these potential changes may affect most inherited traits, including those that will affect survival, fitness and reproduction. Only when the organism is stressed are these traits exhibited.
Physiology
Source: Newswise
Posted on: Saturday, Feb 23, 2008, 10:28am
Rating: | Views: 1266 | Comments: 0
Source: Newswise
Posted on: Saturday, Feb 23, 2008, 10:28am
Rating: | Views: 1266 | Comments: 0
 |
 |
Friends