Biology
A Deadly Fungal Disease Is Devastating Amphibian Populations
Researchers have found that, in all, chytrid fungus-linked deaths have contributed to the decline of at least 501 amphibian species.
Using DNA to Speed Up Identification of Aquatic Plants
A research team in Canada has tested the use of environmental DNA to ease the process of identifying and surveying aquatic plants.
Study With Women, Get Better Grades
Male and female students in an introductory biology class performed better when there were more women in their study group.
Identifying the Genes That Influence How We Interact With Others
Scientists are studying people afflicted with Williams syndrome to figure out the biological basis for our behaviors.
A New Single-Celled Organism Is an Evolutionary Game Changer
Researchers have discovered a new organism that has no known evolutionary relatives, causing them to reconsider how genes evolve.
Creating an Atlas of the Cells in the Human Body
Two biologists are working on a moonshot project to identify and map every cell inside of us.
Your College Major Predicts Midlife Health
Business and biology majors tend to be in strong physical shape a quarter-century after graduation. Psychology majors, not so much.
Will Decreasing Rainfalls Destroy Hawaii's Waterfall-Climbing Fish?
The fish, called O'opu, have developed the ingenious ability to climb hundreds of feet up the side of waterfalls in order to breed.
How Animals Adapt to Polluted Environments
Numerous species are evolving to cope with the dirge of pollutants put into the world by human beings, and it's taking a toll.
The Women Who Should Win the Nobel Prize—but Haven't
When the Nobel committees ignore women who do Nobel-caliber science, the awards deserve to lose their relevance.
Tragedy of the Common
The extinction crisis extends far beyond rare and endangered species.
Four Good Reasons You Should Be Skeptical of the Claim That Biology Explains Inequality
Four crucial facts about race, sex, and biology that contradict this messy argument.
Is It Time for Biologists to Stop Thinking About Race?
While social scientists should continue to study the social meaning of race, the concept has no place in biology, scientists argue.
What Do Young Children Learn From Pets?
Is a better understanding of biology something your child can pick up from being around dogs and cats?
Why We're All Mutants
We all carry genetic mutations, and new studies are revealing their impact.
The Mystery of Elderly Animal Matriarchs
Both women and orcas experience menopause. A new study reveals one reason why these matriarchs may prevail, despite their inability to reproduce: wisdom.
Epigenetics Is Not Revolutionizing Biology
But the research is helping us to accept the role that biology plays in our lives and our society.
Stop and Smell the Weeds
Even if you live in an urban environment, taking some time to correct for plant blindness can provide many benefits, both physical and psychological.
Will 'DNA Phenotyping' Lead to Racial Profiling by Police?
Bioethicists, geneticists, attorneys, and cops weigh the pros and cons of a radical new science.
Fighting the War on Cancer
Biologists have been working for decades on cancer research—and they’re making progress. But to really stand a chance against this aggressive disease, we should focus on more interdisciplinary collaboration.
It’s Time to Get Rid of History, Biology, and Chemistry Classes
We should re-think the subject boundaries in high school education so that they align with important ideas and concepts that will give our children useful analytical lenses for viewing the world.
No, the World's Health Problems Won't Be Solved With an App
Sorry, amateur biohackers.
Are Lab Mice of Men? Replacing Mouse Genes With Human Genes in the Lab
There have always been limitations to experiments done on mice, but new technology, which allows scientists to replace mouse genes with human genes, could clear the way for new ground to be broken.