Biology

A study of dolphins’ epigenetic ages found that animals with more high-quality friendships were biologically younger than their lonely peers

A partial skeleton dating back more than two million years is the most complete yet of Homo habilis, one of the earliest known species in our genus

Researchers are using cutting‑edge DNA techniques to hunt for genetic evidence in centuries‑old artworks in an effort to better understand the genius of Leonardo da Vinci

Towering Prototaxites ruled Earth before trees—and they may have been a form of life entirely new to science

Deer antler rubs and hoof scrapes change how parts of the forest reflect short-wavelength light, perhaps leaving a glowing signal

A large dataset shows some dog stereotypes are based in reality, and others might be unfair characterizations

Researchers are closer to making “reversed” cells that may wipe us off the planet

Extremophile molds are invading art museums and devouring their collections. Stigma and climate change have fueled their spread

A pet cow named Veronika uses a tool in a surprisingly sophisticated way—possibly because she has been allowed to live her best life

Ribbon worms can grow to enormous lengths, and one named Baseodiscus the Eldest is showing how little we know about them—including how long they live

Spiders scare off predators by seemingly supersizing themselves

Scientists are just beginning to understand the signals that determine the length of dogs’ ears