Science

Most recent stories in Science

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  Salon

  

  1 day ago

  "Scuba-diving" lizard evolved bubble-breathing trick to dodge predators

  Salon - By Matthew Rozsa

  When Dr. Lindsey Swierk studies water anoles in Central and South America, she can feel their presence even when she doesn't see them. The assistant research professor of biological sciences at Binghamton University studies Anolis aquaticus, the lizard best known for being semi-aquatic, …

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  Salon

  

  5 days ago

  Genetic analysis of Neanderthal named for Tolkien character reveals history of inbreeding

  Salon - By Matthew Rozsa

  Sharing the name of a legendary dwarf in J. R. R. Tolkien's classic fantasy novel "The Hobbit," a Neanderthal now known as Thorin wandered the Earth up to 42,000 years ago. Now a new study in the journal Cell Genomics reveals that Thorin probably lived a very isolated life ... one that seemingly …

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  Salon

  

  6 days ago

  From dinosaurs to dolphins, what gaze following reveals about the evolution of empathy

  Salon - By Carlyn Zwarenstein

  Picture this: You’re at a bar and someone clearly intoxicated starts telling your friend their grand theory about how the Titan submersible implosion was faked. Your friend locks eyes with you, clearly wanting to leave this dreadful conversation. She makes eyes to the door. Following someone’s gaze …

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  Salon

  

  Bat deaths linked to rise in infant deaths thanks to pesticide overuse

  Salon - By Troy Farah

  In yet another example of the cascading effects of mass extinction and pesticide overuse, the decline of bats has been linked to a sharp rise in infant deaths. Over the last two decades, North American bats have been devastated by a fungal disease called white-nose syndrome that has massacred …

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  Salon

  

  Yes, dogs understand words from soundboard buttons, study finds

  Salon - By Nicole Karlis

  Bunny, TikTok's beloved "talking" Sheepadoodle, never fails to amaze her millions of followers. From asking for play dates with dog friends on her augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device to posing existential questions and reporting her dreams, it appears that the more Bunny talks, …

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  Salon

  

  How did water bears get so hardy? Secrets of tardigrade evolution revealed in new fossil analysis

  Salon - By Matthew Rozsa

  At first glance, the microscopic creatures known as tardigrades don't appear that hardy. Also known as water bears and moss piglets, tardigrades sport blobby physiques, lumbering gaits and perfectly circular mouths stuck in the middle of their otherwise-featureless faces. Sort of like an alien …