natural history

Recording the pH within decaying organs for the first time, researchers come closer to understanding why some soft tissues are more likely to be preserved as fossils than others.

Host vouchering, the practice of preserving species known to harbor infectious diseases, can be used to help determine a pathogen’s source, scientists say.

Lore has always surrounded argonauts, pelagic octopuses that build shells and travel the seas.

The unicellular species Stentor roeseli performs a form of sequential decision-making to avoid irritating stimuli.

See a world of undersea splendor through the lens of Richard Smith.

Scientists work to help relocate colleagues who lost everything.

The chelicerates’ unique anatomical features make them useful analogs to extinct arthropods.

The microscopic water bears will be featured in an exhibition at the Harvard Museum of Natural History beginning Saturday, February 17.

A German naturalist trains a keen eye and a microscope on a tiny crustacean to unlock its secrets.

Carl Linnaeus's lasting impact on biological science

The ancient Greek philosopher was the first scientist.

Zoologist John Gould undertook a financially risky expedition to document the birds of Australia—and found some unique mammals in a perilous situation.