COUNTING TREES Researchers analyzed Google Earth imagery of dryland forest plots (one example of an open baobab forest in Senegal, shown) to reveal millions of forest hectares not previously reported.
FAO/Faidutti
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Magazine
In the June 24 SN: Unlikely worlds around dim red stars, bacteria to the rescue, flamingos’ balancing act, Jupiter up close, hominid origins revisited, spacetime shakes again, ladybug wing origami and more.
Life & Evolution
Topic Image Rail
NOTHING TO HIDE A newly discovered glass frog (Hyalinobatrachium yaku, shown) has skin so transparent that its beating heart is visible.
J.M Guayasamin et al/ZooKeys 2017
EGG DIVERSITY Bird eggs vary greatly in shape, size and color. In a new analysis, researchers look for links between egg shape and birds’ traits and lifestyles.
Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology
Life & Evolution
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Animals
Introducing
This glass frog wears its heart for all to see
A newly discovered glass frog species has skin so clear that it reveals most of the animal’s internal organs, including the heart.Science TickerFacial recognition changes a wasp’s brain
A new study maps genes at play in a paper wasp’s brain during facial recognition. -
Plants
News
Genetic switch offers clue to why grasses are survival masters
Scientists have identified a genetic switch that helps grasses regulate their carbon dioxide intake.News
Enzymes aid rice plants’ arsenic defenses
Rice plant roots have natural defenses against arsenic. -
Microbes
News
Microbes survived inside giant cave crystals for up to 50,000 years
Microbes trapped in crystals in Mexico's Naica mine may represent some of the most distinct life-forms found in Earth so far.For Daily Use
Cut leaves in bagged salads help Salmonella grow
Juice from torn-up leafy greens helps Salmonella spread in bagged salads. -
Fungi
Science TickerHow a mushroom gets its glow
For the first time, biologists have pinpointed the compound that lights up in fungal bioluminescence.News in Brief
How a mushroom gets its glow
For the first time, biologists have pinpointed the compound that lights up in fungal bioluminescence. -
Conservation
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Evolution
News
Flight demands may have steered the evolution of bird egg shape
An analysis of nearly 50,000 bird eggs finds a link between a species’ egg shape and flight ability.News
Ancient DNA shakes up the elephant family tree
DNA from straight-tusked elephant fossils is forcing scientists to reconsider the history of elephant evolution. -
Ecology
Science Stats
Earth’s dry zones support a surprising number of trees
A Google Earth-based estimate of dryland forests adds serious leafage to Earth’s total tree count.Mystery Solved
Hawk moths convert nectar into antioxidants
Hawk moths use their sugary diet to make antioxidants that protect their muscles. -
Paleontology
Science TickerNew fossils shake up history of amphibians with no legs
The oldest near-relative of today’s snake-shaped caecilians could have an unexpected backstory.News
Ancient attack marks show ocean predators got scarier
Killer snails and other ocean predators that drill through shells have grown bigger over evolutionary time. -
Biophysics
Teaser
Ladybugs fold their wings like origami masters
Ladybug wings could lead to new foldable technologies.News
How a flamingo balances on one leg
Flamingos’ built-in tricks for balance might have a thing or two to teach standing robots or prosthesis makers someday. -
Other
