Paleo in the News

Scientists have identified a new crocodile precursor that looked deceptively dinosaur-like and hunted with speed and precision. Named Tainrakuasuchus bellator, the armored “warrior” lived 240 million years ago and occupied a powerful niche in the Triassic food chain. Its fossils reveal deep evolutionary links between South America and Africa. The find sheds light on a vibrant ecosystem that existed just before dinosaurs emerged.

Some of the earliest images ever taken in the wake of massive star’s death give astronomers important clues about what triggers a supernova.

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

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

A new study hammers home how the "survival of the nicest" view makes no sense when it comes to evolution, says Jonathan R. Goodman

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

Some “clicks” made by sperm whales may actually be “clacks,” but marine biologists debate what, if anything, that means.

After a decades-long hiatus, new world screwworm populations have surged in Central America and Mexico — and are inching northward.

Over 500 million years ago, the Cambrian Period sparked an explosion of skeletal creativity. Salterella, a peculiar fossil, defied conventions by combining two different mineral-building methods. After decades of confusion, scientists have linked it to the cnidarian family. The find deepens our understanding of how animals first learned to build their own skeletons.

Over 500 million years ago, the Cambrian Period sparked an explosion of skeletal creativity. Salterella, a peculiar fossil, defied conventions by combining two different mineral-building methods. After decades of confusion, scientists have linked it to the cnidarian family. The find deepens our understanding of how animals first learned to build their own skeletons.

Over 500 million years ago, the Cambrian Period sparked an explosion of skeletal creativity. Salterella, a peculiar fossil, defied conventions by combining two different mineral-building methods. After decades of confusion, scientists have linked it to the cnidarian family. The find deepens our understanding of how animals first learned to build their own skeletons.

A child-friendly brain imaging technique is just one way neuroscientist Cat Camacho investigates how children learn to process emotions.

The Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology is located on the campus of The Webb Schools and has the unique distinction as the only nationally accredited paleontological museum on a high school campus. As such, our high school students are heavily involved in museum programs from public outreach to research. For students in 11th and 12th grade, they can participate in the Advanced Studies in Paleontology class and work alongside our professional paleontologists to conduct actual research using Alf Museum specimens.

Rogers Peccary Scholars are 12th grade students in the Advanced Studies in Paleontology class who have not only completed the full set of science coursework for paleontology at The Webb Schools, but they have also undertaken an original research project in collaboration with the Museum curator, Dr. Mairin Balisi, and/or director, Dr. Andrew Farke. Students are awarded this distinction in honor of their work in making a lasting contribution to scientific knowledge. Students were honored and received their Peccary Society pin during the Annual Peccary Society Dinner on October 24th.

Congrats to our 2025 Rogers Peccary Scholars!

Dr. Andy Farke’s class

• Andres Caballero
• Matthew Jung

Dr. Mairin Balisi’s class

• James Base
• Fionn Graham
• Andrew Huang
• Sophie Lin
• Mandana Mojaverian
• Mikey Pino

Meet our Rogers Peccary Scholars and learn about their research projects in the video below.

No, aliens had nothing to do with a winding 1.5-kilometer-long path of holes. First used as a market, the Inca then repurposed it for tax collection.

President Trump has argued the U.S. should test nuclear weapons because other countries are doing it. But scientific data suggest they’re not.

From a sensational internet fluffball to his own domestic longhair Loki, renowned animal photographer Tim Flach explores the world of cats

As one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century, James Watson pioneered the field of genetics and left behind a complicated legacy

A microscope reveals an algae-like adaptation that might future-proof crop photosynthesis in extreme heat.

Ammolite gems’ fabulous colors arise from delicate assemblies of crystal plates.

The birds grunt like tennis pros when generating their rat-a-tat, a performance strategy that may help stabilize core muscles.