Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
91 results for "vertebrates"
Researchers at the University of St Andrews discovered how our ancestors developed backbones, complex brains, and sophisticated immune systems through a molecular explosion of protein diversity. The breakthrough could revolutionize how we treat diseases linked to cellular communication.
Scientists discovered that the oldest vertebrates alive 518 million years ago had four eyes instead of two. The extra pair evolved into the pineal gland in our brains, which now regulates our sleep instead of seeing.
A new genetic discovery explains how animals with backbones became so complex. The finding could help scientists better understand human development and disease.
Tiny fish from the Red Sea possess revolutionary eye cells that combine two types of vision previously thought impossible to merge. The discovery is forcing scientists to reconsider everything we thought we knew about how vertebrate eyes work.
Scientists have mapped the genome of the Greenland shark, the longest-living vertebrate on Earth, uncovering genetic secrets that could help humans fight aging and cancer. The findings reveal how these remarkable creatures live for centuries without succumbing to disease.
Scientists in China discovered the oldest known bony fish fossils, filling a crucial gap in understanding how fish evolved into land animals and eventually humans. The tiny 436-million-year-old fish reveals features that evolved much earlier than previously believed.
Scientists discovered hybrid eye cells in deep-sea fish that combine two types of vision previously thought impossible to mix. The finding could reshape our understanding of how vision evolved across all vertebrates.
A groundbreaking study reveals that protecting Earth's vertebrates requires tackling multiple threats at once, not just habitat loss. The research offers hope that coordinated conservation efforts can actually reverse population declines.
Scientists in China discovered the oldest near-complete bony fish fossil ever found, filling a massive gap in our understanding of how life evolved from water to land. This tiny ancient fish shows traits we thought emerged millions of years later.
The legendary kraken wasn't just a myth. Scientists found evidence of bus-sized octopuses that hunted alongside dinosaurs 100 million years ago.
Scientists discovered three Red Sea fish species have special "hybrid" eye cells that let them see in the ocean's darkest depths. This breakthrough could reshape what we know about how vision evolved in all animals with backbones.
A major research campus is launching a 10-year project to understand how brains create behavior, using artificial intelligence as a full research partner. They'll watch inside the brain of a transparent fish to unlock secrets that could help treat Alzheimer's, autism, and depression.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F9e%2F1a%2F9e1a0d45-1936-4756-bdb2-3a1defa8629f%2Freconstruction_of_jiangchuan_biota_credit_xiaodong_wang_rs.webp)
Scientists in China discovered over 700 fossils showing complex animals existed 15 million years earlier than we thought. The find bridges a mysterious gap in evolution and reveals our ancient ancestors appeared much sooner than fossil records showed.
Scientists discovered wasps and frogs independently evolved the same pain-causing molecule to defend against predators, challenging what we thought we knew about evolution. The finding shows nature follows more predictable patterns than previously believed.
A hormone already used to treat osteoporosis might reverse chronic back pain by stopping nerves from growing into damaged spine areas. Johns Hopkins researchers discovered the treatment repairs deteriorating spinal tissue at its source.
Scientists in the Arctic discovered a fossil that rewrites the story of how teeth first appeared in animals with jaws. The find shows teeth grew in surprising patterns 400 million years ago, revealing a crucial step in evolution that helped our ancestors explore new foods and thrive.
Scientists discovered a football-sized creature from 307 million years ago that was one of the first land animals to munch on plants instead of meat. The finding rewrites what we thought we knew about how early animals adapted to life on land.
Scientists in China discovered 700 fossils that push back the origin of complex life by millions of years. The find suggests the famous "Cambrian Explosion" may have been more of a slow burn than a sudden boom.
Three new Cornell University Library exhibits are proving that wildlife conservation works, showcasing both heartbreaking losses and inspiring comebacks of endangered species. The displays launch April 16 with stories of hope alongside powerful reminders of what we could lose.
Scientists discovered a massive prehistoric octopus species that grew up to 62 feet long and hunted alongside dinosaurs. This "Cretaceous Kraken" is rewriting what we know about who ruled ancient seas.
Showing 20 of 91