Chimp calls and human language origins
The apes’ calls seem to resemble sounds like laughter and crying rather than elements of a true language Michael Wilson, University of Minnesota Freud, Wilkie and the other chimpanzees peacefully…
Evolution in fast-forward
Hard times can snuff out some species. But with sufficient genetic diversity, a population can evolve with remarkable speed – even within a generation Wendy Orent We all know what…
Rat bones and the mystery of ‘hobbit’ island
Researchers consider food choice, hunting range and other factors to find out what caused the disappearance of a diminutive human species Anna Goldfield When I ask her “So how big…
Do jellyfish dream of android squid?
Out of the closet: Intriguing research suggests that sleep has a long evolutionary history P. Rajendran Sometimes great ideas come to life in garages, at others in closets, as in…
Getting zapped for science
A researcher finds out what makes an electric eel leap out of the water and deliver repeated shocks to his forearm