Biology

Origin-of-life researchers have usually studied the potential of pure starting materials, but messy mixtures of chemicals may kick-start life more effectively.

Clues from fish diversity suggest that interbreeding between species could be a major mechanism of fast speciation.

Genetically identical bacteria should all be the same, but in fact, the cells are stubbornly varied individuals.

Modern humans and more ancient hominins interbred many times throughout Eurasia and Africa, and the genetic flow went both ways.

In the “underground economy” for soil nutrients, fungi strike hard bargains and punish plants that won’t meet their price.

Mathematicians and neuroscientists have created the first anatomically accurate model that explains how vision is possible.

Researchers agree it’s a long shot, but transmissible cancers could theoretically evolve into independent species. Certain weird parasites might be living proof.

Modeling suggests that many embryonic cells commit to a developmental fate when they become too small to divide unevenly anymore.

Researchers found that elongating certain brain signals in rats improved their memory. The work revealed a new property to look out for in the hunt for “biomarkers” of learning.