evolutionary biology
Spriggina fossils reveal evidence of right-handedness 550 million years ago
A study of Spriggina fossils suggests these Ediacaran creatures moved with a consistent rightward bias, indicating a sophisticated nervous system.
Spriggina fossils provide earliest evidence of behavioral handedness
Researchers found evidence of behavioral handedness in Spriggina fossils, suggesting these early animals possessed an evolutionary preference for the right side.
Hummingbirds accelerated bromeliad evolution over 20 million years
A study reveals that hummingbirds have significantly accelerated the diversification of the bromeliad plant family, driving new species creation at twice the rate of other pollinators.
Caddisfly silk genes evolve rapidly while retaining underwater adhesive power
Researchers found that the H-fibroin gene in caddisflies undergoes rapid evolutionary changes without losing its underwater adhesive capabilities. This discovery offers a chemical model for developing synthetic glues for medical and industrial applications.
Great ape laughter reveals 15-million-year-old roots of human speech
University of Warwick researchers found that rhythmic patterns in great ape laughter provide a vocal fossil for the evolution of human vocal control.
Ape and human laughter study finds shared rhythmic origins in tickle tests
A study of humans and great apes has found that rhythmic laughter is an ancient, shared trait that evolved 15 million years ago. Researchers used tickle-induced vocalizations to uncover the biological roots of our vocal control.