Mammals evolved to eat ants at least 12 separate times
A comprehensive analysis of 4,099 mammal species reveals that the rise of ant and termite colonies drove at least 12 independent origins of specialized ant-eating across the tree of life.
Octopuses fall for ‘rubber hand’ illusion
A new study demonstrates that octopuses experience a sense of body ownership, as the rubber hand illusion can trick them into believing a fake arm is part of their own body.
NASA’s New Horizons pilots by starlight from 5B miles away
By measuring the apparent shift of nearby stars from its vantage point billions of miles away, NASA's New Horizons spacecraft successfully demonstrated the first-ever method of interstellar navigation.
Feral rabbits don’t revert to wild form, study finds
A new study on rabbit skulls reveals that when domesticated breeds go feral, they don't simply revert to their wild ancestors but evolve into a unique, unpredictable new form.
Ötzi’s ribcage reframes modern human evolution story
New 3D models of prehistoric ribs reveal that early human bodies varied significantly, with stockier builds in colder climates and slender ones in warmer regions.
‘Darth Vader’ fish: New species found in Papua New Guinea
Researchers have identified a new, uniquely purplish-black dwarfgoby species in Papua New Guinea, naming the tiny fish Eviota vader in a nod to the iconic "Star Wars" villain.
Spear-nosed bat discovered in Mexico, a first for the country
For the first time, researchers have documented the Greater Spear-nosed Bat in Mexico, extending its known range by 75 miles and sparking calls for its protection.
NASA’s DART asteroid impact unleashed unexpected boulder swarm, study finds
A new study reveals that NASA's DART asteroid impact unleashed a massive barrage of boulders that carried more momentum than the spacecraft itself, complicating future planetary defense efforts.
Scientists turn CO2 into plastic using only water, electricity
In a major sustainability breakthrough, researchers have developed a tandem system that utilizes electricity to convert carbon dioxide and water into high-performance plastic directly.
Study finds red-footed tortoises can experience moods
New research provides the first clear evidence that reptiles experience long-term mood states, a discovery that could reshape animal welfare laws and our understanding of sentience.