New Scientist - Life https://www.newscientist.com/ https://www.newscientist.com/build/images/ns-logo-scaled.ed2dc11a.png https://www.newscientist.com daily 1 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505167-a-sinister-deadly-brain-protein-could-reveal-the-origins-of-all-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:00:16 +0000 We have long struggled to determine how the first living organisms on Earth came together. Now, surprising evidence hints that poorly understood prions may have been the vital missing ingredient 2505167-a-sinister-deadly-brain-protein-could-reveal-the-origins-of-all-life|2505167 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26935773-600-why-connecting-with-nature-shouldnt-mean-disconnecting-from-science/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 07 Jan 2026 18:00:00 +0000 There is a growing trend to see our relationship with nature as a spiritual thing. This is a mistake, argues Richard Smyth mg26935773-600-why-connecting-with-nature-shouldnt-mean-disconnecting-from-science|2510229 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2509909-jellyfish-sleep-about-as-much-as-humans-do-and-nap-like-us-too/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:00:30 +0000 The benefits of sleep may be more universal than we thought. We know it helps clear waste from the brain in humans, and now it seems that even creatures without brains like ours get similar benefits 2509909-jellyfish-sleep-about-as-much-as-humans-do-and-nap-like-us-too|2509909 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26935760-900-why-stroking-seedlings-can-help-them-grow-big-and-strong/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 The science behind why stroking your seedlings actually works. If you’re worried about your seedlings getting long and leggy, try a bit of home thigmomorphogenesis, advises James Wong mg26935760-900-why-stroking-seedlings-can-help-them-grow-big-and-strong|2509356 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26935760-200-could-james-and-the-giant-peach-inspire-the-future-of-food/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 30 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 In the latest in our imagined history of inventions yet to come, Future Chronicles columnist Rowan Hooper reveals how by the 2030s, botanists had worked out how to grow hybridised superplants to help feed the world mg26935760-200-could-james-and-the-giant-peach-inspire-the-future-of-food|2509340 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508876-human-plant-hybrid-cells-reveal-truth-about-dark-dna-in-our-genome/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 29 Dec 2025 08:00:24 +0000 It has been claimed that because most of our DNA is active, it must be important, but now human-plant hybrid cells have been used to show this activity is mostly random noise 2508876-human-plant-hybrid-cells-reveal-truth-about-dark-dna-in-our-genome|2508876 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502978-a-ghostly-glow-was-seen-emanating-from-living-things-in-2025/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 25 Dec 2025 17:00:38 +0000 The detection of mercurial particles of light emanating from mice led to a flurry of interest in biophotons, a mysterious phenomenon that could have applications in agriculture 2502978-a-ghostly-glow-was-seen-emanating-from-living-things-in-2025|2502978 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507368-6-incredible-new-dinosaurs-we-discovered-in-2025/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:00:37 +0000 Palaeontologists reported some remarkable dinosaur fossils this year, including a Velociraptor relative, a dome-headed pachycephalosaur and one of the most heavily armoured creatures that ever lived 2507368-6-incredible-new-dinosaurs-we-discovered-in-2025|2507368 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507184-a-spectacular-showcase-of-animal-pictures-from-2025/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:00:32 +0000 Our visual highlights from the animal world this year include a mouse caring for its companion, dolphins communicating in an unexpected way and a colossal squid caught on camera for the first time 2507184-a-spectacular-showcase-of-animal-pictures-from-2025|2507184 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2496622-what-the-family-drama-of-interbreeding-polar-and-grizzly-bears-reveals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:00:21 +0000 A hybrid grolar bear saga is unfolding in the Arctic, and the tale of this strange family has much to tell us about nature on our changing planet 2496622-what-the-family-drama-of-interbreeding-polar-and-grizzly-bears-reveals|2496622 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505223-de-extinction-was-big-news-in-2025-but-didnt-live-up-to-the-hype/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:00:42 +0000 Biologists poured cold water on Colossal Biosciences’ claim to have brought the dire wolf back from extinction, and some worry the overblown headlines will undermine conservation work 2505223-de-extinction-was-big-news-in-2025-but-didnt-live-up-to-the-hype|2505223 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835731-000-can-you-work-out-what-these-enigmatic-close-up-photos-are-of/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Scientist and photographer Felice Frankel has zoomed in on everyday occurrences with her camera for her new book, Phenomenal Moments, which reveals the hidden science in our daily lives mg26835731-000-can-you-work-out-what-these-enigmatic-close-up-photos-are-of|2507256 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508338-killer-whales-and-dolphins-are-being-friends-to-hunt-salmon-together/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:31 +0000 White-sided dolphins seem to help killer whales "scout" and catch Chinook salmon near Vancouver Island, then eat the leftovers 2508338-killer-whales-and-dolphins-are-being-friends-to-hunt-salmon-together|2508338 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2508035-genetic-trick-to-make-mosquitoes-malaria-resistant-passes-key-test/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:00:24 +0000 The rollout of a type of genetic technology called a gene drive for tackling malaria could be edging closer after a lab study supports its success 2508035-genetic-trick-to-make-mosquitoes-malaria-resistant-passes-key-test|2508035 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2507698-dinosaurs-like-diplodocus-may-have-been-as-colourful-as-birds/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:01:10 +0000 Skin fossils from a sauropod dinosaur examined with an electron microscope feature structures called melanosomes, which are similar to those that create the bright colours in birds' feathers 2507698-dinosaurs-like-diplodocus-may-have-been-as-colourful-as-birds|2507698 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506729-incredible-close-up-of-spider-silk-wins-science-photo-prize/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:01:41 +0000 Duelling prairie chickens, a snake-mimicking moth and a once-a-year sunrise at the South Pole feature in the best images from the Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition 2025 2506729-incredible-close-up-of-spider-silk-wins-science-photo-prize|2506729 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505906-images-reveal-the-astonishing-complexity-of-the-microscopic-world/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:39:30 +0000 From a dragonfly to marine organisms, photographer Michael Benson zoomed in with powerful scanning electron microscopes to take these extraordinary shots for his book Nanocosmos 2505906-images-reveal-the-astonishing-complexity-of-the-microscopic-world|2505906 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835720-100-stop-treating-your-pet-like-a-fur-baby-youre-damaging-its-health/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Pet owners' increasing tendency to see their animals as children rather than dogs or cats can have dire consequences. Owners, and veterinarians, should be wary, warns Eddie Clutton mg26835720-100-stop-treating-your-pet-like-a-fur-baby-youre-damaging-its-health|2506304 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506856-could-the-super-rich-be-cloning-themselves-and-why-would-they/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:30:02 +0000 Nearly three decades since the remarkable cloning of Dolly the sheep, it has all gone quiet on the human cloning front. Michael Le Page wonders what's happening behind the scenes 2506856-could-the-super-rich-be-cloning-themselves-and-why-would-they|2506856 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506902-tigers-seem-to-be-bouncing-back-in-remote-sumatran-jungle/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:27 +0000 Camera traps in an area of the Leuser rainforest patrolled by NGOs spotted 17 tigers in 2023 and 18 Sumatran tigers in 2024, while surveys elsewhere on the island averaged seven 2506902-tigers-seem-to-be-bouncing-back-in-remote-sumatran-jungle|2506902 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506376-cats-can-overcome-fear-of-water-to-benefit-from-aquatic-therapy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:05:28 +0000 Vets have developed a training protocol to help cats benefit from water-based rehabilitation therapies, in spite of their natural aversion to water 2506376-cats-can-overcome-fear-of-water-to-benefit-from-aquatic-therapy|2506376 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504250-the-long-overlooked-insects-that-could-save-our-crops/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 25 Nov 2025 16:00:00 +0000 Hoverflies, often mistaken for bees and wasps, pollinate three quarters of our crops. Now we’re discovering we can train them to be even more efficient 2504250-the-long-overlooked-insects-that-could-save-our-crops|2504250 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506054-origin-story-of-domestic-cats-rewritten-by-genetic-analysis/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 27 Nov 2025 19:00:11 +0000 Domestic cats originated in North Africa and spread to Europe in the past 2000 years, according to DNA evidence, while in China a different species of cat lived alongside people much earlier 2506054-origin-story-of-domestic-cats-rewritten-by-genetic-analysis|2506054 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504831-horrific-and-beautiful-whale-rescue-image-wins-photography-prize/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:00:24 +0000 See some of the winning entries for this year's Oceania Photo Contest, including Miesa Grobbelaar's shot of a whale, which took the top prize 2504831-horrific-and-beautiful-whale-rescue-image-wins-photography-prize|2504831 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506088-deadly-fungus-makes-sick-frogs-jump-far-possibly-to-find-mates/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:00:26 +0000 Chytrid fungus is a scourge to global amphibian populations, but before it kills some frogs, it can produce symptoms that may help the infected animals find mates and spread the fungus further 2506088-deadly-fungus-makes-sick-frogs-jump-far-possibly-to-find-mates|2506088 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2506034-pandas-use-tools-to-scratch-thanks-to-a-strange-evolutionary-quirk/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:25:12 +0000 Captive giant pandas have been seen breaking off twigs and bamboo pieces to scratch hard-to-reach spots, using a crude opposable thumb that other bears don’t have 2506034-pandas-use-tools-to-scratch-thanks-to-a-strange-evolutionary-quirk|2506034 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505398-sperms-evolutionary-origins-go-back-before-multicellular-animals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:00:09 +0000 Analysis of the DNA and proteins of a range of animals has revealed that sperm’s molecular toolkit arose in our single-celled ancestors, perhaps more than a billion years ago 2505398-sperms-evolutionary-origins-go-back-before-multicellular-animals|2505398 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505369-extinct-animals-in-prehistoric-planet-ice-age-make-it-a-must-watch/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:01:59 +0000 From woolly mammoths to giant sloths, via some lesser-known ice-age beasts like 'killer koalas', the visuals in this documentary are simply astounding 2505369-extinct-animals-in-prehistoric-planet-ice-age-make-it-a-must-watch|2505369 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835700-800-is-there-any-evidence-that-playing-music-to-plants-is-beneficial/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Botanist James Wong is constantly asked if he plays music to his army of plants. Time to put this notion to the test... mg26835700-800-is-there-any-evidence-that-playing-music-to-plants-is-beneficial|2504492 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505362-ancient-tracks-may-record-stampede-of-turtles-disturbed-by-earthquake/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:00:42 +0000 Around 1000 markings on a slab of rock that was once a seafloor during the Cretaceous period may have been made by sea turtle flippers and swiftly buried by an earthquake 2505362-ancient-tracks-may-record-stampede-of-turtles-disturbed-by-earthquake|2505362 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835700-500-new-scientist-recommends-the-society-of-wildlife-artists-annual-expo/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week mg26835700-500-new-scientist-recommends-the-society-of-wildlife-artists-annual-expo|2504480 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2505180-moss-spores-survive-and-germinate-after-283-day-space-walk/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:07 +0000 Astronauts strapped moss spores to the outside of the International Space Station for nine months - and most of them survived the challenging experience 2505180-moss-spores-survive-and-germinate-after-283-day-space-walk|2505180 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504554-mouse-midwives-help-their-pregnant-companions-give-birth/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:00:06 +0000 Scientists have observed mice helping each other when they encounter difficulties during birth, prompting a rethink of caregiving among rodents and other animals  2504554-mouse-midwives-help-their-pregnant-companions-give-birth|2504554 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504435-parasitic-ant-tricks-workers-into-killing-their-queen-then-usurps-her/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 17 Nov 2025 16:00:52 +0000 Some ants kill the queens of another species and take over their colonies, but we now know at least one species gets workers to do the dirty work for them through a kind of chemical subterfuge 2504435-parasitic-ant-tricks-workers-into-killing-their-queen-then-usurps-her|2504435 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2504310-oldest-ever-rna-sample-recovered-from-woolly-mammoth/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:00:15 +0000 RNA from an exceptionally well preserved woolly mammoth gives us a window on gene activity in an animal that died nearly 40,000 years ago 2504310-oldest-ever-rna-sample-recovered-from-woolly-mammoth|2504310 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835692-200-new-scientist-recommends-this-extreme-birdwatching-documentary/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week mg26835692-200-new-scientist-recommends-this-extreme-birdwatching-documentary|2503663 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835692-100-smart-new-book-takes-an-axe-to-the-myth-of-human-exceptionalism/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Christine Webb's provocative and moving book The Arrogant Ape explores our unjustifiable sense of superiority in the living world, laying out the evidence against it, says Elle Hunt mg26835692-100-smart-new-book-takes-an-axe-to-the-myth-of-human-exceptionalism|2503662 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835690-100-sperm-are-selfish-and-so-are-we/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 A new study hammers home how the "survival of the nicest" view makes no sense when it comes to evolution, says Jonathan R. Goodman mg26835690-100-sperm-are-selfish-and-so-are-we|2503631 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835692-000-surprising-new-biography-of-francis-crick-unravels-the-story-of-dna/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Francis Crick's biography is full of surprises as author Matthew Cobb reveals the life and work of the co-discoverer of DNA's structure, finds Michael Le Page mg26835692-000-surprising-new-biography-of-francis-crick-unravels-the-story-of-dna|2503661 https://www.newscientist.com/video/2503428-the-strange-science-behind-cat-cuteness/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:43:57 +0000 From a sensational internet fluffball to his own domestic longhair Loki, renowned animal photographer Tim Flach explores the world of cats 2503428-the-strange-science-behind-cat-cuteness|2503428 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2503570-james-watson-co-discoverer-of-dnas-double-helix-has-died-aged-97/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 07 Nov 2025 21:13:45 +0000 As one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century, James Watson pioneered the field of genetics and left behind a complicated legacy 2503570-james-watson-co-discoverer-of-dnas-double-helix-has-died-aged-97|2503570 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2503282-a-three-legged-lion-has-learned-to-hunt-in-a-completely-unexpected-way/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:00:15 +0000 Jacob, an 11-year-old lion, has defied expectations by surviving for years after losing a leg – now we know his success is down to an innovative hunting strategy 2503282-a-three-legged-lion-has-learned-to-hunt-in-a-completely-unexpected-way|2503282 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835680-100-this-book-is-a-great-insight-into-the-new-science-of-microchimerism/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0000 Lise Barnéoud's Hidden Guests shows how this fascinating new field brings with it profound implications for medicine, and even what it means to be human, finds Helen Thomson mg26835680-100-this-book-is-a-great-insight-into-the-new-science-of-microchimerism|2502296 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502509-grafting-trick-could-let-us-gene-edit-a-huge-variety-of-plants/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:00:22 +0000 Many plants including cocoa, coffee and avocado cannot be gene-edited but a technique involving grafting could change that, opening the door to more productive and nutritious varieties 2502509-grafting-trick-could-let-us-gene-edit-a-huge-variety-of-plants|2502509 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502576-orcas-are-ganging-up-on-great-white-sharks-to-eat-their-livers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:00:20 +0000 For the first time, video footage has captured orcas in the Gulf of California hunting young great white sharks, using a trick to flip them over, paralise them and get at their energy-rich livers 2502576-orcas-are-ganging-up-on-great-white-sharks-to-eat-their-livers|2502576 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835670-300-nature-documentary-shot-on-super-8-film-is-ravishing-and-unpredictable/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:00:00 +0000 In Ed Sayers's breathtaking documentary, a global community of film-makers capture the wildlife in their local areas. It's a bold departure from the glossy perspective of traditional nature documentaries, says Simon Ings mg26835670-300-nature-documentary-shot-on-super-8-film-is-ravishing-and-unpredictable|2501482 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500925-cats-revealed-in-all-their-glory-in-stunning-new-photographs/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:00:45 +0000 Photographer Tim Flach's new book Feline explores the mysterious and irresistible world of cats, from the domesticated to the wild, and why we love them 2500925-cats-revealed-in-all-their-glory-in-stunning-new-photographs|2500925 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2502146-dinosaur-skeleton-settles-long-debate-over-tiny-t-rex-fossils/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:00:54 +0000 Palaeontologists have argued for decades over whether certain fossils are young Tyrannosaurus rex or another species entirely – now they have strong evidence that the diminutive Nanotyrannus really existed 2502146-dinosaur-skeleton-settles-long-debate-over-tiny-t-rex-fossils|2502146 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501331-we-may-finally-know-why-birds-sing-at-dawn/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 24 Oct 2025 07:00:17 +0100 Birds all over the world break into a dawn chorus every morning – now experiments in zebra finches suggest both a mechanistic and a functional explanation for this phenomenon 2501331-we-may-finally-know-why-birds-sing-at-dawn|2501331 https://www.newscientist.com/video/2500484-why-are-orcas-still-attacking-boats-and-what-can-be-done-about-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:00:22 +0100 As orcas continue to attack boats in the Strait of Gibraltar, those studying them think they know why 2500484-why-are-orcas-still-attacking-boats-and-what-can-be-done-about-it|2500484 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2501010-cloud-microbes-colours-could-help-us-detect-life-on-other-planets/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:00:46 +0100 Microbes high in Earth’s stratosphere produce pigments to protect them from UV light – so similar molecules could be biosignatures of life elsewhere in the galaxy 2501010-cloud-microbes-colours-could-help-us-detect-life-on-other-planets|2501010 https://www.newscientist.com/video/2500988-chris-packham-my-dogs-saved-my-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:15:33 +0100 Naturalist Chris Packham speaks at New Scientist Live about the six species that changed his life 2500988-chris-packham-my-dogs-saved-my-life|2500988 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835650-700-can-chilli-powder-really-stop-animals-from-digging-up-your-garden/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0100 Chilli powder is touted as a cheap, easy, safe option to protect your garden from foxes and squirrels. James Wong casts a scientific eye on this popular remedy mg26835650-700-can-chilli-powder-really-stop-animals-from-digging-up-your-garden|2499871 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26835651-300-a-purrfect-guide-to-cats-and-our-complex-relationship-with-them/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0100 Our bond with cats – which has seen them go from hunter to house pet – may be more diverse than with any other animal. And Jerry D. Moore's Cat Tales: A history rounds up the lot, says Bethan Ackerley mg26835651-300-a-purrfect-guide-to-cats-and-our-complex-relationship-with-them|2499878 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2500107-dinosaur-fossil-rewrites-the-story-of-how-sauropods-got-long-necks/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:00:39 +0100 A 230-million-year-old fossil found in Argentina shows that the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs’ long necks began earlier than previously thought 2500107-dinosaur-fossil-rewrites-the-story-of-how-sauropods-got-long-necks|2500107 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498939-stunning-images-highlight-fight-to-save-earths-rich-biodiversity/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:00:31 +0100 From an alien-looking flat-faced longhorn beetle to an abandoned baby rhino, images at London’s Natural History Museum show what we stand to lose from the decimation of global biodiversity 2498939-stunning-images-highlight-fight-to-save-earths-rich-biodiversity|2498939 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499640-sword-dragon-ichthyosaur-had-enormous-eyes-and-a-lethal-snout/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 10 Oct 2025 02:00:19 +0100 A beautifully preserved skeleton found on the UK’s Jurassic Coast has been identified as a new species of the marine reptiles known as ichthyosaurs 2499640-sword-dragon-ichthyosaur-had-enormous-eyes-and-a-lethal-snout|2499640 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498841-would-a-ban-on-genetic-engineering-of-wildlife-hamper-conservation/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:00:14 +0100 Some conservation groups are calling for an effective ban on genetic modification, but others say these technologies are crucial for preserving biodiversity 2498841-would-a-ban-on-genetic-engineering-of-wildlife-hamper-conservation|2498841 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498809-20-bird-species-can-understand-each-others-anti-cuckoo-call/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:00:45 +0100 Several species of birds from different continents use and understand similar alarm calls when they see an invader that might lay an egg in their nest – this shared call hints at the origin of language 2498809-20-bird-species-can-understand-each-others-anti-cuckoo-call|2498809 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735630-300-endearing-photos-of-bats-show-clever-adaptations-like-long-tongues/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 01 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0100 In his book The Genius Bat, ecologist Yossi Yovel explains why these mammals are a vital part of ecosystems, pollinating plants and keeping insect populations in check mg26735630-300-endearing-photos-of-bats-show-clever-adaptations-like-long-tongues|2498399 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498651-how-jane-goodall-changed-the-way-we-see-animals-and-the-world/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 02 Oct 2025 12:02:18 +0100 Jane Goodall, who chronicled the social lives of chimps, has died, but she leaves a lasting legacy on how we view the natural world 2498651-how-jane-goodall-changed-the-way-we-see-animals-and-the-world|2498651 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498396-evolution-may-explain-why-women-live-longer-than-men/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 01 Oct 2025 20:00:28 +0100 In most mammals, females live longer than males, but in birds the trend goes the other way – a study of over 1000 species points to possible reasons for these differences 2498396-evolution-may-explain-why-women-live-longer-than-men|2498396 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2498164-funny-videos-of-stressed-and-frightened-pets-are-no-laughing-matter/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:54:42 +0100 Social media is awash with videos of cats and dogs getting startled or hurt for our entertainment. We should all be more alert to poor animal welfare, says Christa Lesté-Lasserre 2498164-funny-videos-of-stressed-and-frightened-pets-are-no-laughing-matter|2498164 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735620-300-amazing-images-expose-inner-world-of-mind-blowing-plants-and-fungi/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0100 Surreal images from a new book, Microcosms, show how confocal microscopy that uses laser scanning creates a super-sharp new journey around mind-altering plants and fungi mg26735620-300-amazing-images-expose-inner-world-of-mind-blowing-plants-and-fungi|2497229 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735612-000-dramatic-photos-show-bid-to-save-the-javan-slow-loris/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0100 The photos tell an unusual rescue story – the release of the critically endangered Javan slow lorises into Ujung Kulon National Park on Java Island, Indonesia, last month. mg26735612-000-dramatic-photos-show-bid-to-save-the-javan-slow-loris|2496613 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2497320-cheetahs-naturally-turned-into-mummies-in-caves-in-saudi-arabia/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:00:12 +0100 The constant temperature and low humidity of a cave network in Saudi Arabia turned cheetahs, some of which died thousands of years ago, into mummies 2497320-cheetahs-naturally-turned-into-mummies-in-caves-in-saudi-arabia|2497320 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2497299-dinosaur-found-with-a-crocodile-in-its-jaws-named-as-new-species/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:00:45 +0100 A fossil from about 66 million years ago reveals a species of dinosaur that is new to science, with claws that would have ripped through its prey's flesh 2497299-dinosaur-found-with-a-crocodile-in-its-jaws-named-as-new-species|2497299 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735610-400-new-scientist-recommends-david-attenboroughs-parenthood/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0100 The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week mg26735610-400-new-scientist-recommends-david-attenboroughs-parenthood|2496277 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2496954-stunning-amber-deposits-hold-insects-from-the-time-of-the-dinosaurs/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 18 Sep 2025 17:00:23 +0100 A sand quarry in Ecuador has yielded South America’s first amber with bio-inclusions, including a spider's web and a collection of mosquitoes, beetles, flies, wasps and biting midges that lived 112 million years ago 2496954-stunning-amber-deposits-hold-insects-from-the-time-of-the-dinosaurs|2496954 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2496701-wild-chimpanzees-may-get-mildly-intoxicated-from-alcoholic-fruit/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:00:18 +0100 Chimpanzees are consuming significant levels of alcohol from their diet of ripe fruit and the finding may help explain the origins of humans’ taste for alcohol 2496701-wild-chimpanzees-may-get-mildly-intoxicated-from-alcoholic-fruit|2496701 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2496656-dome-headed-dinosaur-from-mongolia-is-the-oldest-ever-found/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:00:38 +0100 A fossil from about 108 million years ago reveals an early member of the pachycephalosaurs, a group of dinosaurs with bizarre protrusions on their skulls that may have been used in combat 2496656-dome-headed-dinosaur-from-mongolia-is-the-oldest-ever-found|2496656 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735602-600-how-to-pick-the-right-fertiliser-for-all-your-different-plants/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0100 There are three key nutrients that all plants need – nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium – but in different amounts. So finding fertiliser that suits all your plants might seem tricky, but there is a simple solution, says James Wong mg26735602-600-how-to-pick-the-right-fertiliser-for-all-your-different-plants|2495511 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2495209-powerful-images-show-dark-side-of-south-east-asias-fishing-industry/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:00:18 +0100 Photographer Nicole Tung captures the tough world facing South-East Asia’s fishers and their families in this series of images, which won her the Carmignac Photojournalism Award for fieldwork 2495209-powerful-images-show-dark-side-of-south-east-asias-fishing-industry|2495209 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2496123-jaguar-breaks-records-by-swimming-at-least-1-3-kilometres/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 12 Sep 2025 18:00:59 +0100 A 1.3-kilometre swim by a jaguar is the longest ever confirmed, but the cat's motives for making the journey are unclear 2496123-jaguar-breaks-records-by-swimming-at-least-1-3-kilometres|2496123 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2495431-iridescent-mammals-are-much-more-common-than-we-thought/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 10 Sep 2025 01:01:22 +0100 It has long been claimed that only one mammal – the golden mole – has fur that shimmers with rainbow colours, but it now turns out that at least a dozen more mammals have iridescent fur too 2495431-iridescent-mammals-are-much-more-common-than-we-thought|2495431 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2495727-great-migration-involves-far-fewer-wildebeest-than-we-had-thought/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:21:52 +0100 An estimate that as many as 1.3 million wildebeest move across the Serengeti Mara landscape each year has been cut down to size using AI 2495727-great-migration-involves-far-fewer-wildebeest-than-we-had-thought|2495727 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2495130-baby-pterosaurs-could-fly-right-after-hatching-but-crashed-in-storms/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:00:28 +0100 Two fossils found in Germany show very young pterodactyls with arm bones thought to have been broken in flight, probably because of severe tropical cyclones 2495130-baby-pterosaurs-could-fly-right-after-hatching-but-crashed-in-storms|2495130 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735590-100-birds-dazzle-and-amaze-in-stunning-new-photographs/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 03 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0100 Flamingoes, a kingfisher and two red-crowned cranes are shown in all their glory in these images from the new book Aviary: The bird in contemporary photography mg26735590-100-birds-dazzle-and-amaze-in-stunning-new-photographs|2494373 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2495003-early-penguins-may-have-used-dagger-like-beaks-to-skewer-prey/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:00:22 +0100 Four new species of aquatic birds related to modern penguins have been described from fossils found in New Zealand, showing how these creatures flourished around 60 million years ago 2495003-early-penguins-may-have-used-dagger-like-beaks-to-skewer-prey|2495003 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2494878-plant-based-dog-foods-provide-almost-all-the-nutrients-pets-need/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:00:44 +0100 An analysis of a range of dry dog foods finds that none are nutritionally complete, but vegan and vegetarian foods compare well with meat-based ones 2494878-plant-based-dog-foods-provide-almost-all-the-nutrients-pets-need|2494878 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2494855-queen-ant-makes-males-of-another-species-for-daughters-to-mate-with/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 03 Sep 2025 17:00:20 +0100 Bizarrely, Iberian harvester ant queens lay eggs that turn into male builder harvester ants, and some of her offspring are hybrids of the two species 2494855-queen-ant-makes-males-of-another-species-for-daughters-to-mate-with|2494855 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2492442-we-will-soon-be-able-to-talk-with-other-species-which-will-be-first/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:00:49 +0100 Scientists have long and studiously avoided claiming that other animals have language. Now, using the power of AI, they are on the verge of deciphering one 2492442-we-will-soon-be-able-to-talk-with-other-species-which-will-be-first|2492442 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735581-300-new-scientist-recommends-the-55-year-old-songs-of-the-humpback-whale/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 27 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0100 The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week mg26735581-300-new-scientist-recommends-the-55-year-old-songs-of-the-humpback-whale|2493607 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2494043-ancient-crocodile-relative-could-have-ripped-dinosaurs-apart/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 27 Aug 2025 20:00:48 +0100 A fossil discovered in Patagonia shows a 3.5-metre-long reptile from the late Cretaceous with large, serrated teeth capable of slicing through muscle 2494043-ancient-crocodile-relative-could-have-ripped-dinosaurs-apart|2494043 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2494055-glow-in-the-dark-plants-to-replace-streetlights-forget-it/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:00:53 +0100 The brightest and most colourful glowing plants yet have been created by injecting phosphorescent chemicals directly into the leaves, but it is little more than a cheap gimmick 2494055-glow-in-the-dark-plants-to-replace-streetlights-forget-it|2494055 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2494030-armoured-dinosaurs-crazy-spikes-werent-just-for-defence/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 27 Aug 2025 17:00:49 +0100 A 165-million-year-old ankylosaur from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco was covered in an array of extreme armour including body spikes fused to its skeleton, a feature never seen in any dinosaur before 2494030-armoured-dinosaurs-crazy-spikes-werent-just-for-defence|2494030 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2493952-long-lost-sailback-shark-rediscovered-after-more-than-50-years/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:20:23 +0100 The rare sailback houndshark, which has an unusually large dorsal fin, was first described by scientists in 1973. That was the last record of its existence, until now 2493952-long-lost-sailback-shark-rediscovered-after-more-than-50-years|2493952 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2493844-thylacines-genome-provides-clues-about-why-it-went-extinct/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 27 Aug 2025 01:00:43 +0100 A comparison of the thylacine’s genome to other marsupials has revealed that the creatures lost genetic diversity long before humans and dingoes arrived in Australia 2493844-thylacines-genome-provides-clues-about-why-it-went-extinct|2493844 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2493719-we-are-unlocking-how-frozen-microbes-stay-alive-for-100000-years/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 25 Aug 2025 22:30:10 +0100 Microbes found buried deep in Siberian permafrost may be able to survive over extremely long timescales using protein repair genes 2493719-we-are-unlocking-how-frozen-microbes-stay-alive-for-100000-years|2493719 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735574-000-documenting-the-battle-to-protect-new-zealands-endangered-birds/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 20 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0100 Robin Hammond's photographs show the conservation battle to eradicate three species introduced to New Zealand, in order to protect the island nation's birds mg26735574-000-documenting-the-battle-to-protect-new-zealands-endangered-birds|2493033 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2493193-artificial-superfood-for-bees-boosts-colony-reproduction/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 20 Aug 2025 17:00:11 +0100 A dietary supplement made from engineered yeast could help honeybees thrive despite the declining availability of high-quality pollen in their environment 2493193-artificial-superfood-for-bees-boosts-colony-reproduction|2493193 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2492965-how-cocoa-beans-microbiomes-are-key-to-the-finest-chocolate-flavours/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:00:32 +0100 Nine species of fungi and bacteria have been found in cocoa beans that produce fine chocolate, and this knowledge could help producers develop better flavours 2492965-how-cocoa-beans-microbiomes-are-key-to-the-finest-chocolate-flavours|2492965 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2492751-weird-microbial-partnership-shows-how-complex-life-may-have-evolved/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 15 Aug 2025 17:00:31 +0100 Connecting tubes between bacteria and a kind of microbe called archaea may reflect a symbiotic relationship that led to complex cells more than 2 billion years ago 2492751-weird-microbial-partnership-shows-how-complex-life-may-have-evolved|2492751 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735562-000-stark-images-show-waters-role-in-human-strife-and-survival/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0100 As part of the exhibition Thirst: In Search of Freshwater, photographer M'hammed Kilito's images showcase the importance and fragility of humanity's relationship with fresh water mg26735562-000-stark-images-show-waters-role-in-human-strife-and-survival|2492068 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2492076-these-ants-are-one-of-the-most-effective-teams-in-the-natural-world/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:00:33 +0100 Typically, individuals work less effectively in bigger teams, but weaver ants buck this trend by increasing their power output when they pull together 2492076-these-ants-are-one-of-the-most-effective-teams-in-the-natural-world|2492076 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735550-500-do-the-bumps-on-a-bell-pepper-reveal-how-sweet-it-will-be-er-no/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0100 Social media influencers are convinced that the number of lobes on the base of a bell pepper give us information about its sex and taste. James Wong debunks this myth with some science mg26735550-500-do-the-bumps-on-a-bell-pepper-reveal-how-sweet-it-will-be-er-no|2490899 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2491808-two-sneaky-viruses-may-be-messing-with-honeybee-flight/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:00:24 +0100 The deformed wing and sacbrood viruses were thought to cause asymptomatic infections in adult bees. But the viruses make the insects fly slower and faster than normal, respectively 2491808-two-sneaky-viruses-may-be-messing-with-honeybee-flight|2491808 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2481371-theres-growing-evidence-the-big-five-mass-extinctions-never-happened/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:00:25 +0100 Surprising new fossil evidence undermines the idea that there was ever a mass extinction on land – and may force us to reframe the current biodiversity crisis 2481371-theres-growing-evidence-the-big-five-mass-extinctions-never-happened|2481371 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735551-800-new-scientist-recommends-kew-gardens-new-of-the-oak-exhibition/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0100 The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week mg26735551-800-new-scientist-recommends-kew-gardens-new-of-the-oak-exhibition|2491075 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26735551-500-enchanting-photos-of-bizarre-mushrooms-showcase-fungi-diversity/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:00:00 +0100 From squat toadstools to web-like mushrooms, images from Funga Obscura celebrate some of the most striking fungi on our planet mg26735551-500-enchanting-photos-of-bizarre-mushrooms-showcase-fungi-diversity|2491072