Paleo in the News

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

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

Finding that vampire bats along Peru’s coast carried H5N1 antibodies raises concerns that multiple bat species could become reservoirs for the virus.

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

Archaeologists found flint, iron pyrite to strike it and sediments where a fire was probably built several times at an ancient site in England.

A compilation of 100 examples of biological tilings shows how repeated natural motifs enhance strength, flexibility and other key functions.

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

The finding could guide beekeepers to keep hives out of most vulnerable areas of the Irish heathlands.

A peer-reviewed paper about Chinese startup DeepSeek's models explains their training approach but not how they work through intermediate steps.

Irritability is a normal response to frustrations, but it can sometimes signal an underlying mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety.

Researchers uncovered rare azurite traces on a Final Paleolithic artifact, overturning assumptions that early Europeans used only red and black pigments. The find suggests ancient people possessed deeper knowledge of minerals and colors than believed. It also hints at vanished forms of decoration or artistic practices. The discovery opens new avenues for exploring identity and symbolism in Ice Age cultures.

Ancient pterosaurs may have taken to the skies far earlier and more explosively than birds, evolving flight at their very origin despite having relatively small brains. Using advanced CT imaging, scientists reconstructed the brain cavities of pterosaur fossils and their close relatives, uncovering surprising clues—such as enlarged optic lobes—that hint at a rapid leap into powered flight. Their findings contrast sharply with the slow, stepwise evolution seen in birds, whose brains expanded over time to support flying.

Ancient pterosaurs may have taken to the skies far earlier and more explosively than birds, evolving flight at their very origin despite having relatively small brains. Using advanced CT imaging, scientists reconstructed the brain cavities of pterosaur fossils and their close relatives, uncovering surprising clues—such as enlarged optic lobes—that hint at a rapid leap into powered flight. Their findings contrast sharply with the slow, stepwise evolution seen in birds, whose brains expanded over time to support flying.

Ancient pterosaurs may have taken to the skies far earlier and more explosively than birds, evolving flight at their very origin despite having relatively small brains. Using advanced CT imaging, scientists reconstructed the brain cavities of pterosaur fossils and their close relatives, uncovering surprising clues—such as enlarged optic lobes—that hint at a rapid leap into powered flight. Their findings contrast sharply with the slow, stepwise evolution seen in birds, whose brains expanded over time to support flying.

Scientists have confirmed that Nanotyrannus was a mature species, not a young T. rex. A microscopic look at its hyoid bone provided the key evidence, matching growth signals seen in known T. rex specimens. This discovery suggests a richer, more competitive tyrannosaur ecosystem than previously believed. It also highlights how museum fossils and cutting-edge analysis can rewrite prehistoric history.

Scientists have confirmed that Nanotyrannus was a mature species, not a young T. rex. A microscopic look at its hyoid bone provided the key evidence, matching growth signals seen in known T. rex specimens. This discovery suggests a richer, more competitive tyrannosaur ecosystem than previously believed. It also highlights how museum fossils and cutting-edge analysis can rewrite prehistoric history.

Scientists have confirmed that Nanotyrannus was a mature species, not a young T. rex. A microscopic look at its hyoid bone provided the key evidence, matching growth signals seen in known T. rex specimens. This discovery suggests a richer, more competitive tyrannosaur ecosystem than previously believed. It also highlights how museum fossils and cutting-edge analysis can rewrite prehistoric history.

Lamniform sharks such as great whites and tiger sharks are famous for their size. The first such giants evolved 15 million years earlier than thought.

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

Tantalizing results from small trials and anecdotes raised hopes that drugs like Ozempic could help. Despite setbacks, researchers aren’t giving up yet.