New Scientist - Life New Scientist - Life https://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist - Life https://www.newscientist.com/build/images/ns-logo-scaled.ed2dc11a.png https://www.newscientist.com daily 1 Monkeys in Thailand took up stone tools when covid-19 stopped tourism https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409075-monkeys-in-thailand-took-up-stone-tools-when-covid-19-stopped-tourism/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 26 Dec 2023 08:00:11 +0000 Long-tailed macaques on the island of Koh Ped appear to have learned a new way to forage when the pandemic put a stop to feeding by tourists 2409075-monkeys-in-thailand-took-up-stone-tools-when-covid-19-stopped-tourism|2409075 An ancient whale claimed the title of heaviest animal ever in 2023 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405381-an-ancient-whale-claimed-the-title-of-heaviest-animal-ever-in-2023/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 25 Dec 2023 15:00:35 +0000 Perucetus colossus lived 39 million years ago and weighed in at between 85 and 340 tonnes, meaning it was probably larger than even blue whales. The discovery has inspired both fan art and music 2405381-an-ancient-whale-claimed-the-title-of-heaviest-animal-ever-in-2023|2405381 Reindeer can chew their food and sleep at the same time https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409952-reindeer-can-chew-their-food-and-sleep-at-the-same-time/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 22 Dec 2023 16:00:51 +0000 The first study to capture brainwaves from reindeer shows that they take small naps throughout the day while chewing 2409952-reindeer-can-chew-their-food-and-sleep-at-the-same-time|2409952 The microbes that give cheddar cheese its distinct flavour https://www.newscientist.com/article/2410032-the-microbes-that-give-cheddar-cheese-its-distinct-flavour/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:00:52 +0000 Cheddar cheese's distinct but often subtle flavour comes down to interactions between different bacteria, which cheese-makers could utilise to create a specific taste 2410032-the-microbes-that-give-cheddar-cheese-its-distinct-flavour|2410032 The best animal photos of 2023, from hyenas to southern stingrays https://www.newscientist.com/article/2408573-the-best-animal-photos-of-2023-from-hyenas-to-southern-stingrays/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:00:59 +0000 Our favourite wildlife shots of the year feature an inquisitive hyena pup, a colourful sea slug and a fruit bat being swabbed for science 2408573-the-best-animal-photos-of-2023-from-hyenas-to-southern-stingrays|2408573 The science of why spending time in nature is just so good for us https://www.newscientist.com/article/2408955-the-science-of-why-spending-time-in-nature-is-just-so-good-for-us/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 20 Dec 2023 20:32:22 +0000 Getting outside to garden or walk in a park is good for your body – it’s exercise and you can get some vitamin D from the sun – but it’s also important for your self-esteem and mood 2408955-the-science-of-why-spending-time-in-nature-is-just-so-good-for-us|2408955 Chimpanzees recognise photos of friends they haven't seen for decades https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409344-chimpanzees-recognise-photos-of-friends-they-havent-seen-for-decades/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 18 Dec 2023 20:00:13 +0000 Bonobos and chimps in zoos remember individuals they lived with more than 20 years ago, showing a long-term social memory comparable to that of humans 2409344-chimpanzees-recognise-photos-of-friends-they-havent-seen-for-decades|2409344 Why are there no flightless bats? We're closing in on an answer https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034691-300-why-are-there-no-flightless-bats-were-closing-in-on-an-answer/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000 A careful look at the few bats that can walk on the ground – including the common vampire bat – is helping us understand why evolution has yet to produce a flightless bat mg26034691-300-why-are-there-no-flightless-bats-were-closing-in-on-an-answer|2407668 Swimming together lets fish move faster while expending less energy https://www.newscientist.com/article/2407338-swimming-together-lets-fish-move-faster-while-expending-less-energy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 18 Dec 2023 08:00:11 +0000 We have always suspected that fish can make enormous energy savings by swimming in groups, and now we have the proof 2407338-swimming-together-lets-fish-move-faster-while-expending-less-energy|2407338 Do animals dream and if so, what about? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034691-100-do-animals-dream-and-if-so-what-about/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:02:00 +0000 By studying the dream-like states of octopuses, pigeons and spiders, biologists hope to find out why dreaming evolved in the first place mg26034691-100-do-animals-dream-and-if-so-what-about|2407666 Inside the milk bank creating infant formula for orphaned animals https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034691-700-inside-the-milk-bank-creating-infant-formula-for-orphaned-animals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 12 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000 The world's largest frozen animal-milk bank creates custom formulas to help orphaned infants survive. Now it is working on even better versions to help some of the rarest species mg26034691-700-inside-the-milk-bank-creating-infant-formula-for-orphaned-animals|2407672 Life may be less chaotic than we thought, say physicists https://www.newscientist.com/article/2408679-life-may-be-less-chaotic-than-we-thought-say-physicists/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:00:36 +0000 According to a long-standing idea, life exists at the edge of chaos, meaning it is sensitive enough to respond to small environmental changes. But an analysis of processes that occur inside cells challenges the idea 2408679-life-may-be-less-chaotic-than-we-thought-say-physicists|2408679 First ever photo of a snow leopard under a starry sky is spectacular https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034690-700-first-ever-photo-of-a-snow-leopard-under-a-starry-sky-is-spectacular/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Photographer Morup Namgail set out to capture an image no-one had ever taken before, in the hope of drawing attention to the plight of the landscape and wildlife in his remote home region in Ladakh, India mg26034690-700-first-ever-photo-of-a-snow-leopard-under-a-starry-sky-is-spectacular|2407653 Arctic seals have weird bones in their noses that help them stay warm https://www.newscientist.com/article/2408842-arctic-seals-have-weird-bones-in-their-noses-that-help-them-stay-warm/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:00:07 +0000 Maze-like bones in the noses of Arctic seals turn out to be an adaptation for keeping warm in chilly conditions 2408842-arctic-seals-have-weird-bones-in-their-noses-that-help-them-stay-warm|2408842 Tap-dancing spider rediscovered after disappearing for 92 years https://www.newscientist.com/article/2408692-tap-dancing-spider-rediscovered-after-disappearing-for-92-years/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:22 +0000 Fagilde’s trapdoor spider seemingly vanished after it was first described in 1931, but now scientists have finally spotted it again in northern Portugal 2408692-tap-dancing-spider-rediscovered-after-disappearing-for-92-years|2408692 Electric eel zaps can genetically modify other nearby animals https://www.newscientist.com/article/2407823-electric-eel-zaps-can-genetically-modify-other-nearby-animals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 11 Dec 2023 14:30:20 +0000 Scientists use electricity to make cells take up DNA – and the same process could happen in nature thanks to electric eels’ shocking powers 2407823-electric-eel-zaps-can-genetically-modify-other-nearby-animals|2407823 Why you don't need to bother raking up dead leaves from your lawn https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034680-900-why-you-dont-need-to-bother-raking-up-dead-leaves-from-your-lawn/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 06 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 When the leaves start falling, we can spend hours removing them from our lawns. But leaving them where they are is often better for the grass, says James Wong mg26034680-900-why-you-dont-need-to-bother-raking-up-dead-leaves-from-your-lawn|2406774 Great Wall of China protected from erosion by coat of lichen and moss https://www.newscientist.com/article/2407602-great-wall-of-china-protected-from-erosion-by-coat-of-lichen-and-moss/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:00:31 +0000 Much of the Great Wall of China is covered in a biocrust of lichen, moss and cyanobacteria – it turns out this isn’t slowly destroying the wall, as was previously thought, but is slowing its degradation 2407602-great-wall-of-china-protected-from-erosion-by-coat-of-lichen-and-moss|2407602 Jumping spiders seem to recognise each other if they have met before https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406867-jumping-spiders-seem-to-recognise-each-other-if-they-have-met-before/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:00:41 +0000 Regal jumpers, a type of jumping spider, appear to be less interested in each other if they have met before, suggesting that the arachnids recognise individuals within their species 2406867-jumping-spiders-seem-to-recognise-each-other-if-they-have-met-before|2406867 Honeyguide birds respond to special calls from human honey-hunters https://www.newscientist.com/article/2407225-honeyguide-birds-respond-to-special-calls-from-human-honey-hunters/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 07 Dec 2023 19:00:06 +0000 Honey-hunters from several African cultures use different sounds to communicate with honeyguides, and the birds respond to local calls more than others 2407225-honeyguide-birds-respond-to-special-calls-from-human-honey-hunters|2407225 Sand-dwelling fungi discovered and named after Dune's giant sandworms https://www.newscientist.com/article/2407122-sand-dwelling-fungi-discovered-and-named-after-dunes-giant-sandworms/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 07 Dec 2023 12:00:35 +0000 One of four newly described species of "stalked puffball" fungi from Hungary’s Pannonian steppe erupts out of the sand like the iconic Shai-Hulud 2407122-sand-dwelling-fungi-discovered-and-named-after-dunes-giant-sandworms|2407122 Unusual dark hedgehog from eastern China is new to science https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406815-unusual-dark-hedgehog-from-eastern-china-is-new-to-science/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 07 Dec 2023 10:00:55 +0000 A species of hedgehog that hadn't been scientifically identified before has been discovered in two eastern Chinese provinces 2406815-unusual-dark-hedgehog-from-eastern-china-is-new-to-science|2406815 Locusts spun in a centrifuge develop extra-strong exoskeletons https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406661-locusts-spun-in-a-centrifuge-develop-extra-strong-exoskeletons/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:01:24 +0000 Spinning locusts in a centrifuge to mimic hypergravity seems to cause their exoskeletons to adapt, giving them stiffer legs – but too much gravity and they simply died 2406661-locusts-spun-in-a-centrifuge-develop-extra-strong-exoskeletons|2406661 Inside the secret chocolate garden built to avert a cocoa crisis https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg23631571-800-inside-the-secret-chocolate-garden-built-to-avert-a-cocoa-crisis/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 19 Dec 2017 18:00:00 +0000 Pests and disease threaten our supply of cocoa beans, but in a field outside London biologists are working to prevent a chocolate meltdown. We paid a visit mg23631571-800-inside-the-secret-chocolate-garden-built-to-avert-a-cocoa-crisis|2156571 Pregnant megamouth shark washed up on beach is first ever seen https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406351-pregnant-megamouth-shark-washed-up-on-beach-is-first-ever-seen/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:06:49 +0000 A female megamouth shark was found in the Philippines with one pup alongside her and six fetuses inside her body 2406351-pregnant-megamouth-shark-washed-up-on-beach-is-first-ever-seen|2406351 Shipwrecks are havens for wildlife in areas threatened by fishing https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406216-shipwrecks-are-havens-for-wildlife-in-areas-threatened-by-fishing/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:00:27 +0000 In areas of the sea affected by bottom trawling, marine life is more abundant in and around shipwrecks, suggesting they should be considered important conservation sites 2406216-shipwrecks-are-havens-for-wildlife-in-areas-threatened-by-fishing|2406216 Reindeer's real superpowers could help us beat depression and cancer https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24432610-700-reindeers-real-superpowers-could-help-us-beat-depression-and-cancer/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 18 Dec 2019 18:00:00 +0000 So what if Rudolph can’t really fly? He and the herd have some truly amazing evolutionary adaptations that could inspire new treatments for human diseases mg24432610-700-reindeers-real-superpowers-could-help-us-beat-depression-and-cancer|2227519 Marmosets swap brain cells with their siblings https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405114-marmosets-swap-brain-cells-with-their-siblings/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 01 Dec 2023 08:00:02 +0000 Most marmosets have non-identical twins or triplets, which exchange blood cells while in the uterus - and now it seems they also swap certain brain cells 2405114-marmosets-swap-brain-cells-with-their-siblings|2405114 Bottlenose dolphins can sense electric fields with their snouts https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405730-bottlenose-dolphins-can-sense-electric-fields-with-their-snouts/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 30 Nov 2023 23:00:29 +0000 Like platypuses and some sharks, bottlenose dolphins have an electric sense which they may use to navigate and search for food 2405730-bottlenose-dolphins-can-sense-electric-fields-with-their-snouts|2405730 Chinstrap penguins take thousands of very short naps every day https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405721-chinstrap-penguins-take-thousands-of-very-short-naps-every-day/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:00:53 +0000 While incubating their eggs, chinstrap penguins need to stay vigilant for predators – so they only sleep for a few seconds at a time 2405721-chinstrap-penguins-take-thousands-of-very-short-naps-every-day|2405721 The battle to bring beavers back to Scotland https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405108-the-battle-to-bring-beavers-back-to-scotland/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:00:16 +0000 The reintroduction of beavers has already transformed parts of the Scottish landscape and provided much-needed habitats for many animals, delighting conservationists but alarming some landowners 2405108-the-battle-to-bring-beavers-back-to-scotland|2405108 Unknown animals left birdlike footprints long before birds existed https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405496-unknown-animals-left-birdlike-footprints-long-before-birds-existed/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:00:23 +0000 Ancient footprints found in Lesotho resemble those left by birds, but they were made around 60 million years before the ancestors of birds split from other dinosaurs 2405496-unknown-animals-left-birdlike-footprints-long-before-birds-existed|2405496 Ancient life thrived after supercontinents trapped nutrient-rich soil https://www.newscientist.com/article/2405369-ancient-life-thrived-after-supercontinents-trapped-nutrient-rich-soil/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:00:45 +0000 There is a surprisingly close link between the flow of nutrient-rich soil around the ancient world and growing biodiversity - which could be a problem now, as human activity is disrupting and degrading soil 2405369-ancient-life-thrived-after-supercontinents-trapped-nutrient-rich-soil|2405369 Striated caracara's puzzle-solving matches that of clever cockatoos https://www.newscientist.com/video/2404726-striated-caracaras-puzzle-solving-matches-that-of-clever-cockatoos/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 24 Nov 2023 13:28:44 +0000 Researchers tested the puzzle-solving ability of striated caracaras in the Falkland Islands, discovering their abilities match that of Goffin’s cockatoos 2404726-striated-caracaras-puzzle-solving-matches-that-of-clever-cockatoos|2404726 See a very special spruce - the Tree of Life in Washington state https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034660-200-see-a-very-special-spruce-the-tree-of-life-in-washington-state/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Anna Beeke's shot of this huge spruce, which has become a landmark on the Pacific shoreline, is part of a stunning new book of photographs highlighting trees and woodlands around the world mg26034660-200-see-a-very-special-spruce-the-tree-of-life-in-washington-state|2403692 African penguins recognise their partners by the spots on their chest https://www.newscientist.com/article/2404134-african-penguins-recognise-their-partners-by-the-spots-on-their-chest/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 22 Nov 2023 10:53:39 +0000 The unique patterns of dots on the front of African penguins seem to be key to their ability to pick out their partners in a crowded colony 2404134-african-penguins-recognise-their-partners-by-the-spots-on-their-chest|2404134 Endangered vultures saved from deadly poisoning and electrocution https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403949-endangered-vultures-saved-from-deadly-poisoning-and-electrocution/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:41:12 +0000 A decade-long conservation effort spanning 14 countries has halted the decline of a key population of Egyptian vultures by preventing poisoning and insulating electrical infrastructure 2403949-endangered-vultures-saved-from-deadly-poisoning-and-electrocution|2403949 Hairy legs make you swim better – if you're a shrimp https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403802-hairy-legs-make-you-swim-better-if-youre-a-shrimp/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:18 +0000 Normally, hair increases drag while swimming – but for shrimp, hair seems to make it easier to move through water 2403802-hairy-legs-make-you-swim-better-if-youre-a-shrimp|2403802 Plants are more productive on weekends thanks to cleaner air https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403856-plants-are-more-productive-on-weekends-thanks-to-cleaner-air/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 20 Nov 2023 20:00:28 +0000 Satellite data from Europe shows that rates of photosynthesis are higher when aerosol levels in the atmosphere are lower, and there is a regular weekly cycle 2403856-plants-are-more-productive-on-weekends-thanks-to-cleaner-air|2403856 Bat uses its huge penis like an arm during sex https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403830-bat-uses-its-huge-penis-like-an-arm-during-sex/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:00:46 +0000 Video recordings reveal that penetration does not occur when serotine bats mate; instead males use their penis to push a protective membrane out of the way 2403830-bat-uses-its-huge-penis-like-an-arm-during-sex|2403830 Dancing monkey hormones shed light on harmful street shows in Pakistan https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402957-dancing-monkey-hormones-shed-light-on-harmful-street-shows-in-pakistan/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 17 Nov 2023 09:00:27 +0000 Stress hormone measurements highlight the poor welfare of monkeys trained to perform for the public in street shows, but social conditions make it challenging to end the practice 2402957-dancing-monkey-hormones-shed-light-on-harmful-street-shows-in-pakistan|2402957 Artist's tulip photos capture transience of life https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034650-300-artists-tulip-photos-capture-transience-of-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Kathrin Linkersdorff’s images, part of her Fairies series, are heavily influenced by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi mg26034650-300-artists-tulip-photos-capture-transience-of-life|2402584 Bonobos are friendly with those outside their group – unlike chimps https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403476-bonobos-are-friendly-with-those-outside-their-group-unlike-chimps/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 16 Nov 2023 19:00:07 +0000 The convivial nature of bonobos is in stark contrast to chimpanzees and may shed light on the evolutionary origins of cooperation in humans 2403476-bonobos-are-friendly-with-those-outside-their-group-unlike-chimps|2403476 Fossil footprints are the oldest traces of birds in Australia https://www.newscientist.com/article/2403224-fossil-footprints-are-the-oldest-traces-of-birds-in-australia/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:00:06 +0000 A set of tracks made over 120 million years ago push back the earliest known appearance of birds in the southern continents 2403224-fossil-footprints-are-the-oldest-traces-of-birds-in-australia|2403224 Ants treat their own fungal infections by eating aphids https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402845-ants-treat-their-own-fungal-infections-by-eating-aphids/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 15 Nov 2023 00:01:18 +0000 Silky ants with a fungal infection favour food containing aphids, which are a source of hydrogen peroxide, and this increases their chances of survival 2402845-ants-treat-their-own-fungal-infections-by-eating-aphids|2402845 Anemones are first known animals to follow the sun like plants do https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402990-anemones-are-first-known-animals-to-follow-the-sun-like-plants-do/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 14 Nov 2023 21:01:38 +0000 Snakelocks anemones are the first known “heliotropic” animals – their tentacles point towards the sun, tracking its movements like plants do 2402990-anemones-are-first-known-animals-to-follow-the-sun-like-plants-do|2402990 Metal pollution may be skewing the sex ratio of sea turtles https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402481-metal-pollution-may-be-skewing-the-sex-ratio-of-sea-turtles/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 13 Nov 2023 05:00:30 +0000 Some sea turtle populations have become skewed towards females because of climate change, and now it appears that chemical pollution might be adding to the problem 2402481-metal-pollution-may-be-skewing-the-sex-ratio-of-sea-turtles|2402481 Endangered echidna not seen in 60 years caught on camera https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402296-endangered-echidna-not-seen-in-60-years-caught-on-camera/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 10 Nov 2023 13:26:51 +0000 An echidna named after David Attenborough that hadn't been seen by scientists in more than 60 years has been caught on camera for the first time 2402296-endangered-echidna-not-seen-in-60-years-caught-on-camera|2402296 Stunning photo of rare Malayan tiger snapped by camera trap https://www.newscientist.com/article/2402215-stunning-photo-of-rare-malayan-tiger-snapped-by-camera-trap/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:29:57 +0000 With fewer than 150 left in the wild, the Malayan tiger is rarely seen – but images from camera traps provide hope that conservation efforts are paying off 2402215-stunning-photo-of-rare-malayan-tiger-snapped-by-camera-trap|2402215 Chile's Atacama salt flats captured in spectacular drone shot https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401413-chiles-atacama-salt-flats-captured-in-spectacular-drone-shot/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Photographer Olivier Grunewald is documenting the work of researchers studying the origins of life in the inhospitable waters of the Salar de Atacama 2401413-chiles-atacama-salt-flats-captured-in-spectacular-drone-shot|2401413 Sea cucumbers surprise scientists with spectacular light show https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397168-sea-cucumbers-surprise-scientists-with-spectacular-light-show/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:01:22 +0000 Ten sea cucumber species have been found to emit light for the first time, and researchers predict 200 more deep-sea species in this group could be bioluminescent 2397168-sea-cucumbers-surprise-scientists-with-spectacular-light-show|2397168 Hummingbirds have two amazing ways to fly through tiny gaps https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401528-hummingbirds-have-two-amazing-ways-to-fly-through-tiny-gaps/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 09 Nov 2023 23:00:00 +0000 High-speed cameras reveal that hummingbirds fly sideways to fit through narrow openings, or fold back their wings to shoot through like an arrow 2401528-hummingbirds-have-two-amazing-ways-to-fly-through-tiny-gaps|2401528 The cannabis of the future might not come from plants https://www.newscientist.com/article/2400841-the-cannabis-of-the-future-might-not-come-from-plants/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 08 Nov 2023 17:00:34 +0000 We can now synthesise THC, CBD and other cannabinoids in bioreactors – these could be used to make new therapeutic compounds with a lower environmental cost 2400841-the-cannabis-of-the-future-might-not-come-from-plants|2400841 Yeast has half its DNA rewritten in quest for synthetic complex cells https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401760-yeast-has-half-its-dna-rewritten-in-quest-for-synthetic-complex-cells/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:00:42 +0000 A team aiming to produce the first complex cell with an entirely synthetic genome has created a strain of yeast with half of its chromosomes designed from scratch 2401760-yeast-has-half-its-dna-rewritten-in-quest-for-synthetic-complex-cells|2401760 Orcas sink another sailboat as a bewildering wave of attacks continues https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401695-orcas-sink-another-sailboat-as-a-bewildering-wave-of-attacks-continues/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 07 Nov 2023 20:35:47 +0000 Orcas have been damaging or sinking boats in the Strait of Gibraltar for the past few years and we don’t know why 2401695-orcas-sink-another-sailboat-as-a-bewildering-wave-of-attacks-continues|2401695 Rats squeak with happiness when they are with another rat https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401348-rats-squeak-with-happiness-when-they-are-with-another-rat/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0000 Rats emit a high-pitched squeak when around another rat, seemingly just to express a positive emotion 2401348-rats-squeak-with-happiness-when-they-are-with-another-rat|2401348 Crabs evolved to live away from the ocean up to 17 different times https://www.newscientist.com/article/2401475-crabs-evolved-to-live-away-from-the-ocean-up-to-17-different-times/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:31:27 +0000 Unlike most other animal groups that left the sea behind, crabs have done it many times throughout their evolutionary history – and some crab lineages have even reversed course back to the ocean 2401475-crabs-evolved-to-live-away-from-the-ocean-up-to-17-different-times|2401475 Debunking gardening myths: Does misting your houseplants really work? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034631-400-debunking-gardening-myths-does-misting-your-houseplants-really-work/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0000 We are all told to mist our houseplants if we want them to thrive. But botanist James Wong failed to find a single study backing this up, so he did his own home-grown experiment mg26034631-400-debunking-gardening-myths-does-misting-your-houseplants-really-work|2400131 How we will discover the mysterious origins of life once and for all https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034631-300-how-we-will-discover-the-mysterious-origins-of-life-once-and-for-all/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:00:00 +0000 Seventy years ago, three discoveries propelled our understanding of how life on Earth began. But has the biggest clue to life's origins been staring biologists in the face all along? mg26034631-300-how-we-will-discover-the-mysterious-origins-of-life-once-and-for-all|2400130 Chimpanzees use high ground to scope out rival groups https://www.newscientist.com/article/2400865-chimpanzees-use-high-ground-to-scope-out-rival-groups/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 02 Nov 2023 18:00:31 +0000 Groups of chimpanzees patrol the edges of their territory and pause on hilltops to listen out for rivals, judging whether it is safe to venture further 2400865-chimpanzees-use-high-ground-to-scope-out-rival-groups|2400865 Planet Earth III: David Attenborough's 'hold your breath' moments https://www.newscientist.com/video/2400776-planet-earth-iii-david-attenboroughs-hold-your-breath-moments/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:56:00 +0000 David Attenborough discusses key scenes from the BBC's new Planet Earth III series and how the filming of unique animal behaviour is contributing to science 2400776-planet-earth-iii-david-attenboroughs-hold-your-breath-moments|2400776 Starfish don't have a body - they're just a big squished head https://www.newscientist.com/article/2400256-starfish-dont-have-a-body-theyre-just-a-big-squished-head/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:00:23 +0000 Gene expression patterns in starfish reveal a surprising answer to the question of how they evolved their unusual body shape 2400256-starfish-dont-have-a-body-theyre-just-a-big-squished-head|2400256 Flatworms can either regrow lost heads or reproduce sexually, not both https://www.newscientist.com/article/2400325-flatworms-can-either-regrow-lost-heads-or-reproduce-sexually-not-both/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:00:28 +0000 When flatworms have the ability to regenerate, they lose the option to lay eggs – instead, they produce offspring by splitting themselves apart 2400325-flatworms-can-either-regrow-lost-heads-or-reproduce-sexually-not-both|2400325 Desert plant collects water from air by excreting salt on its leaves https://www.newscientist.com/article/2400273-desert-plant-collects-water-from-air-by-excreting-salt-on-its-leaves/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:00:25 +0000 An evergreen desert shrub common in the Middle East excretes salt crystals onto its leaves that may help it draw moisture from nighttime air 2400273-desert-plant-collects-water-from-air-by-excreting-salt-on-its-leaves|2400273 Plant presumed extinct sprouts in a road after more than 40 years https://www.newscientist.com/article/2399982-plant-presumed-extinct-sprouts-in-a-road-after-more-than-40-years/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 27 Oct 2023 12:52:40 +0100 The mini galaxy plant was found flowering on a gravel road after no official sightings had been made since 1981 2399982-plant-presumed-extinct-sprouts-in-a-road-after-more-than-40-years|2399982 Some insects disguise themselves as spiders to avoid getting eaten https://www.newscientist.com/article/2400032-some-insects-disguise-themselves-as-spiders-to-avoid-getting-eaten/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 30 Oct 2023 09:14:45 +0000 Several species of flies, moths and planthoppers look so much like their jumping spider enemies that they fool an image-recognition AI 2400032-some-insects-disguise-themselves-as-spiders-to-avoid-getting-eaten|2400032 See a mob of seals save their pups from a shark in Planet Earth III https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034620-900-see-a-mob-of-seals-save-their-pups-from-a-shark-in-planet-earth-iii/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 25 Oct 2023 19:00:00 +0100 This shot, showing an unexpected victor in the clash between a great white shark and some Cape fur seals, is taken from Planet Earth III: Our world at the dawn of a new age, a new book accompanying the BBC series mg26034620-900-see-a-mob-of-seals-save-their-pups-from-a-shark-in-planet-earth-iii|2399107 Flatworm caught hunting and killing spider on its own web https://www.newscientist.com/article/2399825-flatworm-caught-hunting-and-killing-spider-on-its-own-web/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:00:25 +0100 Flatworms are slow-moving predators with poor vision, but one of them managed to attack a spider as it guarded its egg sac 2399825-flatworm-caught-hunting-and-killing-spider-on-its-own-web|2399825 Most mammals go through the menopause - if they live long enough https://www.newscientist.com/article/2399813-most-mammals-go-through-the-menopause-if-they-live-long-enough/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:00:17 +0100 The majority of female mammals stop producing eggs long before the end of their potential lifespans, but in the wild few reach this point, other than humans and some whales 2399813-most-mammals-go-through-the-menopause-if-they-live-long-enough|2399813 Roosters may be able to recognise themselves in a mirror https://www.newscientist.com/article/2399445-roosters-may-be-able-to-recognise-themselves-in-a-mirror/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 25 Oct 2023 20:00:07 +0100 Very few non-human animals have passed the mirror self-recognition test, but roosters have now succeeded at a modified version, which may mean they can understand that a reflection represents their own body 2399445-roosters-may-be-able-to-recognise-themselves-in-a-mirror|2399445 Bird flu has reached Antarctica and could have a devastating effect https://www.newscientist.com/article/2399252-bird-flu-has-reached-antarctica-and-could-have-a-devastating-effect/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:56:52 +0100 A lethal form of bird flu has been discovered in the Antarctic region for the first time and it could kill many seals and whales as well as millions of birds 2399252-bird-flu-has-reached-antarctica-and-could-have-a-devastating-effect|2399252 Vegan cheese made from fermented peas could taste more like dairy https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398691-vegan-cheese-made-from-fermented-peas-could-taste-more-like-dairy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:00:08 +0100 When a mixture of pea protein and sunflower oil is fermented with lactic acid-producing bacteria, it develops a firm texture and produces flavour compounds found in dairy cheese 2398691-vegan-cheese-made-from-fermented-peas-could-taste-more-like-dairy|2398691 On the hunt for thousands of salmon that escaped Icelandic fish farm https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396033-on-the-hunt-for-thousands-of-salmon-that-escaped-icelandic-fish-farm/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 23 Oct 2023 13:00:54 +0100 Some 3500 salmon have escaped from a fish farm pen in Iceland and now the hunt is on to catch them before they hybridise with the local wild, genetically distinct salmon in the fjords 2396033-on-the-hunt-for-thousands-of-salmon-that-escaped-icelandic-fish-farm|2396033 Why birds' eyes can be blue, green, pink or orange https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398428-why-birds-eyes-can-be-blue-green-pink-or-orange/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 20 Oct 2023 10:00:15 +0100 Among birds, eyes come in all sorts of colours – and it seems that this helps them compete for mating opportunities and intimidate rivals 2398428-why-birds-eyes-can-be-blue-green-pink-or-orange|2398428 Do animals know that sex leads to babies? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397429-do-animals-know-that-sex-leads-to-babies/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 20 Oct 2023 08:00:38 +0100 The time delay between sex and offspring makes identifying the cause and effect a little complicated. Humans have language to explain how reproduction works, but for other animals it may be far less clear 2397429-do-animals-know-that-sex-leads-to-babies|2397429 Emergence of huge cicada generation in 2021 led to a caterpillar boom https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398469-emergence-of-huge-cicada-generation-in-2021-led-to-a-caterpillar-boom/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:00:41 +0100 The emergence of 'Brood X' periodical cicadas in the US in 2021 gave birds a new food source, leading to knock-on effects throughout forest ecosystems 2398469-emergence-of-huge-cicada-generation-in-2021-led-to-a-caterpillar-boom|2398469 Pepper X: The world has a new hottest chilli https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398168-pepper-x-the-world-has-a-new-hottest-chilli/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 17 Oct 2023 21:16:41 +0100 Pepper X scorches the previous record holder, the Carolina Reaper, by a million Scoville heat units 2398168-pepper-x-the-world-has-a-new-hottest-chilli|2398168 Edible and delicious Chinese mitten crabs are invading the UK https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397495-edible-and-delicious-chinese-mitten-crabs-are-invading-the-uk/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:10:46 +0100 Numbers of invasive Chinese mitten crabs are believed to be growing in the UK, causing damage to river beds and competing with native wildlife 2397495-edible-and-delicious-chinese-mitten-crabs-are-invading-the-uk|2397495 Mega penguins: These are the largest penguins to have ever lived https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397894-mega-penguins-these-are-the-largest-penguins-to-have-ever-lived/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:00:57 +0100 No penguin alive today can compare with some of the extinct giants that once roamed the planet, including Kumimanu fordycei, Petradyptes stonehousei and Palaeeudyptes klekowskii 2397894-mega-penguins-these-are-the-largest-penguins-to-have-ever-lived|2397894 Dung beetles' feeding habits can be used to track endangered lemurs https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397622-dung-beetles-feeding-habits-can-be-used-to-track-endangered-lemurs/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:00:09 +0100 Biologists identified DNA from six species of lemurs in the guts of dung beetles collected in Madagascar, demonstrating a possible way to monitor endangered wildlife 2397622-dung-beetles-feeding-habits-can-be-used-to-track-endangered-lemurs|2397622 Paris's bedbug problem is probably no worse than other major cities https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397725-pariss-bedbug-problem-is-probably-no-worse-than-other-major-cities/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:21:08 +0100 An apparent resurgence of bedbugs has incited panic in France, but there is no scientific evidence of any increase in infestation rates this year 2397725-pariss-bedbug-problem-is-probably-no-worse-than-other-major-cities|2397725 Winning images from Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 https://www.newscientist.com/video/2397525-winning-images-from-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2023/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:00:24 +0100 Meet the award-winning photographers from this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition as they discuss their stunning shots 2397525-winning-images-from-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2023|2397525 Inventions based on threatened animals like rhinos are on the rise https://www.newscientist.com/article/2397263-inventions-based-on-threatened-animals-like-rhinos-are-on-the-rise/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 12 Oct 2023 12:17:50 +0100 An analysis of patent records suggests there is growing commercial interest in products derived from rhinos and other threatened wildlife 2397263-inventions-based-on-threatened-animals-like-rhinos-are-on-the-rise|2397263 Female frogs sometimes play dead to avoid mating with males https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396917-female-frogs-sometimes-play-dead-to-avoid-mating-with-males/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 11 Oct 2023 01:01:10 +0100 Frog mating can be a competitive and sometimes deadly affair as many males compete for females – but females have some tricks to avoid unwanted attention 2396917-female-frogs-sometimes-play-dead-to-avoid-mating-with-males|2396917 Winning images from Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2023 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396750-winning-images-from-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2023/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:30:50 +0100 Orcas hunting a seal, duelling Nubian ibexes and a stunning horseshoe crab appear in winning images from this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition 2396750-winning-images-from-wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-2023|2396750 Chickens made resistant to bird flu with CRISPR gene editing https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396830-chickens-made-resistant-to-bird-flu-with-crispr-gene-editing/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:00:46 +0100 Modifying a protein in chicken cells can help the birds resist infection by influenza viruses, but further testing is needed before this approach can be rolled out 2396830-chickens-made-resistant-to-bird-flu-with-crispr-gene-editing|2396830 Ocean life surged 500 million years ago due to cooler sea temperatures https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396825-ocean-life-surged-500-million-years-ago-due-to-cooler-sea-temperatures/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:00:17 +0100 A fall in sea surface temperatures around 500 million years ago led to the evolution of aquatic life that could survive in newly hospitable environments 2396825-ocean-life-surged-500-million-years-ago-due-to-cooler-sea-temperatures|2396825 Pickled snake in museum is a new species – but may already be extinct https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396347-pickled-snake-in-museum-is-a-new-species-but-may-already-be-extinct/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:52 +0100 A snake kept in a museum in Zimbabwe since 1982 has been assigned to a new species, the Nyanga rinkhals, but biologists fear it may no longer exist in the wild 2396347-pickled-snake-in-museum-is-a-new-species-but-may-already-be-extinct|2396347 Some of our cells move – and they do it by emitting lots of chemicals https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396045-some-of-our-cells-move-and-they-do-it-by-emitting-lots-of-chemicals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:00:34 +0100 A mammalian cell cannot crawl just anywhere – computer simulations based on experiments suggest that the chemicals the cells leach control the process 2396045-some-of-our-cells-move-and-they-do-it-by-emitting-lots-of-chemicals|2396045 Hybrid puffins may have emerged in the 20th century due to warming https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396449-hybrid-puffins-may-have-emerged-in-the-20th-century-due-to-warming/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 06 Oct 2023 20:00:53 +0100 Genetic analysis suggests that two subspecies of Atlantic puffin began interbreeding in Norway in the 20th century, perhaps as a result of warming in the Arctic 2396449-hybrid-puffins-may-have-emerged-in-the-20th-century-due-to-warming|2396449 Human voices are scarier than a lion's growl for savannah animals https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396184-human-voices-are-scarier-than-a-lions-growl-for-savannah-animals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 05 Oct 2023 17:00:16 +0100 Animals at watering holes in South Africa were twice as likely to flee in response to recordings of humans talking compared with sounds of lions 2396184-human-voices-are-scarier-than-a-lions-growl-for-savannah-animals|2396184 Egg sex screening aims to stop slaughter of billions of male chicks https://www.newscientist.com/article/2394786-egg-sex-screening-aims-to-stop-slaughter-of-billions-of-male-chicks/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:00:48 +0100 Male chicks have no value to farmers who raise egg-laying chicken breeds, meaning that billions are slaughtered straight after hatching. Now, techniques to sex embryos inside eggs aim to end this practice 2394786-egg-sex-screening-aims-to-stop-slaughter-of-billions-of-male-chicks|2394786 Hippos are really bad at chewing their food https://www.newscientist.com/article/2395911-hippos-are-really-bad-at-chewing-their-food/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:00:00 +0100 Common hippos can't move their mouths side to side to grind their food, while pgymy hippos can only partly do this motion 2395911-hippos-are-really-bad-at-chewing-their-food|2395911 Scientists have only just figured out how cats purr https://www.newscientist.com/article/2395709-scientists-have-only-just-figured-out-how-cats-purr/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:00:26 +0100 The low-pitched sound of purring is unusual for an animal with short vocal folds, but cats have other structures in their larynx that enable their contented rumbling 2395709-scientists-have-only-just-figured-out-how-cats-purr|2395709 Fat Bear Week: How Alaska's brown bears nearly double in size https://www.newscientist.com/article/2395767-fat-bear-week-how-alaskas-brown-bears-nearly-double-in-size/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Tue, 03 Oct 2023 22:00:12 +0100 Brown bears in Katmai National Park can eat up to 160,000 calories a day to prepare for winter, but how do they know it's feasting time? 2395767-fat-bear-week-how-alaskas-brown-bears-nearly-double-in-size|2395767 Beetles raise their young in trash dumps left behind by army ants https://www.newscientist.com/article/2394993-beetles-raise-their-young-in-trash-dumps-left-behind-by-army-ants/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Mon, 02 Oct 2023 15:00:13 +0100 Breeding beetles belonging to dozens of species are attracted to the piles of food waste left behind by raiding army ants 2394993-beetles-raise-their-young-in-trash-dumps-left-behind-by-army-ants|2394993 We’ve just realised that a tiny West African crocodile can moo https://www.newscientist.com/article/2394829-weve-just-realised-that-a-tiny-west-african-crocodile-can-moo/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:28:17 +0100 Audio recordings reveal that the African dwarf crocodile moos like a cow – and listening out for its calls could help biologists track the species in the wild 2394829-weve-just-realised-that-a-tiny-west-african-crocodile-can-moo|2394829 Male butterflies plug attractive females’ genitals to stop them mating https://www.newscientist.com/article/2394099-male-butterflies-plug-attractive-females-genitals-to-stop-them-mating/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Fri, 29 Sep 2023 11:00:41 +0100 Some male butterflies insert a stopper into their mate’s reproductive tract – and they use bigger, more effective plugs to stop rivals from mating with females that have a better chance of survival 2394099-male-butterflies-plug-attractive-females-genitals-to-stop-them-mating|2394099 Remarkable images show the intricacy and beauty of common plants https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25934580-400-remarkable-images-show-the-intricacy-and-beauty-of-common-plants/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:00 +0100 Familiar plants are revealed in exquisite, microscopic detail in these shots from biologist Jan Martinek mg25934580-400-remarkable-images-show-the-intricacy-and-beauty-of-common-plants|2394163 Alan Turing mathematically predicted the colour of lizard scales https://www.newscientist.com/article/2393551-alan-turing-mathematically-predicted-the-colour-of-lizard-scales/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=life Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:00:22 +0100 Alan Turing, the father of modern computer science, once put his mind to the subject of predicting colourful lizard scales – and we now know he was successful 2393551-alan-turing-mathematically-predicted-the-colour-of-lizard-scales|2393551