From the origin of life through to the development of language and culture, Charlotte Mykura explores the rise of human beings

Image of the day: Sarah Bunney tracking giraffes

Benno Simmons discusses extinction debt and why biodiversity might be in an even worse state than we realise

The release of a book to accompany David Attenborough’s spectacular television series means the journey into the depths of Africa doesn’t have to end …

The phrase ‘out of Africa’ has become synonymous with the concept of early primate – and by extension, human – evolution. However, recent research challenges this view, instead indicating that primates left Asia some tens of millions of years ago and colonised Africa, where they continued their evolution. The new findings, produced by an international […]

Pluto’s fifth moon discovered Image: Hubblesite A new moon has been found orbiting Pluto, bringing the number of satellites known around the former planet to five. P5 – the moon’s temporary designation – is between 10 to 25 km across (less than the diameter of London’s North Circular Road), and was discovered by scientists at […]

There has been much media attention recently over the extent of ‘land grabs’ for agriculture, or the ‘foreignisation of space’ occurring in Africa. Estimates suggest up to 230 million hectares of land have been leased or bought largely to produce food, animal feed or biofuel for export in the aftermath of the food and energy […]

Variation is the driving force behind evolution and the reason why any species persists on this planet. Yet the science of human diversity is curtailed by controversial politics and outcries against racism. Some resistance comes from indigenous groups who feel they would be lab rats, but most comes from cautious government groups like the European […]

“I studied Zoology.” “Oh right, the study of zoos.” “Not exactly.” Zoology is the study of ANIMALS and it’s one of those science disciplines that rarely gets the reaction that chemistry or physics have come to expect. The response is normally one of confusion – why would anyone want to study something that has no […]

On June 5th, 1981, the Center for Disease Control’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) published the first report of AIDS. Entitled ‘5 cases of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)’, it included case studies of five previously healthy young men, all homosexuals, who had been treated for PCP, a lung condition normally seen only in severely […]

There will not be a highway through the Serengeti according to the government of Tanzania last Wednesday. But if that’s the case why aren’t all the conservationists celebrating the victory? The reason is because no-one seems to be entirely sure about what the government have conceded. The plan to build a motorway straight through the […]

Tanzania’s plan to build a $480 million road through the Serengeti has been condemned by the world. Last week Johnnie Carson, US diplomat, told reporters he had already expressed concerns to the Tanzanian government over the road in April. The US is added to the list of countries against the road. The plan however is […]

Zanzibar has a missing leopard. There is an entire species that has gone astray. Panthera pardus adesi is or was a species endemic to Zanzibar. Smaller than its mainland relatives the leopard hasn’t been seen by researchers since the mid-90s. According to many zoologists it is extinct; according to the Zanzibar tourism industry it is […]

Paddling in the Congo River System is not for the fainthearted.  This is the Goliath Tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath). Living in freshwater rivers and lakes it is an aggressive predator. Its body is streamlined and muscular with broad tail fins. It’s a combination needed for speed. Its skin is stripy, possibly for camouflage and its colouring […]

Science cafés are forums where scientists discuss or debate on topical and thought provoking scientific issues with the public in a relaxed, informal and accessible way. Held at coffee houses or restaurants or any other informal setting, the cafes are known for their informality and friendly atmosphere and are a good way of getting people […]

In I, Science’s first podcast, we talk all about Unseen Science. Episode-1-Unseen-Science by iscience  

by Adrian Giordani Happy New Year and welcome to the first I, Science of the new decade. We have worked tirelessly to bring you the latest news from science topics, both domestic and international. Discover what methane may mean for microorganisms on Mars and the consequences of the Copenhagen Climate Conference for subsistence farmers in […]