Sawfish, guitarfish and more: Meet the rhino rays, some of the world's most oddly shaped and highly endangered fishes

Rhino rays, which are close relative of sharks, are some of the most fascinating – and most threatened – fishes that you’ve never heard of.

David Shiffman, Faculty Research Associate in Marine Biology, Arizona State University • conversation
July 11, 2023 • ~7 min

Did our mammal ancestors live alongside dinosaurs? New research hopes to end long-running debate

New research shows that placental mammals survived the mass extinction that killed the dinosaurs.

Emily Carlisle, PhD student in Palaeobiology, University of Bristol • conversation
June 30, 2023 • ~6 min

Seeing dead fruit flies is bad for the health of fruit flies – and neuroscientists have identified the exact brain cells responsible

When fruit flies see other dead fruit flies, their life spans are cut short. Other species also undergo analogous physiological changes when seeing their dead.

Christi Gendron, Research Assistant Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan • conversation
June 13, 2023 • ~7 min

Of mice and matriarchs: the female led societies of the animal kingdom

If you think relationships between male and female animals are simple, it’s time to have a rethink.

Tim Clutton Brock, Professor of zoology, University of Cambridge • conversation
June 13, 2023 • ~8 min

Why we’re searching for the evolutionary origins of masturbation – and the results so far

Masturbation seems like an evolutionary conundrum. New research has found an explanation.

Matilda Brindle, Associate Researcher, Department of Anthropology, UCL • conversation
June 7, 2023 • ~8 min

The secret world of moss, ancient ancestor of all plants and vital for the health of the planet

Take a moment to consider the natural beauty of mosses – and their history as some of the most intrepid explorers in Earth’s history.

Silvia Pressel, Senior Researcher Lead in Life Sciences, Natural History Museum • conversation
May 26, 2023 • ~8 min

Why are killer whales attacking boats? Expert Q&A

Orcas appear to be imitating the behaviour of one in particular by damaging sailboat rudders.

Luke Rendell, Reader in Biology, University of St Andrews • conversation
May 23, 2023 • ~9 min

Expert Q&A: why are killer whales attacking boats?

Orcas appear to be imitating the behaviour of one in particular by damaging sailboat rudders.

Luke Rendell, Reader in Biology, University of St Andrews • conversation
May 23, 2023 • ~9 min

Did life evolve more than once? Researchers are closing in on an answer

The question of how difficult it is for life to emerge is interesting – not least because it can shed some light on the likelihood of finding life on other planets.

Jordi Paps, Senior lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, University of Bristol • conversation
May 18, 2023 • ~7 min

From bird poo frogs to alligator snapping turtles – here are nature's masters of deception

The natural world is awash with liars – here are nature’s best.

Louise Gentle, Principal Lecturer in Wildlife Conservation, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
May 18, 2023 • ~7 min

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