The secret world of puddles

Puddles are an often-ignored but crucial habitat for rare and unusual wildlife.

Mike Jeffries, Associate Professor, Ecology, Northumbria University, Newcastle • conversation
Dec. 29, 2023 ~7 min

Children have a skewed view of the natural world – but it doesn't have to be that way

Their drawings did not reflect the make up of the natural world.

Kate Howlett, PhD candidate in Zoology, University of Cambridge • conversation
July 13, 2023 ~6 min


Europe has lost over half a billion birds in 40 years. The single biggest cause? Pesticides and fertilisers

Insect-eating birds such as swifts and yellow wagtails are particularly vulnerable.

Richard Gregory, Honorary Professor of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, UCL • conversation
June 1, 2023 ~8 min

Melting glaciers in the Alps will eradicate some invertebrates that are crucial for alpine ecosystems – new research

Meltwater rivers in the European Alps will change as glaciers melt – threatening animals that are vital for alpine ecosystems with habitat loss.

Martin Wilkes, Senior Lecturer of Life Sciences, University of Essex • conversation
May 17, 2023 ~7 min

Scientists discover five new species of black corals living thousands of feet below the ocean surface near the Great Barrier Reef

Black corals provide critical habitat for many creatures that live in the dark, often barren, deep sea, and researchers are learning more about these rare corals with every dive.

Jeremy Horowitz, Post-doctoral Fellow in Invertebrate Zoology, Smithsonian Institution • conversation
Nov. 23, 2022 ~6 min

Beyond flora and fauna: Why it's time to include fungi in global conservation goals

Fungi underpin life on Earth, but are far less well catalogued and understood than animals and plants. Three scientists call for including fungi in conservation strategies and environmental laws.

Patricia Kaishian, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology, Bard College • conversation
May 17, 2022 ~10 min

What does an octopus eat? For a creature with a brain in each arm, whatever's within reach

With nine brains, blue blood and a talent for camouflage, the octopus is one of the most fascinating creatures in the sea.

Yannis Papastamatiou, Professor of Biological Sciences, Florida International University • conversation
May 9, 2022 ~6 min

Lobsters and octopuses have feelings, says new animal welfare bill – so will UK law change?

Slow progress may be better than none at all for animals living in the UK.

Joe Wills, Lecturer in Law, University of Leicester • conversation
April 13, 2022 ~7 min


How we discovered a rare giant millipede fossil on a beach - and why it matters

Why our chance discovery of an Arthropleura as long as an alligator, while on holiday on a beach in northern England, was such a landmark moment.

Neil Davies, Associate professor, University of Cambridge • conversation
Jan. 28, 2022 ~7 min

Octopus, crabs and lobsters feel pain - this is how we found out

Octopus, crabs, prawns demonstrate clear signs of emotion, such as pain and ‘anxiety-like’ behaviour.

Jonathan Birch, Associate Professor of Philosophy, London School of Economics and Political Science • conversation
Dec. 16, 2021 ~7 min

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