Biodiversity
Latest about biodiversity

Weird rodent glows under UV light with disco swirls of pink and orange
By Mindy Weisberger published
New research spotlights fluorescence in a jumping rodent known as a springhare.

The planet is dying faster than we thought
By Brandon Specktor published
A triple-threat of climate change, biodiversity loss and overpopulation is bearing down on Earth, a new paper from 17 scientists warns.

World's ugliest orchid looks like a soul-sucking, eyeless worm
By Mindy Weisberger published
Orchids are usually prized for their loveliness, but a newly described species is no beauty.

Crested rats can kill with their poisonous fur
By Mindy Weisberger published
Rabbit-size rats from Eastern Africa are the only mammals on Earth that gain a poison defense from plants.

Hidden world of bacteria and fungi discovered on Leonardo da Vinci's drawings
By Rafi Letzter published
Researchers examining Leonardo Da Vinci's drawings found a microbiome — a hidden biological signature of their travels across centuries.

World's ugliest bats sing through 'face masks' made of skin to woo the ladies
By Mindy Weisberger published
Scientists recently documented never-before-seen mating behavior in wrinkle-faced bats, in which males pull a furry flap of skin over their faces.

Skin-eating fungus from Europe could invade US, decimate salamanders
By Debra Miller published
The Southern Appalachian mountains are a global biodiversity hot spot for salamanders. And now a skin-eating fungus from Europe could decimate them.

After 3,000 years, Tasmanian devils return to mainland Australia
By Mindy Weisberger published
Tasmanian devils have been reintroduced to mainland Australia, where they haven't been seen in the wild for millennia.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.