Nature : Science World Report

Jan 14, 2014 06:05 AM EST

New Ancient Fossils Reveal Link in Hind Limb Evolution

Scientists may have just uncovered new evidence of hind limb evolution. They've found well-preserved pelves and a partial pelvic fin from a 375 million-year-old transitional species between fish and legged animals, revealing a bit more about how fish began to walk on land.

Jan 14, 2014 05:41 AM EST

Thoreau's Walden Pond Trees Leafing Out 18 Days Earlier

Scientists have found further evidence of climate change in the works of Henry David Thoreau. They've discovered that the leaf-out times of trees and shrubs at Walden Pond are an average of 18 days earlier than they were in the 1850s, a time when Thoreau first recorded his observations.

Jan 13, 2014 01:43 PM EST

Scientists Discover Method to Stimulate Plant Growth for Better Crop Yields

Scientists may have found a way to stimulate plant growth and lead to better crop yields. They've discovered a natural mechanism that could lend aid to plants even when they're under stress.

Jan 13, 2014 10:58 AM EST

Lions are Critically Endangered in West Africa: 250 Adults Face Extinction

The African lion is one of the most iconic species from the savanna. With their hunting tactics and impressive size, lions are some of the largest big cats in the world. Now, researchers have found that the African lion is facing extinction across the entire West African region.

Jan 13, 2014 09:57 AM EST

Dolphin Species Created by Natural Hybridization: New Insight into Evolution

It turns out that a small, sleek marine mammal may be the result of two closely-related dolphin species. Scientists have discovered that natural hybridization is to blame for the clymene dolphin, a species that makes its home in the Atlantic Ocean.

Jan 13, 2014 08:15 AM EST

Europe May Face Devastating Drought from Climate Change

Europe may be experiencing high precipitation and storms today, but they may be suffering from the opposite end of the spectrum by the end of this century. Scientists have discovered that droughts in Europe will be more intense and frequent due to climate change and increased water use.

Jan 13, 2014 07:28 AM EST

Scientists Shed Light on Rich World of Fish Biofluorescence

Biofluorescence can result in a dazzling display of colors. Now, scientists have identified more than 180 species of fish that glow in a wide range of colors and patterns, unveiling the widespread phenomenon in the tree of life of fishes.

Jan 11, 2014 07:20 AM EST

Island Living Makes Animals More Tame: Lizards Refuse to Flee

What makes animals "tame" and what makes them wild? You may have seen videos of the "tame" animals on the Galapagos Islands. Now, though, researchers have found evidence of this island tameness and have revealed that species that live on islands are more likely to demonstrate these attributes.

Jan 10, 2014 11:43 AM EST

Decline of Carnivores in Nature Threatens Ecosystems

What would a world without carnivores be like? It'd be pretty terrifying. Scientists have taken a closer look at the current status of large carnivores and the ecological roles they play in regulating ecosystems worldwide.

Jan 10, 2014 08:27 AM EST

'Nutcracker Man' Feasted on Tiger Nuts: What Our Ancient Human Ancestors Ate

Our ancient ancestors lived in East Africa between 2.4 million and 1.4 million years ago. Now, scientists have found out exactly what our ancestors ate at the time. Rather than meat, this species actually mainly ate tiger nuts supplemented with insects.

Jan 10, 2014 07:37 AM EST

How Long Great White Sharks Live: New Age for Conservation Efforts

How long can sharks live? Quite a while, it turns out. Scientists have discovered that great white sharks grow much slower and live significantly longer than previously thought. The findings could have implications for conserving this species in the future.

Jan 10, 2014 07:49 AM EST

Elephant Shark Genome Sheds Light on Bone Formation and Immunity

An unusual shark with an elephant-like "trunk" may have shed some light onto bone formation and immunity. Scientists have sequenced the elephant shark's genome and have found why the skeleton of sharks is cartilaginous rather than bony.