James Lovelock: the scientist-inventor who transformed our view of life on Earth

Lovelock’s Gaia hypothesis suggested that Earth could be considered a single, self-regulating organism.

Mark Maslin, Professor of Earth System Science, UCL • conversation
July 28, 2022 • ~7 min

Why do hammerhead sharks have hammer-shaped heads?

The first hammerhead shark was likely the result of a genetic deformity. A biologist explains how shark DNA reveals hammerheads’ history.

Gavin Naylor, Director of Florida Program for Shark Research, University of Florida • conversation
July 25, 2022 • ~7 min

Meet _Qikiqtania_, a fossil fish with the good sense to stay in the water while others ventured onto land

The newly discovered species – Qikiqtania – highlights evolution’s twisty, tangled path.

Thomas Stewart, Assistant Professor of Biology, Penn State • conversation
July 20, 2022 • ~9 min

When did the first fish live on Earth – and how do scientists figure out the timing?

A biologist explains how researchers nail down the age of ancient fossils thanks to a physical process called radioactive decay.

Isaac Skromne, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Richmond • conversation
July 18, 2022 • ~8 min

Ancient salamander was hidden inside mystery rock for 50 years – new research

The discovery shakes up what scientists thought they knew about salamander evolution.

Susan Evans, Professor of Vertebrate Morphology and Palaeontology, UCL • conversation
July 15, 2022 • ~10 min

Evolutionary tree of life: modern science is showing how we got so much wrong

DNA analysis is beginning to reveal how wrong the long-accepted evolutionary tree is.

Matthew Wills, Professor of Evolutionary Palaeobiology at the Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath • conversation
June 23, 2022 • ~7 min

Black death: how we solved the centuries-old mystery of its origins

The Black Death evolved around Kyrgyzstan, according to new research.

Philip Slavin, Associate Professor of History, University of Stirling • conversation
June 20, 2022 • ~7 min

How great white sharks outsmarted the massive megalodon to first rule the oceans, 3 million years ago

As the oceans warmed, great whites were more adaptable.

Nicholas Ray, Doctoral School Programmes Manager, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
June 6, 2022 • ~6 min

What is it about the human brain that makes us smarter than other animals? New research gives intriguing answer

Human brains seem to be wired differently to those of chimps or macaques.

David Menon, Professor, Head of Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge • conversation
May 27, 2022 • ~8 min

Showing you're stressed may make you more likeable – new research

A first-of-its-kind study investigated what’s going on in other people’s minds during your nail-biting moments.

Jamie Whitehouse, Research Fellow, Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
May 13, 2022 • ~5 min

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