The –est

Animals

To zip through water, swordfish reduce drag

A newly discovered oil-producing organ inside the swordfish’s head gives the animal slick skin to swim faster.

Archaeology

Ancient Europeans may have been first wine makers

A new chemical analysis uncovers the earliest known wine making in Europe.

Oceans

Coral bleaching event is longest on record

Widespread coral bleaching continues, in the longest episode, over the largest area to date.

Life

Fruit fly’s giant sperm is quite an exaggeration

Giant sperm, about 20 times a male fruit fly’s body length, could make the insects the champs of supersized sexual ornaments.